For Alonda, adult education is more than a job. "It is the place that gave me my second chance, and I am grateful to now be in a position to help create those opportunities for others."

Ms. Lakisha Carter of Los Angeles Technology Center exemplifies outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to student success both inside and outside the classroom. Through her dedication to students, colleagues, and the broader school community, she consistently goes above and beyond to create meaningful opportunities that foster growth, leadership, and achievement.

As a SkillsUSA advisor, Ms. Carter empowers students to develop the confidence and skills needed to become future leaders. Through her guidance, students actively participate in school events, community service projects, and leadership activities that promote teamwork, civic responsibility, and effective decision-making. Her mentorship inspires students to take pride in their accomplishments while making positive contributions to their school and community.

In addition to her work with students, Ms. Carter is a valued contributor to her school's Professional Learning Community (PLC). She collaborates closely with colleagues to analyze student data, share best practices, and identify instructional strategies that improve teaching and learning outcomes. Her willingness to support fellow educators reflects her commitment to continuous improvement and academic excellence.

Ms. Carter's dedication to service, leadership, and collaboration has made a lasting impact on the school community. Through her tireless efforts, she strengthens student leadership opportunities, supports professional growth among staff, and helps create a positive and inclusive learning environment. Her contributions embody the mission and values of adult education, making her a deserving LA Metro Success Story honoree.

Throughout her tenure, she has strengthened office systems and supported administrative and HR-related processes in alignment with district expectations and Federal Program Monitoring (FPM) requirements. Her attention to detail, consistency, and willingness to learn have contributed to efficient workflows that support both instructional and operational needs.

She has also been an active member of the California Council for Adult Education (CCAE), embracing its mission to advance adult education through advocacy, professional development, and leadership while promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all adult learners. Her involvement reflects her commitment to continuous growth and to strengthening educational opportunities for the communities we serve.

Equally important is her commitment to fostering a culture of equity, inclusion, and respect. She believes every student and staff member deserves to be treated with dignity and fairness and strives to create a welcoming environment where individuals feel valued, supported, and heard.
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One of her greatest strengths is the way she builds relationships with students and staff. She is widely recognized for her patience, empathy, and professionalism, creating a supportive and respectful environment for everyone she serves. She reflects on her journey with gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside dedicated colleagues and remains committed to being a trusted source of support and guidance for students and staff alike.

DeeDee Ade is a highly skilled teacher specializing in U.S. Citizenship and English as a Second Language. Over the past 23 years, she has assisted hundreds of Poway Adult School students in achieving naturalization as U.S. citizens. She tailors her instruction to meet individual student needs, working both one-on-one and in small groups to prepare them for the challenging USCIS naturalization interview. As a long-standing member of CCAE, DeeDee actively contributes to professional development by attending conferences and sharing her expertise. For example, last year she collaborated with three ESL colleagues to present a workshop at the CCAE Southern Section Conference in Palm Springs. Titled "Nurturing Student Engagement and Retention," the workshop emphasized understanding students' needs, fostering creativity and self-efficacy, and encouraging motivation. This initiative helped educators and administrators address learning barriers and implement improved practices to create a supportive environment for student success.