Meet Lakeasha Williams | Principal & Amazon Best Selling Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lakeasha Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lakeasha, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am from Brooklyn, New York. I grew up in the inner city during the height of the crack epidemic in the 1980s. Therefore, I saw lots of examples of what not to do. My parents also instilled a can do attitude in me. They believed in me, saw great things for my future, and that gave me hope. I believe that hope gives you vision for everything that you hope to accomplish with your life.

My background is the reason that I choose to work with the inner city youth. As a current principal, I witness children still grappling with the many different social issues as I did. I want to give them hope. Most importantly, give children the resources and strategies to help them with their present living situation and also develop future change agents.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a school improvement expert. I have over twenty years of educational experience impacting the lives of children, families, and the community. I am a community leader. I can often be found participating in various community events such as food or book drives that uplift our people. I believe that stronger communities yield stronger families and subsequently stronger schools.

I am most proud of my latest accomplishment. I am the author of the recently released Shine On Brown Girl, an Amazon Best Seller. This book helps to affirm Black and Brown children as well as teach understanding, inclusion, and diversity to our children. Additional content in this book can be used as a catalyst for change through the college level.

I assumed principalship over a school that was ranked #29 out of #32 schools in a district. I saw that our children, families, and staff needed love. Therefore, I led with love, support, and an equity mindset. This work is not for the faint of heart. I work with a mentor, I have an open door policy so that I am accessible to students, staff, and families. I lead by example. My previous administrative experience ie Assistant Principal, Special Education Administrator, Principal Coach, all prepared me me for the task of leading a school that was in need of love and resources. I still face challenges yet I continue to show up for children and champion for all things good for my school community. The lessons I learned along the way is the power of partnerships, data is so much more than test scores, and our children matter.

My quest to improve schools led me to Brickhouse Unlimited. A company that was formed during the pandemic as an avenue to strengthen our communities, families, and schools. As a school improvement expert, I ensure that my school community has equitable resources and supportive services for children and families. As an Amazon best-selling author, I provide additional wellness opportunities for the community. As a real estate consultant, I’m developing the blueprint for creating generational wealth. My ultimate goal is to improve the overall quality of life for every community member. Hence, the purpose of Brickhouse Unlimited.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Visit each borough-

Brooklyn- Visit the Transit Museum; Dine at Juniors Restaurant; Volunteer at a school

Manhattan- Visit the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture; Dine at STK Steakhouse; Volunteer at a library

Queens- Visit NY Hall of Science; Dine at a local bodega; Volunteer at a food pantry

Bronx- Visit the Bronx Zoo; Dine at Zona De Cuba; Volunteer at a Women’s shelter

Staten island- Ride the Staten Island Ferry; Dine at the local pizza parlor; Volunteer at a NYCHA community center (New York City Housing Authority)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Dennis McKesey and Kel Spencer

Website: https://www.brickhouseunlimited.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principal_shineonlakeasha/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lakeasha-williams-019a7415

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LakeWill611

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Brickhouse-Unlimited-103103315526221

Image Credits
Quiton Verneuil & Karl Bigby for the book related pictures Nory N Nicholas for the head shot and similar fun photo