Meet Lakisha, our Associate Executive Director of Center Based Programs. Whether she’s vacationing, reading, or cracking up with her husband and kids- who, according to her, bring out her most “authentic, hearty laughs”, she knows how to live in the moment.

She finds deep joy in the balance her role offers: being student-facing while also having a seat at the leadership table. It’s this duality that lets her nurture and guide others. Music is always part of the backdrop—whether it’s Gospel, R&B, or classic ‘80s and ‘90s rap.

Her dream travel destination? Ghana, Africa. Her forever meal? Anything seafood. And the advice she’d give her 13-year-old self? “Be yourself, trust yourself, and care for yourself. Others will survive without your sacrifice.”