Lakisha Coppedge

Lakisha Coppedge is the humble Founder & Principal of Coppedge Consulting, LLC. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services, magna cum laude, and a Master of Science degree in Human Services with a concentration in Organizational Management and Leadership from Springfield College. Lakisha has also cultivated her leadership skills, knowledge, and attitude by participating in the valley's dynamic leadership programs. She is a 2016 Leadership Pioneer Valley (LPV) and a 2018 Leadership Institute for Public and Political Impact (LIPPI) graduate of the Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts. Born and raised in Springfield, MA, Lakisha is a passionate and committed contributor to her community, early and higher education, and DEI-infused work.

Lakisha's higher education studies and training from various leadership programs have shaped her fundamental business knowledge, skills, and attitude toward decoding and minimizing the trauma informed by historical systems of oppression ingrained in policy and procedures. She is a radically inclusive visionary leader, entrepreneur, early childhood educator, and practitioner. Across the region, Lakisha has been instrumental in establishing collaborations between early and higher education institutions and the business community to address DEI challenges and enhance classroom pedagogy, student success rates, and equitable business practices.

As Founder of Coppedge Consulting, she's worked with organizations such as the YWCA of Western Mass, SEIU Education & Support Fund, and Collaborative Resolutions Group as a retained foundational trainer, Square One, CISA, and Springfield City Library. Her expertise and culturally humble approach lead organizations to examine institutional racism and oppression and evolve their structures, policies, and practices to expand community partnerships and promote organizational mission around building bridges between advocates, staff, community leaders, and educators.

Lakisha has demonstrated her commitment to education, DEI, and community engagement by intentionally serving on various community Boards of Directors and Committees, such as previously serving on The Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts, as board president at MotherWoman, Board, Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts Board and Governance Committee, and an at-large member of the Forest Park Zoo and Commerce High School Advisory Committee. She currently serves on the Reading Success by 4th Leadership Advisory Board and Building Bridges Conference Initiative Planning Committee, ROCA Managing, and Early Childhood Comprehensive Systems Committee steering committee.

In her many roles and as an adjunct professor at Worcester State University and Springfield Technical Community College, Mrs. Coppedge is committed to closing the opportunity gap and improving the quality of education, business practices, equity, access, and lives for all learners.

James Coppedge

James D. Coppedge is the co-creator of the V.O.I.C.E. workshop, mentor and youth leader.  Mr. Coppedge serves as minister and youth mentor-leader of the "Young Joshua" ministry at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Springfield, MA. 

He launched the "V.O.I.C.E of the Barbershop," which brought young men of color together, "Men of Excellence" in partnership with The Renaissance School in Springfield, MA, to share their personal and collective experiences.  James provided free haircuts, guidance, and support while encouraging the young men to be facilitators and partners in the conversation to expand their interest in equitable higher education and community engagement.

James is a passionate and committed contributor to young boys' spiritual and personal growth in his community.