TASHA LESTER, Ed.S, M.A. HRD

If you want to see who a leader is and what she’s really capable of, give her a crisis.

Some leaders see crisis as a challenge to overcome, while others view it as a transformative force for growth. 

Tasha Lester, a Chicago native, is a catalyst for sustainable change, guiding senior leaders across industries through collaborative strategies and expert coaching. Known for her creativity, sharp intelligence, and decisive action, she stands among the most sought-after independent consultants. 

Lester earned an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership, a Master of Arts in Human Resource Development, and a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Behavioral Social Sciences with a minor in Psychology.

Lester taught two graduate-level courses—Strategic Management and Compensation—at the University of Miami as part of the Human Resources Management certification program within the Division of Continuing and International Education. She is highly regarded by the university and its graduates for her unwavering dedication to their ongoing growth and learning. 

Lester spent two years on the Planning & Zoning Board for the City of West Palm Beach, FL, and was actively engaged with the Chicago City Council. Committed to economic development and community advancement, she worked to drive positive change in her former South Loop neighborhood. In collaboration with former Alderman Bob Fioretti, she volunteered with initiatives focused on fostering community revitalization and shaping civic and public policy.

Lester served as a Community Development Board Member for the Greater Region YMCA in St. Louis, Missouri, from 2019 to 2023. From 2016 to 2019, she volunteered with the YRead program, helping children improve their reading comprehension skills and foster a love for reading. 

In 2008, Lester took on the role of Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) with the National CASA Association, fiercely advocating for abused and neglected children within the Department of Children and Family Services. She remains a dedicated mandated reporter, steadfast in her commitment to making a meaningful impact. 

Lester takes great pride in transforming moments of crisis into opportunities for growth, and even more so in the support of those who have stood by her side. Together, they've harnessed a unique blend of discipline, empathy, resilience, and stamina to persevere and propel forward.