Lakinsha Swinton is a proud sixth-generation native of Hilton Head Island, SC where she fully embraces her Lowcountry heritage. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration and Technical Management from DeVry University and a Master’s Degree from Capella University in Human Services Non- Profit Management. She began her college matriculation at Claflin University, where she was a member of the Alice Carson-Tisdale Honors College and numerous on-campus organizations.
Lakinsha has worked for Beaufort County School District for the past fifteen years, where she currently serves as the Director of Student Services. As a part of her duties she works closely with local community agencies and groups providing support services to students throughout the county. One of her passions, is the support of students and families experiencing homelessness through the District’s McKinney-Vento program. Recently, the District was awarded a 3-year competitive grant to support homeless education in Beaufort County, which Lakinsha is planning to use to build capacity to provide services district-wide.
She recently completed her tenure as chair of the Board of Directors for Coordinated Organization of Services for Youth (COSY), and vice-chair for the Board of Directors for Citizens Opposed to Domestic Abuse (CODA) before the agency merged with Hope Haven of the Lowcountry to become Hopeful Horizons. Lakinsha Swinton has worked diligently to spread awareness of the need for being trauma informed in our schools, our homes and our community and to provide strategies for keeping our youth safe emotionally, socially and physically. She serves as a member of the Collaborative Organization of Services for Youth Staffing Team, Hope Have Multi-disciplinary team, Reducing Adolescent Pregnancy Alliance and Eat Smart Move More Lowcountry. Her service on these committees is based on her desire to make her community a better place to live.
She is a member of New Hope Christian Church Disciples of Christ and a standing board member for the United Missionary Society Disciples Home Ministries. Most recently, she became an at-large member of the Board of Directors for the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth (NAEHCY). She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Lakinsha is married to Steven Swinton and is the proud mother of CJ and grandmother to Bryson! She is very proud to serve the community she loves!