More than two decades ago, Lakisha first came to Goodwill Southeast Georgia through a workforce development program designed to help single parents find employment. Today, she serves as Assistant Program Manager for Goodwill’s AbilityOne Program, helping create opportunities for others just as Goodwill once did for her.
During National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Lakisha’s story serves as a powerful reminder of how opportunity, mentorship, and belief in others can create lasting impact.
Lakisha’s journey began through a grant-funded program which partnered with community agencies to help women with children enter the workforce. She started in production before moving into a transportation dispatcher role, but she soon discovered a passion that would shape the rest of her career.
After returning to Savannah State University to earn her bachelor’s degree, Lakisha joined Goodwill’s mission services team and later became a Job Coach, where she was introduced to supporting individuals with disabilities.
“As a Job Coach, it was my first opportunity to work with individuals with disabilities. In that role, I found that I had a passion for serving others.”
That passion never left.
After spending several years away from the organization, Lakisha returned to Goodwill Southeast Georgia in 2025 through the AbilityOne Program. She began as a Quality Control Specialist, advanced to Career Development Specialist, and most recently earned a promotion to Assistant Program Manager.
For Lakisha, the promotion was confirmation that the skills she had spent years building could now be used to help others grow.
“It allowed me to gain confidence in the skill set that I have, not only for myself, but a skill set that I can teach and train others to have.”
Today, Lakisha leads AbilityOne Associates at Fort Stewart in Hinesville and is focused on creating an environment where Associates feel recognized, valued, and empowered.
One of her first priorities in the role was revitalizing associate recognition and increasing opportunities for employee feedback. She is reintroducing regular recognition efforts while creating more opportunities for associates to share their ideas and concerns.
Goodwill in the Community
City of Hinesville recognizes AbilityOne Team, NDEAM
In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the City of Hinesville recently proclaimed October 2026 as National Disability Employment Awareness Month and recognized Goodwill Southeast Georgia’s AbilityOne Program for creating employment opportunities and celebrating the value, talent, and contributions of individuals with disabilities in the workplace.
“Basically just inspiring them to use their voice to create a better workspace for them.”
She believes that confidence grows when people know their contributions matter.
“If you believe you can, you’re halfway there.”
Lakisha has already witnessed the impact employment can have on someone’s life. She recalls helping Associates facing homelessness connect with housing resources through community partnerships, ensuring they had the support needed to succeed both on and off the job.
“They show up for work every day. I wanted to ensure they were able to go home and be able to rest and have a place to call home.”
She has also helped Associates pursue career opportunities beyond their current roles. One recent AbilityOne Associate relocated to Florida and, with Lakisha’s support, successfully advanced from a custodial role into a leadership position with another Goodwill organization.
Stories like these reinforce her belief that talent should never be overlooked.
In fact, one of Lakisha’s strongest impressions since becoming Assistant Program Manager came from the very Associates she now leads. While learning the operations at Fort Stewart, several longtime team members helped teach her the ins and outs of the facilities, procedures, and daily responsibilities.
“They were able to train their new Assistant Program Manager on how to navigate Fort Stewart and how the cleaning processes worked.”
For Lakisha, that experience highlighted something she sees every day.
“A lot of them have leadership capabilities that go unaddressed and unnoticed by the general public.”
Goodwill in the Community
Goodwill Southeast Georgia was proud to join the 2026 LDSS Buddy Walk as part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). Together, we celebrated the power of work, community connections, and opportunities that help individuals reach their highest potential.
As National Disability Employment Awareness Month shines a spotlight on workplace inclusion, Lakisha hopes employers look beyond assumptions and recognize the skills, work ethic, and potential individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce.
“The AbilityOne Program has a lot of great frontline Associates who should not be underestimated or looked over.”
She believes many associates are fully capable of advancing into competitive employment when given the chance.
“They are capable of competitive employment. They just need the opportunity.”
Lakisha’s own journey reflects that same truth. From workforce program participant to Assistant Program Manager, she represents the power of opportunity and the impact of investing in people.
This National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Goodwill Southeast Georgia celebrates Lakisha Parker and the many AbilityOne associates whose talent, leadership, and dedication strengthen our workplaces, our communities, and the mission we share every day.