Lakisha is a social work educator, licensed clinician, and community leader dedicated to advancing equity, civic engagement, and community well-being throughout Indiana. With extensive experience in higher education, mental health, public policy, and nonprofit leadership, she is recognized for building strategic partnerships, developing impactful programs, and expanding access to resources for individuals and communities.
Lakisha serves as a full-time Instructor in the Department of Social Work at Indiana State University, where she teaches undergraduate courses including social policy, macro-level social work practice, and cultural awareness. She previously served as the department’s BSW Field Coordinator, where she strengthened community partnerships, expanded student internship opportunities, and enhanced field education through innovative program development. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she provides institutional leadership through faculty governance and past service on the advisor council for the Student Government Association. Lakisha currently serves as faculty advisor for the Indiana State University NAACP chapter.
Beyond academia, Lakisha remains an active clinician as a PRN Crisis Specialist with Hamilton Center, Inc., where she provides behavioral health crisis intervention and telehealth assessments, demonstrating her continued commitment to serving individuals during times of acute need.
A passionate advocate for civic leadership and public service, Lakisha currently serves as Chair of the Terre Haute Human Relations Commission after being appointed as a commissioner by the Mayor of Terre Haute. In this role, she leads efforts to promote civil rights, foster cultural understanding, and address systemic inequities through community collaboration and policy initiatives.
Lakisha also serves on the Advisory Board for Mental Health America – The Lotus Center, where she helps shape mental health initiatives, community outreach strategies, and organizational policies. As a member of the Board of Directors for United Way of the Wabash Valley, she contributes to strategic planning and governance efforts that strengthen the region through collaborative investment and community impact.
Her commitment to civic engagement extends through her leadership on the Executive Board of the Terre Haute Wabash Valley Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she serves as First Vice President and Social Action Co-Chair. As one of the thirteen charter members who established the chapter in 2024, she has led voter education initiatives, civic engagement programming, and community advocacy efforts that empower residents and encourage informed participation in the democratic process.
Throughout her career, Lakisha has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to empowering women, strengthening underserved communities, and preparing the next generation of social work professionals. Her leadership is grounded in collaboration, service, and the belief that equitable systems and engaged communities create lasting social change.
Lakisha has a Bachelor and Master of Social Work from Indiana State University. She is currently a PhD candidate of the Educational Administration, Higher Education Leadership program at Indiana State University. She currently lives in Terre Haute, IN., with her husband and three children.