Lakisha Thigpen

I would attribute my success to breaking generational curses. I am the youngest of 10 children, and my parents did not graduate from high school, and my siblings, older than me, there were only 3 of us that graduated from high school traditionally. I was the first person to go to college in my family.

I have been incredibly fortunate to learn from three exceptional leaders who have each shaped my leadership journey in meaningful ways.

Millicent Clyburn instilled in me the importance of educational law and compliance. She taught me that excellence in leadership begins with integrity, accountability, and ensuring that every decision is grounded in what is legally and ethically right for scholars.

Dr. Lynda Williams impressed upon me the importance of preparation. Her advice has remained with me throughout my career: Always be prepared for every opportunity that presents itself. Show up professionally and stay ready. That mindset has taught me that preparation and professionalism often create opportunities long before titles do.

Dr. Evisha Ford, my current Executive Director, has modeled what it means to lead with compassion. She has taught me to lead with love and grace, seek genuine connections with people, and remain unwaveringly mission-focused. Through her example, I have learned that the most impactful leaders never lose sight of the people they serve or the purpose that drives their work.

Each of these remarkable women has influenced not only how I lead, but also who I strive to become. Their wisdom has reinforced my belief that the strongest leaders combine competence with compassion, preparation with purpose, and accountability with heart.

My advice to young women entering the field of education is to commit to being both knowledgeable and compassionate. Develop a deep understanding of educational law, policy, and best practices, because effective advocacy begins with expertise. Never stop learning, growing, or refining your craft.

Equally important, remember that education is fundamentally about people. Build authentic relationships with scholars, families, and colleagues. Take the time to know the whole child, not just their academic performance. Teach the scholar before you teach the curriculum, because meaningful learning is built on trust, connection, and belonging.

Finally, lead with integrity, serve with purpose, and never underestimate the impact you can have on a child's future. The knowledge you share may shape a lesson, but the relationships you build can transform a life.

Artificial intelligence is both one of the greatest challenges and one of the greatest opportunities facing education today. The challenge is helping educators adapt to a rapidly evolving landscape while thoughtfully integrating new technologies into teaching and learning. Change can feel overwhelming, especially as schools work to balance innovation with the very real need to support educator well-being and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

At the same time, AI presents an extraordinary opportunity. When used responsibly, it can reduce administrative burdens, personalize learning, strengthen communication, and give educators more time to focus on what matters most: building relationships with scholars, inspiring curiosity, and creating meaningful learning experiences. The future of education is not about replacing educators with technology, it is about empowering exceptional educators with innovative tools that amplify their impact.

In my work, the values that guide me are purpose, integrity, compassion, and service. I believe leadership is about creating systems that help people succeed while never losing sight of the individual. Every decision I make begins with one question: How does this improve outcomes for scholars and families? I strive to lead with love and grace, build meaningful relationships, remain accountable, and never stop learning so I can better serve others.

In my personal life, everything comes back to my family, especially my granddaughter. She has taught me resilience, gratitude, and the importance of celebrating every milestone, no matter how small. She reminds me daily that life's greatest achievements aren't measured by titles or accolades, but by the love we give, the hope we inspire, and the time we invest in the people who matter most. She is my greatest motivation and my greatest joy.