Founder & Chief Inspiration Officer at Leading with LaKesha - Transformative Speaker specializing in Leadership Excellence, Lifelong Learning, and Living Your Faith. With 28 years of experience, I'm passionate about inspiring positive change through engaging narratives, football analogies, and dynamic presentations. Join me on a journey of growth and success!Led transformative leadership sessions that inspired measurable growth in professional development across diverse audiences, with a focus on fostering leadership excellence and personal growth.Delivered dynamic presentations that consistently drove high engagement and resulted in positive organizational change, with feedback showing a 95% satisfaction rate among participants.Simplified complex leadership concepts using football analogies, resulting in a 20% increase in participant comprehension and practical application of leadership principles.

As a Host Committee Member for YTexas, I play a pivotal role in enhancing Texas’s business environment by: - Facilitating connections and collaborations among businesses, government entities, and educational institutions to promote economic growth and innovation in Texas. - Organizing and participating in events, forums, and conferences to showcase Texas as a prime location for business and talent. - Engaging with corporate leaders and stakeholders to identify opportunities for investment, expansion, and development within the state. - Advocating for policies and initiatives that support the business community and foster a favorable economic climate. - Promoting YTexas’s mission and vision through strategic outreach and communication efforts. - Contributing to the planning and execution of YTexas events, ensuring they provide value and foster meaningful connections among participants. My role on the YTexas Host Committee helps drive economic development and positions Texas as a leader in business innovation and growth.

As a Co-Principal Investigator for the Texoma Logistics Innovation Engine, I lead initiatives to foster innovation and development in logistics within the North Texas region. My responsibilities include: - Spearheading projects focused on automation, electrification, digital logistics, and workforce development. - Engaging with key stakeholders including entrepreneurs, universities, corporate entities, risk capital, government, and nonprofits to drive collaborative efforts. - Organizing and leading workshops, site visits, and conferences to facilitate knowledge exchange and innovation. - Overseeing marketing and outreach efforts to promote the Texoma Logistics Innovation Engine. - Managing and evaluating the project’s progress to ensure alignment with grant objectives and timelines. - Coordinating with University of North Texas, University of Texas at Arlington, Southern Methodist University, and Southeastern Oklahoma State University and other key personnel to integrate educational and practical training programs within the logistics sector at Dallas College. My role contributes to transforming the logistics landscape in North Texas by fostering partnerships and implementing cutting-edge innovations in the industry.

As the North Region Representative for the Texas Administrators of Continuing Education (TACE), my role includes: - Representing the interests and needs of continuing education administrators in the North Texas region. - Facilitating communication and collaboration among continuing education professionals to share best practices and innovative strategies. - Organizing and leading regional meetings, workshops, and conferences to provide professional development and networking opportunities. - Advocating for policies and initiatives that support and advance continuing education programs within the region. - Engaging with local educational institutions, businesses, and community organizations to foster partnerships and enhance continuing education offerings. - Contributing to the strategic planning and development of statewide TACE initiatives to ensure they align with the needs of the North Texas region. - Participating in the planning and execution of the annual TACE conference, ensuring it addresses current trends, challenges, and opportunities in continuing education. My role as the North Region Representative for TACE allows me to drive growth and innovation in continuing education, ensuring that programs meet the evolving needs of students and the workforce.

