Her Story
About Dr. Letishia
Letishia Seabrook Jones has spent nearly three decades building a career devoted to strengthening education from the classroom to the boardroom. She began as a high school social studies teacher in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she taught U.S. History, AP Government and Politics, and Debate, while championing greater access to Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate coursework for low-income students and students of color. That early commitment to equity carried her into a 13-year tenure with the College Board, where she rose through a series of leadership roles overseeing professional development, college-readiness diagnostics, and district consulting, ultimately shaping programs that reached thousands of educators and dozens of school systems nationwide. She went on to spend 13 years with GLISI in Georgia, advancing from strategic consulting into senior leadership, where she designed adult-learning experiences and coached school and district leaders on culture, change management, and organizational effectiveness. Today, as CEO and Managing Partner of Milestone Education, LLC, she continues that work as an independent consultant, building customized leadership and curriculum solutions for schools and districts across the country.
Her academic credentials reflect the same depth as her professional path. Dr. Jones holds a bachelor's degree in history from Wake Forest University, where she was selected for Dr. Maya Angelou's highly competitive leadership seminar, an experience she credits with shaping her understanding of character, service, and the weight that comes with influence. She went on to earn a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and later completed a Ph.D. in Professional Studies and Education at Capella University. Her scholarship and service have been recognized through honors such as the 1996 Crystal Apple National Teacher Award, an Excellence in Education Award from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and a place in Who's Who Among American Educators. She maintains professional ties to ASCD and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, organizations that reflect her enduring commitment to community and service.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dr. Jones is guided by a philosophy rooted in purpose, resilience, and lifting others as she rises. She traces her achievements not to individual effort alone but to the mentors, family members, and role models who invested in her along the way, paired with an internal drive for excellence that has never let up. That same spirit shows up in her community involvement: she serves on Hope Atlanta's volunteer roster, contributes to her local church, and serves as president of the board of Sugarloaf Youth Ballet. Whether coaching emerging school leaders or mentoring young women entering the field, she consistently emphasizes staying grounded in one's core values, understanding one's purpose, and recognizing that true leadership is measured not by position, but by the doors it opens for others.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Dr. Letishia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to all the people who came before me and believed in me, along with something inside myself that kept pushing me forward — an intrinsic motivation for excellence. I also recognize that no one succeeds alone. My mother, my grandmothers, and remarkable mentors throughout my life, including Dr. Maya Angelou, instilled in me the importance of excellence, resilience, and generosity. Their influence reminds me that leadership is never about standing above others; it's about lifting others as we rise.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the defining moments of my educational journey was studying under Dr. Maya Angelou at Wake Forest University. Being selected for her intimate leadership course was both an honor and a transformative experience. She challenged us to think deeply about character, service, and the responsibility that comes with influence, and those lessons continue to shape how I lead, mentor, and serve today.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I'd advise them to be clear on their why, because that clarity will guide them through whatever title or position they hold. It's imperative to understand your why, your core values, and how you build your brand to carry you through your career — staying grounded in a clear sense of purpose and strong core values.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Education is constantly under scrutiny, and teachers especially bear the brunt of it. Many people assume that because they went to school, they understand education, but the systems and fortitude required to teach children and keep districts and schools running safely take a great deal of work. I also think the physical environment of schools is an overlooked opportunity — the spaces where learning happens deserve far more attention than they typically get.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Service has always extended beyond my professional responsibilities. I remain actively involved in organizations that strengthen communities through education, mentorship, and the arts — whether volunteering with local nonprofits, serving through my church, or supporting youth as president of the board for Sugarloaf Youth Ballet. I believe leadership is most meaningful when it creates opportunities for others, and I try to lead with excellence, resilience, and generosity in everything I do.
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