Lakeshia Highsmith

Lakeshia N. Highsmith is the Chief People Officer (CPO) of Year Up United.

As CPO, Lakeshia leads a team of professionals responsible for the talent life cycle, including talent acquisition and retention, employee relations, learning and development, total rewards, and strategic workforce planning.

Prior to joining Year Up United, Lakeshia began her career as an employment attorney. She grew her career as an HR executive in the hospitality industry and technology startups. Given her strong personal interest in mission-oriented cultures, she transitioned her corporate experience to the non-profit sector, most recently serving as CPO for a large charter school management organization.

Lakeshia is a proud Baltimorean who enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and her hyper Goldendoodle, Rocco.