S6E2: Leaning into Community with BWL Alums

In this episode, Laura hosts an alumni panel of Black Woman Leading alums (Shaneka Stanley, Lekeshia Hicks, and Jada Hamm) to discuss the importance of community care in professional development.

They share their experiences as Black women leaders and the role of community in their journeys, the importance of “mirrors” and support systems, and the challenges and triumphs of setting and maintaining boundaries.

They emphasize the importance of showing up authentically, taking up space, and making meaningful connections. They also highlight the power of being a connector and the impact it can have on others.

Guest Bios:

::Jada Hamm

Jada Hamm is a dynamic professional with over six years of experience in consulting, employee relations, policy development, and talent management. Based in Philadelphia, she is actively involved in nonprofits, entertainment, and events industries, holding multiple roles across these sectors.

Jada holds a BBA in Human Resource Management and is currently pursuing further education in strategic management next fall. She is passionate about creating inclusive workplaces and dedicates her time to community service, volunteering with the Community Hero Action Group INC.

Connect with Jada LinkedIn.

::Lekeshia Hicks

Lekeshia Angelique Hicks is a passionate Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Strategist and the founder of Lekeshia Angelique Consulting. An Army veteran and doctoral candidate at Austin Peay State University, she brings a unique blend of academic knowledge and real-world experience to her work.

Lekeshia serves as the Education Committee Chairperson for the NAACP Clarksville-Montgomery Chapter, a Board Member of the Clarksville-Montgomery Public Library, and the Board Chair of The STEAM Institute. Her expertise spans healthcare, technology, and higher education sectors, where she develops customized DEIA solutions.

A dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother, Lekeshia’s personal experiences inform her professional mission: to foster environments where diversity is not just recognized, but celebrated. Through her consulting work, speaking engagements, and community involvement, Lekeshia is committed to transforming DEIA principles into actionable, empathetic practices.

Connect with Lekeshia on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn.

::Shaneka Stanley

Shaneka L. Stanley, MA, MS, SHRM-SCP, is a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, Christian, Proud HBCU alum (University of Arkansas Pine Bluff), active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc and soon to be a certified Life and Organizational Development Coach. She engages with leaders of nonprofit organizations across the country as a Senior Human Resource Consultant. With close to 25 years of experience, Shaneka is a dynamic leader and genuine influencer who promotes continuous improvement by employing a flexible problem-solving approach that balances business goals with employee needs. She has comprehensive experience in the full HR lifecycle with proven success in aligning business and people strategies, building dynamic teams and transforming cultures.

Shaneka earned her Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in English Education from the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, Master of Arts (MA) degree in Communications & Training from Governors State University and Master of Science (MS) degree in Human Resources Management from Roosevelt University. She has been a certified HR professional since 2006.

Public service is at the core of her being as she serves her community and advocates for positive change. Shaneka is a Founding Board Member of South Suburban Cook County HR Association, a SHRM affiliate chapter located in Chicago’s south suburbs. She serves as the Senior Chair for the PTO at her son’s school and she is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, Joliet Area/South Suburban Alumnae Chapter.

Connect with Shaneka on LinkedIN

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