Malika Hollins: The Heart of the Village
Malika Hollins is the Founder and CEO of It Takes a Village Community Organization (ITAVCO), a nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth, young adults, and underserved communities through mentorship, education, and essential resources. Her leadership has earned prestigious awards, including the Presidential Award for Community Works (2024) and Community Leader of the Year (2021). Through events like the Christmas Spectacular, Tre Day, and the Summer Event, Malika and her team provide hundreds of families with support, fostering personal growth and community unity.
Driven by firsthand experience, Malika’s mission is to open a safe-haven home for youth and young adults with limited options. Growing up with challenges that could have led her down a different path, she instead turned her trauma into purpose—becoming a beacon of hope for others.
Malika has worked extensively in education, nonprofit leadership, and crisis response, including 16 years with San Diego Unified School District and her current role as a Case Manager for at-risk youth (16-24 years old). She has also helped over 100 grieving families bury their loved ones through fundraising efforts and her work with The Compassion Project.
A mother, grandmother, mentor, and advocate, Malika embodies the spirit of “The Village.” Her legacy is one of resilience, service, and unwavering dedication to uplifting those in need.
About Malika Lashelle Hollins
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
We have a blended family 6 children 10 grand children, both of our mothers and fathers are in heaven loss my mom 12/25 & my mother in law 7/20.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Past & Current Employment of Malika Hollins Current Roles: • Founder & CEO, It Takes a Village Community Organization (ITAVCO) – Leading a nonprofit that provides mentorship, education, and essential resources for underserved youth, young adults, and families. • Case Manager, Serving Youth & Young Adults (16-24 years old) – Supporting individuals in overcoming barriers to success. • UPAC CVRT Team Mobile Response – Providing comfort, resources, and financial support to families affected by homicide, organizing fundraisers for funeral expenses. • Owner, Stacks Café 18 – Running a catering business that supports employment opportunities for those in need. • LIFE (Living Independently is for Everyone) – Empowering adults with disabilities to lead independent lives. • Elder Care Provider, IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services) – Assisting seniors with essential daily care. Past Roles: • San Diego Unified School District (16 years) – Started as a volunteer while raising her daughter as a single mother, later becoming an employee supporting students and families. • Volunteer, The Compassion Project – Provided love, support, and resources to families grieving the loss of a child. • Community Fundraiser – Organized efforts to help over 100 families bury loved ones. Malika’s work has always centered on breaking barriers, fostering resilience, and building a stronger, more unified community.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Stay the course, put and keep God first, sow in good ground, treat ppl how you want to be treated, NEVER QUIT
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5 to 10 years, I see myself expanding It Takes a Village Community Organization into a fully operational Safe Haven Community Drop-In Center, offering essential resources such as case management, mentorship, shower facilities, food, clothing, and career support. This center will be a hub of support for underserved individuals, youth, and families, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to build a better future. Additionally, I envision growing my catering business, Stacks Café 18, into a thriving enterprise that not only provides great food but also creates job opportunities for those facing barriers to employment. My commitment to community engagement and advocacy will remain strong, potentially leading to policy work or broader initiatives that tackle systemic challenges in housing, employment, and mental health. I also see myself continuing to support victims’ families through my work with UPAC CVRT Team Mobile Response, expanding my ability to provide comfort, resources, and financial support for families affected by trauma. On a personal level, I hope to continue growing as a mother, grandmother, and mentor, empowering the next generation and creating a lasting legacy of love, resilience, and service.
Malika Lashelle Hollins & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Louisiana Purchase. Obnoxious cuisine, imperial fish market, stacks Cafe 18
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in our communities for 50 years, and worked in our communities for 30 plus years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Mama Kathleen Harmon my idol ❤️ since a child
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
A standout memory for many is the Lincoln Park Rec Center, a place where kids and teens spent their afternoons playing basketball, taking part in summer programs, and building lifelong friendships. The basketball courts have been legendary, producing talented athletes who went on to play at the college and professional levels.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
Organizations like It Takes a Village Community Organization and other grassroots efforts continue to uplift the community, offering mentorship, resources, and opportunities for youth and families to thrive. Despite past hardships, Lincoln Park remains a symbol of perseverance, pride, and progress, where community-driven change continues to shape its future.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
Mother Kathleen Harmon & Louisiana Purchase
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Favorite movie is The Blind Side, and TV shows are All American and Sisters
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
My name means queen, I had brain surgery in 2017 doctor said it would take 2 years for full recovery to walk talk etc. In 3 months I was doing everything they said I wouldn’t YBNB
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
YBNB SERVICES AND COMMUTMENT TO HELPING OTHERS GROW AND SUCCEED
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My mom, YBNB, MY COMMUNITY, MY GRANDCHILDREN, MY AMBITION AND MY DRIVE
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
YNBN, 805 SOUTH, TSJORDANFOUNDATION, UPAC CVRT TEAM, SISTERS HELPING SISTERS WEATHER THE STORM, GIVING HANDS, PHATCAMP, PILLARS
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Keep going, Don’t think ppl will do for you what you do for them, stay real, stay focused and NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS
Q: What Neighborhood do you live in?
Lincoln park community
What I love about my Neighborhood:
We are all family with many gems and tools
Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend:
A perfect weekend in San Diego blends beaches, seafood, and city vibes! Friday Night: Kick off with dinner at Mitch’s Seafood or Point Loma Seafoods, then catch the sunset at Sunset Cliffs. Saturday: Start with brunch in North Park, explore Balboa Park & museums, then spend the afternoon at La Jolla Cove, where you can see sea lions. Wrap up with a seafood feast at The Fish Market or Oceana Coastal Kitchen. Sunday: Enjoy a morning hike at Torrey Pines, then hit Coronado Beach for sun and relaxation. End your weekend with a ferry ride and fresh oysters at The Brigantine. San Diego’s beaches, seafood, and stunning views make every weekend unforgettable!
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love, peace and community (family)
Website:https://Ittakesavillage-sdcommunity.org
