Her Story
About Lakisha
Lakisha Baxter serves as an Education Sales Consultant at Curriculum Associates, an education technology company. She has held this role for over five years after joining the company seven years ago. Baxter began her career in the classroom as an elementary school teacher, advanced to professional learning specialist supporting an entire school district from the central office, and then served as an assistant principal before transitioning to ed tech. She obtained her principal certification early in her career following advice from a mentor, which enabled her to pursue administrative positions. In her current role, she supports existing partners using the company's products and programs while bringing on new partners in her territory of the five counties surrounding Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Baxter attributes her success to her intrinsic work ethic, noting that she works the hardest, conducts thorough research, and prioritizes high-quality work product. She values integrity above all, along with quality in educational programs and ensuring decisions prioritize what is best for children. She advises aspiring professionals, especially young women, to obtain credentials early, stay open to opportunities, and persist with hard work.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lakisha
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my intrinsic work ethic. I feel like I may not always be the smartest person in the room or the most well-read, but I will work the hardest. I will do the research. I will try my best. I will put in the long hours. My work ethic is what will out deliver anybody who's competing against me because my work product is really important to me.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received is to get your credentials and stay open to possibilities. I had a mentor who was one of my middle school teachers who told me don't wait this long to do something else. Get your credentials early whether you choose to use them or not. Having those credentials on your transcript and resume really opens doors for you that you don't know exist.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something. You can do anything you set your mind to. Hard work truly does pay off. And get your credentials. Go to school. Get the degree, get the certification, read the book, take the class, do whatever you have to do, and just keep learning.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Some of the biggest challenges are the world we're currently living in politically, the nature of the state of education, the different pendulum swings with what's important. We need to keep what's best for children at the heart of everything. Rely on the research and evidence that supports what's best for how children learn. Listen more to the experiences of the people we're trying to affect.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity is first for me always. I love when people tell the truth and can be trusted. I also really value quality in products and programs, making sure we put the future of children at the forefront. And I value that the people I work with truly care about me as a person, that they see me as a person and I feel valued, appreciated, honored, and respected.
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