Lakiya is a New York City native, who grew up in Harlem. She is a first-generation college graduate and received her bachelor’s degree from Columbia University, where she studied Psychology with a focus on child and adolescent development in urban environments.  

Lakiya is very passionate and driven. Her personal and professional experiences gave birth to her belief that all young people, if given the right resources and proper guidance, have the power to overcome societal limits and create their own destinies. She has spent the majority of her career managing youth programs that were geared towards providing young people with educational equity, career opportunities, and exposure to life enhancing experiences. As a Post-Secondary Program Coordinator at Summer Search, she hopes to continue her mission of helping young people overcome obstacles and realize their full potentials. 

Lakiya has a love for the arts, from written word, to visual, to culinary. In her free time, she enjoys visiting the many poetry clubs, art museums, and restaurants that the city has to offer. She is also an avid thrill seeker, who enjoys roller coasters, motor sports, tandem sky diving, and bungee jumping.