Lakeisha Wright
Center Director
MSU Extension Head Start, Harrison County
Time in Position/Service to MSU: 1 year
From the moment she stepped into an early childhood classroom as a high school junior, Lakeisha Wright knew she’d found her calling. More than a decade later, her commitment remains the same: help every child build the strongest possible foundation for learning.
“I have spent my career trying to learn everything I can to give children the best foundation for learning,” Wright said.
As the Head Start Center Director in Harrison County through Mississippi State University Extension, Wright collaborates closely with teachers, families, and community partners to create supportive, engaging classrooms where children learn through play and meaningful interaction. She provides coaching and professional development to help staff recognize developmental milestones, implement effective behavior strategies, and cultivate inclusive environments where every child feels valued.
“Hearing success stories from families whose children needed strategies and referrals makes any challenge worth overcoming,” she said.
Wright also leads efforts to identify children who may benefit from additional services, coordinating with teachers, guardians, early intervention providers, and specialists to ensure timely evaluations and comprehensive support plans.
Next month, Wright will step into a new role as Disability Coordinator for MSU Extension Head Start. In this position, she will oversee screenings, process referrals, partner with families, and support implementation of goals and strategies outlined in Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
“I am eager to advocate for children to get the necessary resources and services they need,” Wright said.
Outside of work, Wright is a proud mother of five, two sons and three daughters. She is also a very joyful “Gigi” to her granddaughter and grandson. In her free time, she channels her creativity into a craft business where she personalizes shirts, cups, doormats and more.
MSU Extension Head Start, Harrison County
Time in Position/Service to MSU: 1 year
From the moment she stepped into an early childhood classroom as a high school junior, Lakeisha Wright knew she’d found her calling. More than a decade later, her commitment remains the same: help every child build the strongest possible foundation for learning.
“I have spent my career trying to learn everything I can to give children the best foundation for learning,” Wright said.
As the Head Start Center Director in Harrison County through Mississippi State University Extension, Wright collaborates closely with teachers, families, and community partners to create supportive, engaging classrooms where children learn through play and meaningful interaction. She provides coaching and professional development to help staff recognize developmental milestones, implement effective behavior strategies, and cultivate inclusive environments where every child feels valued.
“Hearing success stories from families whose children needed strategies and referrals makes any challenge worth overcoming,” she said.
Wright also leads efforts to identify children who may benefit from additional services, coordinating with teachers, guardians, early intervention providers, and specialists to ensure timely evaluations and comprehensive support plans.
Next month, Wright will step into a new role as Disability Coordinator for MSU Extension Head Start. In this position, she will oversee screenings, process referrals, partner with families, and support implementation of goals and strategies outlined in Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
“I am eager to advocate for children to get the necessary resources and services they need,” Wright said.
Outside of work, Wright is a proud mother of five, two sons and three daughters. She is also a very joyful “Gigi” to her granddaughter and grandson. In her free time, she channels her creativity into a craft business where she personalizes shirts, cups, doormats and more.
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