Educator, innovator, and game changer, LaKeesha Walrond is one of the most sought after teachers and preachers in the nation. Her reach extends from several Christian denominations, colleges and universities, to global missions in India, South Africa, Canada and the Caribbean. Her newest endeavor is writing books to end sexual violence against children. Her first book, ‘My Body is Special,’ is set to release in November 2017. Eva, the main character in the book, helps other children understand the importance of taking good care of their bodies. She helps them develop a plan if they ever feel unsafe. Subsequent books will teach children to advocate for themselves in the midst of friends, family, and strangers.
Dr. Walrond is an educator deeply committed to child advocacy. She is a veteran of the North Carolina’s public school system, where she worked for eleven years as a teacher, a coordinator for special education programs, an assistant principal, and principal at Durham’s Lakewood Elementary School. Dr. Walrond earned her Ph.D. in Special Education and Literacy, as well as Masters degrees in both Education and School Administration from UNC Chapel Hill. Most recently, Dr. Walrond earned her Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York City.
Dr. Walrond serves on the board of trustees at her alma mater, Union Theological Seminary. She has been recognized by several organizations for her tremendous work including; the National Council of Negro Women, the NAACP, the New York Liberty WNBA Basketball Association, the National Action Network, Harlem Hospital, the McDonald’s GospelFest, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Auburn Theological Seminary, Union Theological Seminary and Spelman College.
Currently, Dr. Walrond serves as the Executive Pastor and Chief of Staff at the First Corinthian Baptist Church in Harlem, New York. As chief of staff, she uses education, corporate and private organizational strategies to maximize FCBC’s capacity and influence in the community and abroad. As Executive Pastor, she loves to integrate non-canonical texts in her teaching and preaching and advocate for the ‘healing of our broken spaces.’ In 2013, Rev. Walrond launched ‘Getting to Greatness;’ an organization that promotes women’s empowerment, leadership development, and emotional, spiritual and psychological wellness.
A native of Galveston, Texas, Dr. Walrond is happily married to Michael A. Walrond, Jr. and they are the proud parents of Michael III and Jasmyn.