Dr. Lakita Little-McKinney

Dr. Lakita Little-McKinney has extensive work experience in the field of education. Dr. Lakita is currently the Managing Director of Networks at Leading Educators, a position they started in 2022. In this role, they are responsible for overseeing the organization's networks.

Before joining Leading Educators, Dr. Little-McKinney worked as the Principal Consultant at Kuumba Educational Solutions, LLC, starting in 2021. In this role, they provided consulting services in areas such as teacher and leader development, instructional design, and strategic planning, with a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Prior to that, they were the Senior Director at Leading Elephants from 2022 to 2022. In this position, they provided executive coaching, facilitated adult learning experiences, and offered organizational consulting services while promoting anti-racism and human-centeredness.

In 2020, Dr. Little-McKinney served as the Senior Director of Leadership Development at the Tennessee Department of Education. During their tenure, they led the redesign of the state's leadership academy for new principals and assistant principals and created a content library to support the transition to remote and hybrid learning models.

From 2015 to 2019, they held various roles at New Leaders Org, including Executive Director of Program Implementation and Director of the Aspiring Principals Program. In these positions, they provided leadership development, coaching, and feedback to aspiring principals, ensuring their success in meeting leadership standards.

Before their time at New Leaders Org, Dr. Little-McKinney worked at Chicago Public Schools, starting as a Classroom Teacher in 2003 and later becoming a Resident Principal and a Parent Support Administrator. In these roles, they contributed to improving student achievement, addressing parental concerns, and promoting positive school culture.

Dr. Lakita Little-McKinney's diverse work experience showcases their expertise in leadership development, coaching, strategic planning, and supporting educational organizations to create equitable and inclusive environments.

Dr. Lakita Little-McKinney has a diverse education history. Dr. Lakita obtained their Doctor of Education (EdD) degree in Leadership and Learning in Organizations from Vanderbilt University, studying there from 2018 to 2021. Prior to that, they completed their Master of Education degree in Administration and Supervision at National Louis University, attending from 2006 to 2007. Additionally, Dr. Little-McKinney earned a Master of Arts in Education with a focus on Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix, studying from 2004 to 2005. Their undergraduate education was pursued at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, where they obtained a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Elementary Education and Teaching.

In addition to their academic degrees, Dr. Little-McKinney has also obtained various certifications. Dr. Lakita earned the RCR for Peabody College - VUGPC certificate from the CITI Program, a division of BRANY, in May 2021. Previously, in July 2003, they achieved the Illinois Professional Educator License from the Illinois State Board of Education.