Lyda Stokes Email & Phone Number

Oxford, Ms, Us

Oxford, Ms, Us

Arlington, Virginia, United States

As the Program Manager at the Koch Associate Program (KAP), I lead a transformative 10-month leadership initiative designed to empower early to mid-career professionals to become catalysts for positive policy change. Rooted in the Principles of Human Progress derived from Classical Liberal ideals, KAP equips Associates with the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary for effective social entrepreneurship. Our program emphasizes the importance of enduring principles, empowered individuals, and comprehensive solutions to drive social change.KAP empowers the next generation of leaders by providing the principles and knowledge needed to advance individual liberty and limited government. Whether focusing on research, fundraising, program management, communications, or other areas essential for policy change, our Associates are equipped to tackle America’s biggest challenges. Together, we strive to transform key institutions—government, education, communities, and business—to create conditions that empower individuals and enable them to realize their full potential.

Washington, District Of Columbia, United States

As the inaugural Director of Alumni Engagement for Americans for Prosperity Foundation's Grassroots Leadership Academy, I identified a significant opportunity to harness the potential of over 30,000 Grassroots Leadership Academy (GLA) alumni who were previously not engaged. Recognizing the untapped value in this community, I spearheaded the creation of the alumni engagement program from the ground up. From July 2022 to January 2024, my mission was to build and implement a comprehensive engagement strategy that bridged the gap between us and our alumni, fostering a sense of belonging and active participation. I developed a premier 9-month leadership development program tailored for GLA alumni civic leaders, focusing on leadership skills and hands-on experience. By introducing engaging alumni events and enhancing our digital presence, GLA deepened the alumni's affinity to the GLA brand. My efforts in establishing collaborative partnerships and ensuring meticulous data integrity were pivotal in amplifying our fundraising capabilities and optimizing operational efficiency, marking a transformative period of engagement and growth for our alumni community.

In my role as a Grassroots Trainer & Public Speaking Coach, I led over 125 seminars across America, blending storytelling, leadership, advocacy, and public speaking into transformative experiences. From February 2021 to August 2022, these workshops, tailored for both online and in-person environments, not only equipped participants with vital communication skills but also ignited their passion for impactful leadership and community engagement.My commitment to elevating public speaking skills was recognized when I was chosen for the elite Public Speaking Team, where I offered personalized coaching to elected officials, influencers, and non-profit leaders. This unique position enabled me to directly influence change-makers, enhancing their ability to address community challenges through powerful storytelling and persuasive communication. Through a blend of data-driven evaluation and relationship building, I ensured our training programs continuously evolved, fostering a community deeply engaged in advocacy and leadership.

Williamsburg, Virginia

As the Assistant Director of Student Affairs Philanthropy at William & Mary, I nurtured the academic and emotional well-being of students through strategic philanthropic efforts. Managing a portfolio of around 200 key gift prospects, this role allowed me to marry the potential of generous donors with the impactful work of Student Affairs, creating a lasting difference in the lives of students.A critical aspect of my role involved fostering relationships within the William & Mary community, including alumni, parents, and friends of the College, to support the multifaceted needs of Student Affairs. Moreover, my involvement with the Parent & Family Council was particularly rewarding. This council plays a pivotal role in advancing educational and career opportunities, enhancing student life and well-being, and promoting William & Mary’s culture of community, tradition, and innovation. By aiding in its management and supporting its mission through leadership philanthropy, I contributed to a robust ecosystem that not only meets the university's priorities but also ensures a rich, supportive environment for our students and their families.

Lubbock, Texas

As Program Director of Student Engagement, I led transformative student engagement initiatives, enhancing the educational journey for business students. I managed a portfolio of 32 business-focused student organizations, streamlining funding, organizing guest speaker sessions, and delivering impactful leadership and professional development. My efforts to connect students with potential employers and real-world business experiences were pivotal, notably through pioneering robust employer-student organization connections.In my commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive community, I founded the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Student Council, significantly advancing inclusivity within the college. Additionally, I established 'Students Supporting Students,' the college's first student philanthropy program, advocating for a student emergency fund and leading a dynamic team of over 100 student donors. By directing the Rawls Business Learning Community and implementing tailored programming, I not only fostered strong peer relationships but also enhanced students' affinity towards the Rawls College of Business, laying a foundation for their professional and personal development.

Williamsburg, Virginia

In my role as Assistant Director of Student Philanthropy & Recent Graduate Engagement, I led a committed team to significantly enhance the culture of giving among students and recent graduates. Together, we achieved remarkable increases in student giving, with rates for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors climbing by 87.4%, 53.5%, and 51.2% respectively, from FY16 to FY18. This team effort culminated in an unprecedented milestone of 25%+ class giving in FY18, a first in the College's history.Guiding our young alumni engagement, I developed targeted fundraising strategies aimed at achieving a 40% participation rate by 2020. As the strategic leader of over 100 young alumni Class Ambassadors and the liaison to the Young Guarde Council, I played a pivotal role in deepening alumni engagement and participation. Our team's dedication to organizing regional events and fostering a vibrant alumni network significantly bolstered the connection between young alumni and William & Mary. Leading these initiatives and managing a budget of $75,000, we not only met our ambitious goals but also set new benchmarks for philanthropy and engagement, underscoring the power of collective effort under guided leadership.

