Loretta Walker Hawkins was born in Austin, Texas. Being the niece of Cora Lee, she is the best qualified to provide testimony to her aunt's life through her own personal experiences and recollections from Miss Cora Lee.

Hawkins is also a motivational speaker, presenter, and has been writing since an early age. She is dedicated to improving her craft and sharing her own life, as well as her family's historical stories.

Hawkins has a bachelor's degree in liberal studies from St. Edwards University where she graduated cum laude in 1998 and was inducted into the Alpha Sigma Lambda-Epsilon Omega Chapter. She later earned her master's degree in human services and conflict resolution certification.