Executive leader with deep experience driving organizational success and fostering collaboration. Skilled in strategic planning, financial oversight, and stakeholder engagement. Known for adaptability, resilience, and delivering results in evolving environments. Strong interpersonal skills, effective communicator, and results-driven approach.
Hi, I’m
Lakesha Whitman
White Hall
Summary
Overview
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Southeast Arkansas Independent Living Services
Executive Director
10.2023 - Current
Job overview
- Leading public relations efforts and serving as the organization's spokesperson.
- Cultivating relationships with funding organizations and partner entities.
- Collaborating with management to set advocacy objectives and policies.
- Designing fundraising initiatives from both public and private sources.
- Ensuring adherence to legal requirements and funding regulations.
- Assisting with Board meetings and activities related to organizational development.
- Establishing personnel policies aimed at attracting and retaining talented staff.
- Providing the Board with accurate financial information and overseeing the budget.
- Supervising the management team and participating in resource development activities.
- Maintaining program information for grant applications and audits, ensuring timely submissions.
- Engaging in public policy advocacy efforts.
Southeast Arkansas Independent Living Services
Co-Director/IL-Advocate
01.2016 - 09.2023
Job overview
- Secure funding through grants, contracts, and fundraising.
- Manage staff and guide them in providing effective IL services.
- Write annual performance reports for funders.
- Build community relationships for funding and visibility.
- Document activities in the agency database for compliance.
- Train new employees, interns, and volunteers.
- Develop and implement programs to expand services.
- Submit billing and perform other assigned duties.
- Exhibit compassion, flexibility, and a wide-ranging skillset.
- Customize services to individual needs while advocating for clients.
- Serve as a liaison between clients and other agencies.
- Foster an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives.
The Center for Exceptional Families
Associate Director/Parent Mentor
01.2014 - 11.2020
Job overview
- Parent phone calls or visits as needed
- IEPs and 504 meetings
- Activities with Arkansas Promise grant
- Contribute to the TCFEF newsletter
- Distribute brochures and fact sheets in your Region
- Collaborate with ED for a regional conference
- Partner with Parent Mentors for county resource data development
Arkansas Disability Coalition/Family-to-Family
Advocate
01.2011 - 01.2014
Job overview
- Inform parents of their rights and recommend special education services.
- Assist families in preparing for IEP meetings, including goals and strategies.
- Review plans and accompany parents to meetings.
- Provide disability awareness training to community partners.
- Network with local service and health providers.
- Uphold ethical standards and policies.
- Seek information, reflect on relationships, build support systems, and find mental and health services.
Education
University of MonticelloMonticello, AR
Child Development Associate (CDA) Certification from Early Childhood Education
12-2003
University Overview
Southeast Arkansas CollegePine Bluff, AR
Associate of General Studies
05-2002
University Overview
Southeast Arkansas College Pine Bluff, AR
Medical Assistant from Health
05-2002
University Overview
Grady HighGrady, AR
High School Diploma
01.1995
University Overview
Skills
- Proficient Under Pressure
- Innovative Problem Solving
- Precise and Thorough Attention to Detail
- Team-Oriented Efficiency
- Effective Communication
- Experienced in Microsoft Office Suite
- Microsoft Outlook Expertise
- Skilled in Google Document Creation
- Salesforce Proficiency
- CIL Suite Management
- Community engagement
- Program management
- Strategic planning
- Project management
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Executive Director
Southeast Arkansas Independent Living Services
10.2023 - Current
Co-Director/IL-Advocate
Southeast Arkansas Independent Living Services
01.2016 - 09.2023
Associate Director/Parent Mentor
The Center for Exceptional Families
01.2014 - 11.2020
Advocate
Arkansas Disability Coalition/Family-to-Family
01.2011 - 01.2014
University of Monticello
Child Development Associate (CDA) Certification from Early Childhood Education
Southeast Arkansas College
Associate of General Studies
Southeast Arkansas College
Medical Assistant from Health
Grady High
High School Diploma
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