Lakisha Adams stands out as a true leader in community-led and restorative justice. As the Director of the Mercer County Restorative and Transformative Justice Center, she fostered a community of love, where youth were met with support instead of punishment. She led her staff to create a place where youth could grow and learn just as much as they could relax and take time for themselves. A fearless leader with a deep-rooted commitment to justice, Lakisha continues to be the person I recommend to anyone eager to do the real work of transforming communities.

Working under Lakisha’s leadership was one of the most meaningful and transformative experiences of my career. From the very beginning, she saw strengths and potential in me that I didn’t even recognize in myself. She challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone, but never asked me to do it alone. Every new opportunity came with her unwavering support, encouragement, and belief that I was capable of more.

One of the things I admired most about Lakisha’s leadership was her ability to provide clear direction and structure while still allowing each person the freedom to pursue their own passions and bring their unique strengths to the team. Lakisha created an environment where people felt empowered to grow, innovate, and become the best version of themselves.

Perhaps the greatest lesson I learned working under Lakisha’s leadership was the importance of accountability. She showed me that holding ourselves and others accountable isn’t about criticism—it’s about respect, growth, and trust. Lakisha modeled how to have difficult conversations with honesty, compassion, and purpose, teaching me that strong teams aren’t built by avoiding conflict but by working through it together.

Most importantly, she created a culture where people felt safe. Lakisha pushed us to reach higher than we thought possible while always providing a safe place to land when things didn’t go as planned. That balance of high expectations and genuine care is rare, and it is what made her leadership so impactful.

The lessons I learned from her continue to shape the way I lead, collaborate, and support others. I am incredibly grateful for her mentorship, her belief in me, and the lasting impact she had on both my professional and personal growth.

A great leader leaves the community they have served better by transforming, uplifting , empowering and passing on the torch for others to achieve greatness. I have been blessed and honored to know LaKisha Adams. By sharing her extensive knowledge in her field, I have watched her through empathy, professionalism, commitment to accountability, allowing participants room to grow through mistakes, understand their power and purpose thereby evolving into better teachers, students, employers, employees, community leaders/members, reaching the ultimate goal of becoming a mechanism for posiitive change.

This 30-day journal is a heartfelt guide to healing, restoration, and rediscovery. Each page is filled with wisdom, encouragement, and the promise of God’s presence. A must-have for anyone ready to step into wholeness and freedom!