Q: Can you tell us more about your nonprofit, AIMED Human Services?
CL: AIMED is a community-based nonprofit organization that provides a wide range of services to individuals with intellectual disabilities and mental health disorders. We are a Pennsylvania state-licensed residential provider offering home and community-based services for adults with intellectual, developmental, and co-occurring mental health disorders. Our services are integrated into various communities throughout the state.

We provide 24-hour residential support, clinical services (including behavioral and crisis intervention), nursing, community participation, and supported living services. Our goal is to ensure individuals receive comprehensive, person-centered care in environments that promote dignity, independence, and stability.

Additionally, AIMED to Independence (ATI) is a contracted residential provider for youth ages 14 to 18 through the Office of Children, Youth and Families. ATI offers a personalized therapeutic approach in a safe, caring, and home-like environment tailored to meet the unique needs of each youth we serve.

Q: Your journey into nonprofit work & leadership began during one of the most difficult chapters of your life. Can you share how you came to found AIMED Human Services?
CL: The inspiration for founding AIMED came during one of the most challenging periods my son and I faced, specifically while we were seeking ways to stabilize him during a severe depressive episode. It was actually my son who first suggested that we start an agency. He said, “Mommy, you would be really good at this.”

Driven by the desire to personally oversee his care and create stability for him, I began researching what it would take to become a licensed provider. After thoroughly understanding the requirements and securing the support of experienced professionals in the field, I completed the licensing process and obtained approval to operate in Pennsylvania. What began as a deeply personal mission has since grown into an organization that now supports many individuals and families in need.

Q: You’ve expanded beyond nonprofit leadership into coaching and faith-based leadership initiatives. What inspired that evolution?
CL: My faith-based initiatives are deeply aligned with my purpose. I am called to reach and support a community of women, helping them come into full alignment and use their influence to positively impact others and their communities. This realization was a true awakening for me — it became clear that I needed to center my faith and intentionally cultivate a safe space where women could heal, grow, and walk confidently in their purpose.

My coaching business is an extension of that calling. It allows me to give back the wisdom I’ve gained through years of ministry, entrepreneurship, and leadership. I felt led to help women achieve next-level clarity, align their personal and professional lives, and recognize when it’s time to pivot. That journey is deeply rooted in the spirituality that guides me in every area of my life.

Q: Your upcoming podcast highlights women’s stories of resilience. Why was it important for you to create that platform?
CL: The Glow Your Influence podcast was created as a dedicated, safe space for successful women to share their complete and unfiltered journeys. The inspiration for this platform came from my own experience of publicly sharing my story in my documentary, The Ascension of Corey Lakins. I firmly believe that revealing our personal stories is an essential act of liberation and empowerment, not only for ourselves but also for others seeking healing and clarity in their own life decisions.

This podcast is vital because countless women carry powerful stories, often buried beneath layers of success. These untold narratives prevent them from achieving full authenticity. Our deepest pain can often be hidden within our accomplishments, driving us through success while leaving us fundamentally out of alignment. For years, I withheld my own story due to embarrassment and shame, which ultimately blocked my ability to contribute fully to the liberation of others.

I now believe I was meant to be transparent to help other successful women engage on an intimate level, allowing them to liberate themselves and fully unlock their influence, creativity, and power. Sharing these experiences is the key to that breakthrough.

Q: At your core, you are a minister, a mother, and an entrepreneur. How do those roles intersect in the work you do daily?
CL: My faith is the foundation of everything I do. My interconnected roles as a minister, mother, and entrepreneur must harmonize with my identity as a woman of faith. This alignment is vital for me to feel both fulfilled and at peace, allowing my personal and professional life to intersect seamlessly in my daily work.

Q: What is one word of advice you can offer to young women who want to reach your level of success?
CL: Faith

Q: At the start of your career, what do you wish you had known?
CL: I wish I had fully understood how essential experience and wisdom are to long-term success. Having a mentor or coach provides invaluable insight and guidance, helping you navigate challenging environments with greater confidence and clarity.

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to pursue their dream and start a business?
CL: Before launching your business, it is essential to cultivate the right mindset for success. Approach it not as a small venture, but as the establishment of a professional enterprise that commands respect within your industry. To prepare, focus on becoming a master in your field, gaining administrative experience, and understanding organizational structure. These foundational elements position you to build something sustainable and impactful.

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to succeed in the workplace?
CL: Be an example to your colleagues. Model strong core values and position yourself as a reliable leader. Maintain professional boundaries and execute your responsibilities with a clear understanding of the impact you’re making.

Q: Can you tell us how you manage your work life balance?
CL: I make a conscious decision to switch zones between work and personal life. Creating clear boundaries is essential. I respond to emails, calls, and text messages based on my availability — not from a constant need to be accessible. Being intentional about when I am “on” and when I am present in my personal life allows me to maintain balance and protect my peace.

Five Things About Corey Lakins

1. What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time? 
Retail therapy

2. What TV shows did you watch when you were a kid? 
A Different World, Martin, In Living Color, The Jeffersons, Samsons and Gilligan’s Island.

3. What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve done? 
Planned a solo vacation focused entirely on self-care.

4. What’s your favorite quote or saying? 
“What is happening!”

5. If you could go back in time to change one thing, what would it be? 
I would have gone to college out of state to experience more of life and broaden my perspective.