Lakeisha Hood Moïse

Lakeisha works with the MDC team to set vision and strategy, guide the organization’s programmatic and policy efforts, and collaborate with partners to advance equity and opportunity for communities across the South. With more than 15 years of experience driving impact at the intersection of government, public policy, education, and organizational development, she is known for translating policy into practice, optimizing large-scale operations, and leading cross-sector partnerships.

Before joining MDC, Inc., Lakeisha served as the State Director for Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, a presidential appointment where she championed inclusive economic growth, infrastructure investment, and community development. In her concurrent role as State Director in Residence at USDA National Headquarters, she led strategic initiatives, provided state-level policy insights, and helped shape national rural development priorities.

Previously, she held senior roles at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, where she led the Division of Food, Nutrition and Wellness. There, she managed over $1 billion in federal program funding and spearheaded statewide initiatives to improve child nutrition and food access. Earlier in her career, Lakeisha served as Chief Legislative Assistant in the Florida Senate, bringing deep experience in legislative processes, stakeholder alignment, and public communication.

In addition to her extensive government service, Lakeisha is the Chief Strategist and Principal Consultant at Viktwa Strategists, where she empowers clients across sectors through high-impact policy consulting, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and organizational development.

“The South has always been a place of deep promise and potential. Through MDC’s work alongside communities, I believe we can reimagine what’s possible and create a future where everyone can thrive.”

A trained educator and advocate for equity in education, Lakeisha began her career as a secondary English teacher in Alabama before transitioning into law and public policy. She holds a Master of Laws in Government Law & Policy from the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law, a Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law, a Master of Education in Secondary Language Arts from Auburn University Montgomery, and a Bachelor of Science in English Education and Communications from Alabama State University. A native of Albany, Georgia, Lakeisha is a member of the State Bar of Georgia and active in several professional and civic organizations.