Black Business Spotlight: Momentum Networks with Lisa Armstead
Black Business Showcase: Momentum Networks with Lisa Armstead
In this edition of the Black Business Showcase, Katrice Johnson sits down with Lisa Armstead to discuss her organization, Momentum Networks, and its impact on the community.
A Conversation with Lisa Armstead
Katrice Johnson: Welcome, Tribe! This is Katrice with Bantu Cola, bringing you another inspiring Black business showcase. Today, we’re talking with Lisa Armstead, the founder of Momentum Networks. Lisa, tell us about your business and how you’re helping the community grow.
Lisa Armstead: Momentum Networks provides employment services, workforce development, and life skills training. We serve youth, adults, and vulnerable populations, including those with disabilities.
Katrice Johnson: That’s incredible. Let’s dive right into this because workforce development is critical in our community. Can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you got started in this field?
Lisa Armstead: Of course! Currently, I’m an instructor with Project Search at Industry Hotels, where I work with young adults with disabilities to help them secure competitive employment. My interns complete three internships over the course of a year, gaining both hard and soft skills while exploring different career paths. Before that, I worked in the Escambia County School District as a career and technical education instructor. I’ve always been passionate about helping people prepare for their careers and discover their purpose. I firmly believe that our purpose is often tied to our work, and I love guiding young people toward jobs they enjoy.
Katrice Johnson: That’s powerful. How did you transition into this work?
Lisa Armstead: My journey began in education. I started working with young women in the juvenile justice system as an English teacher and later became an academic manager. I’ve always believed in the human spirit and that everyone has a purpose. Sometimes, people just need encouragement to realize their potential. Later, while working in career and technical education, I saw that many students came from homes where their parents or older siblings also needed job support. That realization led me to expand my work to include adults.
Katrice Johnson: Tell us more about Momentum Networks and what services you provide.
Lisa Armstead: Momentum Networks is an implementation partner with Florida Ready to Work, a state-endorsed program that certifies individuals in soft skills, communication, and academic employability skills. We are also a vendor with the Florida Department of Education’s Vocational Rehabilitation program, providing employment services, on-the-job training, workforce readiness training, and work-based learning opportunities. Additionally, we offer life skills training, both one-on-one and in group settings, to help individuals develop the soft skills employers are looking for—things like time management, financial literacy, and communication. Employers often say they receive candidates with the necessary technical skills but lacking soft skills, so we focus on bridging that gap.
Katrice Johnson: How long has your business been operating?
Lisa Armstead: Officially, we’ve been in business for a little over a year with the state of Florida. However, before becoming an official entity, we were already active in the community, hosting workshops, sharing information, and helping people wherever we could.
Katrice Johnson: That’s amazing work, Lisa. Thank you for sharing your journey with us! If people want to learn more about Momentum Networks, where can they find you?
Lisa Armstead: They can visit our website, email us, or reach out on social media. We’re here to help and look forward to supporting more individuals on their career journeys.
Katrice Johnson: Thank you for your time, Lisa.