The University Of Mississippi

As a Graduate Assistant for the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Success and Wellness, I helped to enhance the student experience and foster a supportive campus environment. My responsibilities included advising The Columns Society, a prestigious group of student leaders who serve as the official hosts and hostesses on behalf of the Chancellor. This position allowed me to coordinate their involvement in official university events alongside the Public Events Director, ensuring a seamless representation of the university's values and traditions.In addition to my work with The Columns Society, I helped to provide support and resources to both students and parents, acting as a vital link between them and the Division of Student Affairs. My efforts contributed to the Division's retention and student success initiatives, where I focused on understanding the unique challenges and opportunities within the student community. I also engaged in reviewing university policies, offering feedback that was crucial for the revision and implementation of policies aimed at improving student success and wellness.

During my practicum with the Ole Miss Athletics Foundation, I coordinated the seating assignments for season ticket holders in the newly inaugurated Pavilion basketball arena. This role demanded meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of both the layout of the arena and the expectations of our patrons. I served as a primary point of contact for ticket holders, answering questions and providing essential resources to ensure they were not only familiar with but also fully satisfied with their experience in the new arena. This opportunity allowed me to contribute to a seamless transition to the Pavilion, enhancing the game-day experience for fans and supporting the foundation's efforts to foster a vibrant and engaging athletic community at The University of Mississippi.

As an EDHE 105 First Year Experience Instructor, my primary mission was to support incoming freshmen in their transition from high school to college, ensuring they felt a strong connection to the university and fostering a deep sense of school affinity. Through the development and implementation of a course syllabus tailored for EDHE 105, I guided students through a curriculum designed to ease their adjustment to college life, enhance their understanding of the learning process, and equip them with essential academic and life skills.

During my internship, my role primarily focused on advising students in the Partnership for Student Success Program, a thoughtful alternative admissions program designed for out-of-state students who qualified for deferred admission to the university.

During my practicum, I embraced the mission to cultivate a campus environment that celebrates inclusiveness and fosters understanding and appreciation of diverse identities, cultures, and heritages. My primary contribution was implementing and designing the Mississippi Outreach to Scholastic Talent (MOST) Mentor Program, an initiative aimed at pairing rising junior and senior students with first-year students of color to encourage their active participation in the university community.Through the MOST Mentor Program, I facilitated the creation of meaningful relationships between mentors and mentees, enabling new students to navigate college life with the support of more experienced peers who share similar backgrounds and experiences. This program not only promoted cross-cultural interactions but also provided a nurturing and welcoming space for students with diverse backgrounds, aligning with the center's goal of enhancing broad cultural educational opportunities. My work contributed to deepening the students' connection to the university community and providing them with opportunities for success in a multicultural society, embodying the center's commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive campus environment.

During my practicum at the University of Mississippi Foundation, I had the profound opportunity to contribute significantly to the Ole Miss Family Emergency Fund, a crucial program designed to assist financially deserving students who have encountered devastating tragedies. My role involved leading a dedicated team in a vigorous campaign that successfully doubled the fund's previous endowment—a feat that had taken three years to achieve—raising a total of $30,000 in just one month.This achievement was the result of collaborative efforts with various departments, organizations, and notable individuals, including Ole Miss Athletics Director Ross Bjork, members of Greek life, student organizations, Mr. and Miss Ole Miss, and community members. Through this collaboration, we not only secured the financial resources necessary to support students in need but also fostered a sense of community and shared purpose across the university and beyond. This experience underscored the power of collective action and the impact of strategic philanthropy in addressing urgent needs within the university community, marking a significant milestone in my professional development and contribution to the University of Mississippi Foundation.

As a member of The Columns Society, I was honored to be part of an elite group of 30 student leaders dedicated to serving as the official hosts and hostesses on behalf of the Chancellor. Grounded in the principles of humble service, leadership, and integrity, Columns members are entrusted with the responsibility of welcoming and hosting high-profile guests and donors at various university functions.My role involved organizing and executing key university activities, including Commencement and Freshmen Convocation, in addition to hosting guests in the Chancellor’s and Athletic Directors’ football suites, and assisting at dinners at the Chancellor’s house. Notably, I had the privilege of hosting distinguished guests such as the Vice President of Nike, Governors Winter and Phil Bryant, the Tuohy and Manning families, along with numerous Congressmen and State Legislators. This experience not only allowed me to contribute to the university's tradition of excellence and hospitality but also honed my skills in event management and diplomacy, further enriching my university experience and preparing me for future leadership roles.

Master Of Arts - Ma, Higher Education Student Personnel

During my tenure at The University of Mississippi, I significantly contributed to the campus community through service and leadership: •.

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba, Double Major In Public Policy And Theatre Arts