Lakesha McDay is a deeply respected leader across the State of North Carolina with 25 years of leadership experience in equity, diversity and inclusion; strategic operations and human resource management; and leadership development. Her areas of expertise include a demonstrated ability to build trusted collaboration and partnerships with community members, government officials, education and executive leaders, and grassroots organizations.
She most recently served as the executive director for governmental and community relations at the University of North Carolina – Asheville. Ms. McDay also served significant leadership roles including equity officer at Dogwood Health Trust, a private foundation in western North Carolina. She also served the community of western North Carolina while working for Mission Health for more than 20 years. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from UNC Asheville, a post-graduate certificate in innovation management from Western Carolina University and is currently pursuing an MBA from Fayetteville State University. Ms. McDay holds a certification as a national diversity professional through the Society for Diversity and National Institute for Diversity and Health Equity. She is also a trained facilitator in leadership coaching, professional development and organizational communication.
Ms. McDay is excited to join the inaugural senior leadership team at New Hanover Community Endowment and is looking forward to being in and serving alongside the people in this community.
