LaKisha Holmes was born on May 16, 1978, in the heart of rural Mississippi, the youngest of five siblings. Her life began amid the deep bonds of family, faith, and tradition, where summer days were spent on her grandparents’ farms and Sunday mornings were dedicated to the melodies of church hymns. From an early age, she displayed an insatiable curiosity and love for learning, immersing herself in school clubs, the honor society, and music programs. Yet, her story would soon be marked by profound loss and extraordinary resilience.

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At just 14, LaKisha faced a heartbreaking turning point—the death of her father, a gentle giant who had been her guiding star. The grief was overwhelming, yet she found solace in journaling and her steadfast involvement in school and church activities. These formative experiences, though painful, laid the foundation for her unshakable faith and tenacity. When life dealt her another blow at 16, with a debilitating autoimmune disease, LaKisha leaned even further into her mantra of "Grace, Gratitude, and Grit." Refusing to succumb to despair, she faced surgery with courage, holding tightly to her mother’s prayers and hope for a better future.

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Education became her sanctuary. LaKisha graduated from Spelman College with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, proving that a small-town girl could shine in the world’s brightest circles. She continued her academic journey with a master’s degree from the University of Central Florida and a doctorate from Northcentral University. Her relentless pursuit of excellence wasn’t just for personal gain—it was to uplift others, particularly in STEM fields, where she became a beacon for underrepresented communities.

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Now an Associate Vice President at Daytona State College, LaKisha leads with wisdom and compassion. Overseeing numerous academic schools, she combines her analytical mind with her passion for empowering students. She has spearheaded grants, presented at national symposia, and earned accolades such as the Presidential Teaching Excellence Medallion. But her proudest achievements are the countless lives she has touched through mentorship and community engagement.

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Faith remains her compass. As an Associate Minister at New Hope Church in Deltona, Florida, LaKisha preaches the transformative power of grace. Her personal trials have deepened her empathy and resolve, driving her to make a difference in every space she occupies. Whether speaking at STEM expos, mentoring young women, or leading worship, she carries the same message: resilience is born from belief in oneself and something greater.