Lakesha Williams, MS
Lakesha Williams, MS, is a dedicated human resources professional with more than a decade of experience in talent acquisition, employee relations, and organizational support. She currently serves as a Human Resources Administrator & Recruiter for Columbus City Schools, where she plays a key role in attracting, hiring, and supporting top talent to serve the district’s mission. Recognized for her outstanding performance in recruitment, she is the proud recipient of the Top Dog Recruitment Award, underscoring her ability to connect the right talent with the right opportunities.
Her career reflects a deep commitment to both people and process, with prior roles including Student Success Coach and Regional Recruiter at Union Institute & University, Licensed Counselor Trainee at New Heights Counseling Services, and HR positions with organizations such as Staffmark, Office Team with Homecare by Blackstone, and Columbus State Community College. Lakesha’s early career as an HR Administrative Assistant/Generalist with Breakthrough Media provided a strong foundation in HR operations, compliance, and workplace engagement.
Drawing from her background in both human resources and counseling, Lakesha blends strong interpersonal skills with strategic problem-solving to create supportive environments where employees can thrive. She is passionate about fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion while ensuring that hiring practices align with organizational goals.
Lakesha holds a Master of Science degree and continues to expand her expertise in recruitment strategies, employee development, and workforce planning. Her professional journey reflects her belief in the power of people to transform organizations—and her dedication to helping individuals reach their highest potential.
Outside of work, Lakesha enjoys lyrical dancing, listening to hip hop music, and volunteering for her daughter’s softball team. She finds joy in staying active, creative, and connected to her community.
• Walden University - MS (In Progress)
• Grand Canyon University - MS
• Grand Valley State University - BBA
• American Association of Christian Counselors
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the lessons I’ve gained through my education and prior positions. There were times when I found myself in environments where I felt invisible, and those experiences shaped my commitment to ensuring that everyone feels seen and heard. I believe no one’s work is insignificant—whether someone is the custodian or serving in the cafeteria, they are of value, and their contributions are essential to the success of the organization.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to approach every candidate with empathy and understanding. You never truly know what someone is going through—some may be facing the loss of a job or other personal challenges. I make it my mission to ensure the hiring process is as seamless, respectful, and uplifting as possible, so candidates feel valued and supported every step of the way.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to never be afraid to ask questions or seek guidance when you don’t know the answer. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn, and the most successful professionals are those who stay curious, adaptable, and open to growth. Embrace every experience as a chance to expand your skills and confidence in the role.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the industry is ensuring fair and competitive pay for candidates, especially in sectors where budget constraints are common. In the nonprofit and organizational space, the loss of funding can make it difficult to attract and retain top talent, creating additional hurdles in meeting staffing needs and supporting long-term success.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
My values are rooted in faith, spirituality, integrity, and treating everyone with respect. I’m not your average HR professional—whether a candidate excels in the process or not, I strive to ensure they leave feeling empowered. I take pride in offering coaching and mentoring, helping individuals grow both personally and professionally.