Lakeisha Florence, MSNPA, a devoted advocate for social change, was born in Saginaw, Michigan, and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana. Since graduating from Huntington High School in 2006, she has committed her career to the nonprofit sector, where she has made a substantial impact over the past nine years at Providence House—an organization dedicated to serving homeless men and women with children.

Beginning her journey as a Family Advocate in 2016, Lakeisha’s unwavering passion for serving vulnerable populations propelled her through a series of progressive roles, including Intake Specialist, Housing Specialist, Workforce Development Specialist, and Director of Programs. Currently, she serves as the Interim Executive Director, continuing to lead with purpose, compassion, and excellence!

Lakeisha’s academic pursuits reflect her dedication to her field; she holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Human Services with a concentration in Addiction Counseling, as well as a Master of Science Degree in Nonprofit Administration and Research from Louisiana State University at Shreveport. In 2019, she established the Workforce Development Program at Providence House, cultivating dynamic partnerships that have significantly enhanced the Louisiana workforce, particularly through collaboration with Bossier Parish Community College.

Recognized for her contributions to the nonprofit arena, Lakeisha is a proud member of the Nu Lambda Mu Honor Society and the Tri-Alpha First Generation Honor Society. In 2023, she was distinguished as a recipient of the esteemed 40 Under Forty award, honoring her as one of the top 40 professionals under the age of 40 in her field. Additionally, Lakeisha was selected for the 2023 Shreveport Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class, an initiative aimed at developing future business and civic leaders in the community.

As a statewide Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) advocate, Lakeisha exemplifies the core doctrines of nonprofit leadership as a calling, driven by her ardor for uplifting the most vulnerable members of society. Her educational background has equipped her with a solid understanding of the challenges faced by those she serves, while her real-life experiences have profoundly influenced her perspective. Lakeisha is skilled in listening, empathy, and collaboration, allowing her to forge meaningful connections with individuals and communities.

She believes that by synthesizing our knowledge, skills, and experiences, we can create a transformative impact that empowers individuals and uplifts entire communities.
Beyond her professional achievements, Lakeisha is an accomplished author who finds joy in writing during her spare moments. She is also the founder of L.I.F.E. (Loving Intensely and Fervently Evolving), a transformative initiative aimed at reshaping mindsets and adopting transformative thinking to help individuals realize their fullest potential in life.

In her personal life, Lakeisha is a loving mother to four wonderful children—Amari, Josiah, Gabriel, and Amir. She cherishes the time spent with them, delighting in the joys and laughter that parenting brings. Committed to cultivating a nurturing and balanced home, Lakeisha teaches her children the values of connection, resilience, and compassion. Her family serves as her greatest inspiration, motivating her to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and illustrating the profound impact love and support can have on the future.