Lakeisha Hitchcock

I attribute my success to having a strong faith and belief in myself, especially when I didn't have someone to look up to who had been through what I went through as someone who was adopted and in the foster care system. Journaling became essential for me - I write out all my frustrations and stresses, but I also keep a separate journal for positive affirmations that I write daily. This practice of filling my own cup and taking care of my mental state has been necessary for my growth. Staying active has been another key factor because I learned that depression can't hold you if you're moving around, whether that's working out, walking, Pilates, Zumba, dancing, or even pole fitness. My relationship with God has been central to everything - I honestly don't know how I would have made it without that faith. I also made it a point to find something I love and do it as much as possible, because what you love to do matters just as much as your responsibilities. When I was younger I worked through things by writing, and affirmations became huge for me as an adult. Focusing on gratitude and the things I appreciate, rather than getting caught up in other things, has helped me stay centered. My core values of gratitude, self-belief, and self-love have become the center of everything I do, and when your center is strong, that's how you pivot successfully through life's challenges.

My biggest advice, especially for young women who don't have someone to look up to, is that you have to decide to believe in yourself and have a strong faith. For those looking for hope and guidance, get a journal and start writing positive affirmations on a daily basis. It's so necessary to fill your own cup and take care of yourself, both your mental state and your body by working out and staying active. Don't stay stagnant and sit in your feelings - when you have depression, stay in motion because depression can't hold you if you're moving around. Get a journal and write out your stresses to stay in touch with yourself, do your affirmations, and work out to break that stagnancy. When I was younger I worked through things by writing, and affirmations became a huge part of my day as an adult. It will help a lot to focus on the things that you appreciate and have gratitude for. Find something you love, no matter what it is, find something that makes you happy and do that thing as much as you can. What you love to do matters just as much as your responsibilities, so take the time to enjoy life and focus on the things that make you happy and bring you fulfillment. Have faith and belief in yourself, and for me, that includes my relationship with God. Whether it's walking, Pilates, Zumba, dancing, or even pole fitness, just find something to get you active and moving.

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is navigating preconceived notions and biases as a Black woman in the workplace, along with periods where support may be limited. However, I see tremendous opportunity in the evolving landscape—especially with the growth of tech and remote work. My experience with companies like Intuit has opened doors to new possibilities, and I believe leveraging networks, mentorship, and continuous learning can help create long-term success and influence.

In my work, good ethics are extremely important. It's good to have integrity about yourself on the job, and especially as a woman - and for me being a Black African-American woman, it can be a little bit harder because there are preconceived notions even today. I value upholding my integrity because that's something nobody can take from me or manipulate. Instead of getting caught up in other things in life, I focus on my own value and what I'm trying to achieve, on self-development. I value being able to let loose a little bit and have fun, not being serious all the time. When you work with people with great integrity and good ethics who value their own growth, it doesn't really leave room for competition that shouldn't be there, and it helps the overall work culture. Being the life of things as Black women can be - there's a lot of power that comes with that. It's pressure, but it's pressure because of the power within you to shape the culture and keep it really strong. In my personal life, I know it sounds cliche, but I value giving what I want to receive. I value the importance of pouring into others and being there for others, but not negating yourself because self has to come first. Ensuring that your relationship with God is strong and spending quality time with the people I love is essential. I value the blessing in just having a good laugh - that is something I don't take for granted. I value certain things like gratitude, my affirmations - I have a set of affirmations of gratitude, self-belief, and self-love. I value having those affirmations because they've become my center, and your center is very important because that's how you pivot.