Lakeiah Cheatham

Silver Honoree Dr. Lakeiah Cheatham was initiated into the Rho Omicron Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® in Baytown, Texas on November 10, 1996, as number six of twenty-three on the Sense of Essence line. It was decided “Harmony” was the best name assignment for her due to her ability to diffuse situations by being practical, relatable, and sisterly which are all traits that still ring true today. She is a native Texan and two-time HBCU graduate from Prairie View A&M University with a bachelor;s of Art and master’s in Education. Her doctorate in Educational Leadership was earned at Lamar University.

Dr. Cheatham was drawn to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® initially due to one of the strategic goals supporting sickle cell awareness during former International President Eva Evans’ tenure. Not only is it an illness that has directly impacted her first cousin, but Dr. Cheatham also has a sickle cell trait. She has had to be vigilant about educating herself and her offspring about the dangers of the disease. While in Baytown, service projects consisted of supporting the elderly and youth alike. Upon moving back to the Dallas area, she became active with the Alpha Xi Omega chapter and assisted with the debutante committee to revise the illustrious program. After marrying and becoming a mother of four children she continued as a general member supporting projects with various chapters. When two of her daughters became active in Omicron Mu Omega’s Cachet Youth Group program the desire shifted to become more committed with the mentoring initiative. After years of unofficially helping with the committee, she became an official member of the Omicron Mu Omega chapter and the Cachet Youth Group committee in 2018. As an educator for over 26 years, this committee has been near and dear to her heart.

Professionally, Dr. Cheatham is a professional service director for McGraw Hill Education where she supports teachers with increasing student reading comprehension and coaching principals on how to best support teachers all over the continental United States. Although she loves all facets of education, the primary focus is on teaching and learning. Dr. Cheatham has worked in many areas of education: from teacher to high school principal, helping early childhood students develop school ready skills to developing a path for high school students to earn an associate degree/high school diploma, and most recently creating a platform that offers support to retain novice teachers in the very important profession of teaching (EduD.O.T.S. Diverse Operating Training System).

Personally, her heart forever beats for Honey-Do, Victor Cheatham, Jr., and the children they have been fortunate to usher through this wonderful life together (Victor III, Karrington, Klarke, and Karson). Dr. Cheatham is eternally grateful for having nurturing parents, an amazing brother, a supportive mother-inlove, a host of extended family, and forever friends to help her navigate life’s journey.