We turn real needs into digital tools that are tested with people and built to work in the real world.
Walk Through Our Process→We help teams stay focused on people’s needs while meeting the mission.
We shape the words people see so services feel clear, human, and easy to use.
We listen, observe, and bring people’s lived experiences into the design process.
We design with users, test early, and build together.
We build fast, accessible interfaces that work everywhere.
We build reliable systems that scale without breaking.
– The Friends' Philosophy
We start with trust, by listening, including, and delivering as a team.
We don’t just deliver reports. We bring research into the room. Our team works across disciplines to turn real people’s needs into focused, testable solutions that align with agency goals. By designing early and checking in often, we stay grounded, reduce rework, and deliver better results, faster.
And we always share what we know. Our goal is to build capacity, not dependency, so government teams feel confident growing, adapting, and leading. We’re here to support lasting change that government teams can build on long after our work ends.
At Friends, we hire with intention. Our team reflects the communities we serve. Diverse perspectives help us design services that are inclusive, and grounded in real needs. When everyone is represented, services work for everyone.
We’re a certified 8(a), Woman-Owned, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business. Our certifications reflect both our readiness and our commitment to balanced representation in the work we do.
Lauryn Hill
We are creating a culture that amplifies everyone's ideas and voices. We admire people who value the unique differences in others and are motivated to make a positive impact in the world.
At Friends, we know perspective influences design, sparks inspiration, and challenges norms. Diverse perspectives strengthen our work, and we build teams and partnerships that reflect that truth.
We believe good manners are developed in-house. At Friends, we maintain an internal culture of consideration and mutual respect. We bring kindness to every client interaction.
We encourage people to share what they know and then be a light to others.
We have a learning culture at Friends. We prioritize professional growth, which increases confidence and provides added value for our clients.
The word “no” means closed doors and missed opportunities. At Friends, we seek the potential in every situation. We lead with “yes” as often as we can.
We gain new insights when we approach every interaction with an open mind. Being open to other points of view creates empathy and helps us see the world with fresh eyes.
We operate in the open. Being transparent eliminates confusion and ambiguity, saves time, and strengthens trust.
We welcome everyone at Friends From The City. We’ve cultivated an environment where everyone is encouraged to show up as their authentic selves.
Lapedra Tolson is the Founder and CEO of Friends From The City. Her career began as a base and combat photographer in the Air Force, where she served for five years, capturing powerful stories through her lens. After her service, she transitioned to a role as a Visual Information Specialist, contributing her expertise to several federal agencies in Washington, DC. Lapedra holds a B.A. in Broadcast Productions from NC A&T State University, an M.A. in Publications Design from the University of Baltimore, and an M.A. in Filmmaking from Kingston University in London, England. With a vision to create a company that blends human-centered design with accessible and inclusive technology, Lapedra leveraged her diverse educational background and professional expertise to launch Friends From The City. Outside of work, she’s an avid music lover and self-proclaimed foodie who enjoys exploring the world and experiencing new cultures through their cuisine.
Tamara Boyd Tolson, Co-Founder of Friends From The City, is a Denver, CO native and graduate of Oglethorpe University (Atlanta, GA) and Kingston University (London, England). Her experience in Corporate Communications, and Creative Project Management in the federal government, led her to reimagine how customer-focused technology could improve the public sector. Off the clock, Tamara enjoys hiking, building miniature replicas, and exploring new cuisines.
