For more than 25 years, Dr. LaShondra Kyle has dedicated herself to the higher education of our youth as a business law professor, university compliance officer, and college administrator among other roles. Having obtained her Bachelor’s, Master’s, JD, and PhD degrees from the University of Illinois. Dr. Kyle also holds the position of Adjunct Professor of Business Law and Dissertation Advisor to doctoral students at the University of Business Innovation and Sustainability in Switzerland.
In addition to being the first black woman appointed as a commissioner for the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, the married mother of five is also a licensed and ordained minister, as well as the founder of Faith Forward Ministries, where she helps women progress in various aspects of their lives through faith for spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental wellness.
Currently, Dr. Kyle serves as Executive Director of Eden Career Institute, a faith-based non-profit vocational education and training institute founded by Dr. Bill Winston. ECI focuses on certified apprenticeship programs in advanced manufacturing, construction, and clean energy solutions through innovative technologies, as well as professional certifications in cyber security, AI, bookkeeping, medical billing and coding, Microsoft Office, and other career advancement certifications.
“Someone recently shared with me that in the near future, 80% of new jobs won’t require a four-year college degree. In other words, many employers will focus more on skills-based or vocational hiring in the not-too-distant future,” Dr. Winston says. “When I heard this, it confirmed that the classes and training certifications offered through Eden Career Institute are needed now more than ever. Our curriculum specializes in careers that meet the needs and demands of today’s workforce.”
N’DIGO recently caught up with Dr. Kyle to learn more about her life and the community enriching work she does with the newly opened Eden Career Institute.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Dr. LaShondra Kyle?
Dr. LaShondra Kyle: I am first a Christian wife, a mother of five adult children, a daughter, a sister, and a loyal friend. I am an encourager by nature and look for opportunities to inspire others to move forward in life by faith and to stay focused on what is important to them. I live my life purposefully and with intentionality in three main areas: my faith, my family, and my wellness. I serve my community through my church home, Living Word Christian Center under Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Winston, as well as through various women’s organizations. I am driven in my career by work that is not only satisfying to me but serves to leave a legacy of leadership, courage, and commitment.
What are three words family and friends would use to describe you?
Audacious. Devoted. Resilient.
Did you always know you wanted to work in the education sector?
No. I thought I would serve people as a medical doctor, a pediatrician in fact, but instead I pursued a JD and a PhD. Service to the community was the goal, and higher education was the tool by which I was called to serve. You could say that, “education found me.” I became a business law professor right out of law school and never looked back.
Please tell us about the Eden Career Institute and the work you do there?
Eden Career Institute is a faith-based non-profit vocational education and skills-based trade school focused on providing quality opportunities, knowledge and confidence for success in today’s job market. Many tradesmen and tradeswomen are retiring and leaving a serious gap in the supply of certified workers for the growing demand of employment in certain trade fields. We hope to help fill the supply needs with our students. Students not only earn an education and skills but are also becoming self-producers that can make a difference in the trajectory of the financial future for the families, leaving them a legacy of hard work and dignity of that work. Our students represent many aspects of the community – recent high school graduates, military veterans, college graduates who now want to pursue trades, the underemployed or unemployed, persons experiencing career transition, mid-life career changer, re-entry citizens, single mothers, and more. We believe in meeting students where they are, providing wrap-around services, and exposing them to careers that can change their life for the better.
How important do you believe learning a skill or trade is in addition to education for future generations?
I believe it is not only important, but critical today as we move into trade areas like clean energy and advanced technology including electric vehicles and so much more. Theoretical education without practical skills is becoming less desirable. Research shows that more and more employers are now seeking candidates with the certified skills to do the job. At ECI, we train students to be certified in skills that will allow them to be prepared to fill the needs of these emerging careers. Not everyone needs or wants to go to a traditional college. I am not suggesting that everyone stop pursuing traditional college, but I am saying there are many options and a career in trades should be a top choice. Some trade careers have high starting salaries, and with proper training and certifications through our apprenticeship programs, our students will be well-prepared to take positions in these high-starting salary categories.
Bottom Row: with Stacy Abrams and Donna Simpson Leaks
Do you have a personal philosophy in regard to the work that you do?
My personal philosophy revolves around the core values of faith, hard work, loyalty, and respect for others. As a servant-leader, I emphasize the importance of uplifting those around me and supporting their growth. I believe that excellence is not just a goal but a continual process that leads to success, both personally and professionally. My commitment to these principles shapes my approach to leadership and my interactions with my family, colleagues, and community.
With all that you do, how do you maintain your mental health and actively participate in your own self-care and wellness?
It is interesting that you ask this because I truly live my life focused on holistic wellness which means that I purposely address my spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. I check in with myself regularly to make sure I am implementing good self-care methods. I start my day in prayer and quiet devotional to honor God before leading an online 15-minute women’s Bible study group and posting inspiration on Facebook and Instagram (spiritual). Next, I work out with strength training, running, swimming, biking, or some combination (physical) before heading to work. And, to address my emotional and mental well-being, I do various things such as listening to classical or gospel music, and on the weekends I like to take long walks with my husband; and when the weather is good, I can be found gardening.
What’s the most impactful book you’ve read that really resonated with you?
I don’t know that I have read any more impactful book than the Bible. It may sound cliché to say that as a Christian woman, but seriously the testimonies, adventure, family dynamics, inspiration, and promises have given me guidance and direction on how to live my best life on purpose. The women of the Bible held high positions at home, in the field, in government, in the church…they were “superwomen” with the favor of God in their life. I evaluate who I am as a woman, a friend, a wife, a mother, and so on, based on the character of the women in the Bible. That is why it’s called Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth…BIBLE!
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I am a former high school state track star and state beauty pageant runner-up who can jump double dutch with the best of them; and can cook and eat delicious homemade vegan meals that even meat-lovers would enjoy. I can survive should something happen with our food resources available today because my grandparents who live in Texas taught me how to fish, hunt, and garden. I might even be a great candidate on one of those survival shows because of this.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil. 4:13
What’s next for Dr. LaShondra Kyle?
I am quite content with being the Executive Director of Eden Career Institute (ECI) as I believe that all of my career experiences have led me to be able to carry the vision of Dr. Winston to launch this trade school. As such my future plan includes solidifying ECI as a well-known trade school of choice in the Chicagoland area over the next few years, and then perhaps expanding ECI to other locations down the road in the future as the Lord leads Dr. Winston to do so. Personally, I have a goal of visiting at least 80% of the countries on earth to continue to engage and experience the multi-cultural fabric of this beautiful world landscape that God has given us to live on. I love meeting different people while also enjoying the various foods, music, art, histories, and communities along the way.
For more information on the Eden Career Institute, please visit www.edencareerinstitute.com.
