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Ceykeia Lee
Director, The Learning Network of Greater Kalamazoo C
yekeia Lee is a little bit like the hub in the middle of the spokes of a bicycle wheel. In her role at The Learning Network of Greater Kalamazoo, she must bring together the many and various educators, organizations and community efforts that are all working to help the area’s most vulnerable students succeed. It’s a job that’s a bit like herding cats, but the Romulus native says she stays focused on the ultimate goal of helping students. “I was once one of those students I am trying to help,” says Lee, who is 35. “From my lived experiences of being a lowincome student and being a first-generation college student, I know the supports that got me through. That’s why it is so important for me to bring the right people to the table, so somebody else will have the opportunity I had.”
How did you get where you are today? For the last four years I worked as a consultant for the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth, working in 17 states to remove education barriers for homeless students, particularly those in college.
Brian Powers
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