Her Story
About LaKetta
LaKetta Caldwell serves as the director of the Opportunity Academy for Lumen Schools, a K-8 Lutheran school in Milwaukee, WI, where she exposes young people to different career paths and their God-given purpose. With over 20 years in youth development, she draws inspiration from her family background of service and has built a career using the arts as a platform to inspire and empower. After earning an undergraduate degree in performance studies from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, she pursued drama therapy studies at NYU before completing a degree in education in theater. Caldwell is the co-founder of a nonprofit that supports families and youth through events such as Books, Bikes, and Barbers, and she conducts workshops for women while volunteering extensively in the community. Her notable achievements include creating the Can You Hear Us Now? program at the Boys and Girls Club, delivering a TED Talk on mental health awareness, and receiving the 40 under 40 award from the Business Journal along with honors from the national Boys and Girls Club. She is a member of Tempo, a women's group in Milwaukee, and has served on the board of the Wisconsin Arts Board. Caldwell attributes her success to God, her family, friends, and mentorship, and she emphasizes the importance of authenticity and bringing youth voices to decision-making tables.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with LaKetta
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to God, my family, and friends. I couldn't do the work without the people who've supported me. Mentorship has been instrumental, with mentors who look like me and allies who bring me to tables.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Be you, because there's already them. When I first started, I knew I was a leader but didn't look like traditional leaders. You always should be who you are and show up how you are, because at the table where decisions are being made, you don't want everyone to be the same.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be you. Confidence is important. Trust the process. I started making twenty thousand dollars a year after NYU, then twenty five at a theater company, then thirty, and learned to supplement income with contracts and speaking to do meaningful work without going corporate.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In youth development, the biggest challenge is adultism. Youth are smart with great ideas, but adults think they know everything. We need to get out of the way, give youth a space at the table and have their voices heard so they can make greater impact.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
God and my faith, because I'm a visionary and give credit to God. I value relationships and my village or board of trustees around me. It takes a village to do purpose work. I also value personal time to reset.
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