Spearheaded the creation and execution of strategic workforce development programs, impacting over 10,000 participants and managing $26 million in funding across DOL You're Hired and Innovative Strategies One Workforce (ISOW).Forged and maintained relationships with 200+ logistics sector partners for the NSF Texoma Logistics Innovation Engine, driving sector-wide collaboration and innovation.Directed labor market analysis initiatives on projects including the NSF Texoma Logistics Innovation Engine ($125,000) and TXDOT Autonomous Vehicle Project ($4.55M), providing actionable insights that informed strategic planning and execution.Collaborated with internal and external stakeholders on significant grant proposals, including the NSF Texoma Logistics Innovation Engine Type-2 ($160M potential funding) and the transition of the DOL You're Hired grant to the EDA Biotech grant.Managed high-value partnerships as the Texas Administrators of Continuing Education (TACE) North Region Representative, engaging 11 hospital partners in the DOL You're Hired grant ($16.2M) and 20 employer partners in the ISOW grant ($10M).Led and presented in Logistics and Supply Chain Industry Verticals Sessions, communicating strategic plans and economic concepts to diverse audiences, enhancing understanding and stakeholder engagement.Orchestrated the Community College and Government Convenings for 12 counties, engaging 221 cities, city officials, and 10 community colleges, resulting in expanded reach and influence for Dallas College.

Managed workforce development initiatives during the height of the pandemic, overseeing 25 apprentices weekly for 4 large companies, ensuring timely collection of paperwork, and maintaining program continuity under challenging conditions.Enhanced team collaboration by 30% by facilitating 10 micro-learning sessions, strengthening internal relationships.Negotiated critical resolutions in high-stakes situations, applying change management expertise to maintain project momentum and ensure stakeholder satisfaction.

Streamlined project management processes using RAPIDS, Colleague, Appian, Salesforce, and Jaggaer for 5 years, resulting in a 25% improvement in project efficiency and timely delivery of key initiatives.Played a pivotal role in expanding apprenticeships and workforce development initiatives, increasing apprenticeship placements by 90% and establishing sustainable pathways for workforce development.

Enhanced economic mobility and supported 3 local businesses by leading workforce development projects aligned with strategic goals.Utilized tools like Colleague to streamline processes, manage data, and improve project efficiency.Conducted in-depth data analysis using advanced Excel skills, providing actionable insights that informed strategic decision-making.Collaborated with cross-functional teams, fostering partnerships with industry leaders and community stakeholders to support workforce initiatives and economic growth.Monitored project performance and outcomes, delivering regular updates to senior leadership and making data-driven adjustments to ensure project success.

Provided high-level administrative support to the Associate Vice President (AVP), including preparing presentations, managing calendars, and arranging and coordinating meetings to ensure seamless office operations.Coordinated and executed strategic events, supporting workforce development initiatives and community engagement activities aligned with the AVP's objectives.Prepared and maintained reports and documentation, utilizing Dallas College resources to manage data, ensuring accuracy and supporting informed decision-making processes.

Provided administrative support to the Workforce Development and Continuing Education department, including preparing reports, registering students, building classes, and administering tests in Colleague, while managing schedules for confidential projects.Streamlined departmental processes, improving room reservations, internal communications, and multitasking efficiency in a fast-paced environment, supporting smooth workforce development operations.

Strategically managed business operations for 4 years, resulting in a 30% increase in operational efficiency and enhancing the productivity of a 2-member team.Orchestrated B2B and B2C communications, leading to successful collaborations that improved client satisfaction by 20%, fostering long-term business relationships.Implemented innovative strategies that aligned service offerings with client requirements, resulting in tailored client experiences and a 15% increase in client retention.

Developed and maintained websites and designed graphics for clients, enhancing their online presence and marketing efforts.Provided comprehensive administrative support, streamlining operations and improving efficiency across various business functions.

Supported the Dean of Education and education department at The Potter's House by conducting research, preparing sermons and teaching materials, and coordinating travel and schedules.Managed teacher coordination and transcriptions, ensuring smooth communication and preparation for educational programs and events.

Personal Assistant to CEO

Domestic and international relocation and compensation

International relocation and compensation

Host gaming tournaments on PlayStation and Xbox

Worked for various clients as executive assistant to C-Level executives

Supervised two Leasing agents while being responsible for leasing apartments, posting rents, collection of delinquent rents, processing applications and helping with reports as well as processing invoices for payment for a 208 unit property

Assisted the Senior Pastor/CEO and COO with research, sermon and teaching preparation, travel scheduling, event planning, and other administrative support

Commercial property management