As a first-generation college student, Lakeita attended the University of South Carolina where she received her bachelor's degree in Psychology. She went on to receive her master's degree in Education from Columbia College and is currently pursuing her Doctoral Degree in Education at the University of North Georgia. For the past ten years, Lakeita has had the opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of tomorrow’s leaders through Project ENGAGES, a program that introduces high school juniors and seniors from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds to research in Georgia Tech labs with the goal of helping them pursue a career in STEM. With over sixteen years of experience in working with socio-economically challenged communities, Lakeita has demonstrated her commitment to meeting the needs of students who may not otherwise receive equal access to programs or opportunities that can help them thrive and change the trajectory of their families.