CONNECT . MOTIVATE . INSPIRE .
POWER ALUMNI FEATURE
and management training to mayors and their executive leadership team to inspire and strengthen city leaders, as well as, equip them with tools to build and lead high-performing, innovative cities. Judson also received an Authentic Leadership Executive Education Certification through the Harvard Kennedy School of Government: Center for Public Leadership. The program is designed to develop leaders who exhibit high standards of integrity, take responsibility for their actions, and make decisions based on enduring principles rather than short-term gains. Authentic Leaders create exceptional value for their company and lead with greater passion, confidence, and inspire others to do their best work. Makesha Judson is a proud alumna of Southern University and A&M College— the nation’s only HBCU, Historically Black College and University, System. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a master’s degree in public administration, specializing in nonprofit management and public policy. Makesha believes that servant leadership, advocacy, and volunteerism are some of the most impactful means to effect change. For Makesha, advocating for increased opportunities for individuals and young people in underserved communities and advancing their quality of life is not only her job, it has become her life’s work.
competitive, and more profitable than others who ignore it. Leveraging her knowledge and experience in the DEI space, Judson often speaks on ways in which organizations and higher education institutions can incorporate DEI in the workplace; not only for the employees, but for the customers they serve and the students they represent. Judson considers herself to be a life- long learner. She is a 2015 graduate of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s Leadership Program and a 2016 graduate of the Council for a Better Louisiana (CABL) Leadership Louisiana Program. Recently, Judson was selected to join the Future Leaders Council for the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana—a nonpartisan non-profit research organization offering solutions to critical public issues in Louisiana through accurate, objective research and focusing public attention on those solutions. During her time in local government, she participated in the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative—a collaboration between the Harvard Business School, and Michael Bloomberg & Bloomberg Philanthropies that provides leadership
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Makesha remains actively engaged in the community. She regularly volunteers with City Year Baton Rouge, the Junior League of Baton Rouge, and was previously recognized as a Great Futures Honoree for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Baton Rouge. She also volunteers with the Southern University’s Alumni Chapter, in which she is a member. For her contributions to the city and professionalism, Judson was named one of Baton Rouge’s Top Forty Under 40 Young Professionals by the Baton Rouge Business Report. In addition to her regular work duties and volunteerism, Makesha believes it is imperative to leverage her influence to ensure diversity, equity and cultural inclusion is being addressed in every space she steps foot in. Having received her certification in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) from Cornell University and a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certification from the University of South Florida, Makesha firmly believes that institutions that fully embrace diversity, equity and cultural inclusion are more advanced, more
5 1 | HBCU TIMES SUMMER ISSUE 2023
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online