LaKeitha Walton

LaKeitha Walton is an assistant principal at a high school, a role she has held for her second year as of the interview. She entered the education field in December 2013 after graduating from Georgia State University, where she had initially planned to pursue law but was encouraged by a professor to consider teaching. Walton is currently enrolled at Bank Street Graduate School of Education, working toward a Master's in School Building Leadership that could lead to certification, with further plans to pursue school district leadership credentials. Her career path was influenced by positive experiences with teachers from kindergarten through college, as well as her sister's example as an educator. She volunteers her time with the Community Food Bank of New Jersey, assisting with donations and food drives, and previously supported homeless youth through Covenant House of New Jersey. Walton attributes her professional success first to God, then to the values instilled by her parents, and to the resilience of her ancestors, whom she traces back to the 1700s as descendants of enslaved people. She advises young women entering education leadership to ensure their voices are heard, own their space without unnecessary apologies, and recognize that they belong and deserve to be there.