Zhakaysha was born and raised in the Puget Sound region of Washington. She graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with a Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management and Master’s in Business Administration. Zhakaysha connected with Communities in Schools of Renton early on when they provided mentorship to her at Talbot Hill Elementary. Her mentor encouraged and inspired her to become active in her community, which lead to many years of involvement with non-profit volunteering and leadership. As a Recruiter at Puget Sound Energy, Zhakaysha has had the opportunity to be a Grant Selection Circle participant from 2020-2021, where she reconnected with Communities in Schools. Her hope is to be a catalyst for the vision and mission of CISR.
In her spare time, Zhakaysha dines in local restaurants, creates handmade earrings, and stays connected with her family and friends.