Parenting Student Helps Others Thrive as Human Resources Pro
Lashawrida Fellows, ’03, understands the value of relationships. As deputy director of human resources for the City of Akron, she helps others feel heard and succeed. She enrolled at ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ as a young mother seeking a campus community that was family friendly. Unsure of her career path, she chose to major in business management with a minor in finance, gaining exposure to accounting, marketing, economics, human resources and psychology along the way - all of which would serve her later.
While at ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ, Lashawrida and her child lived in the Allerton Apartments, where other ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ students with families looked out for and supported each other. She also worked in the Upward Bound PREP Program, mentoring fellow student parents while pursuing her own degree. The experience reinforced her commitment to helping others, and the professional and personal guidance of mentor Jeannie Thompson was transformative.
After graduation, she began her career in finance before discovering a passion for human resources through nonprofit leadership roles. Today, she has built a reputation as someone with a people-centered approach who builds trust, coaches leaders and connects people with the resources and support they need to thrive. Get to know Lashawrida in her own words.
KSU: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
LF: Spending quality time with my family and friends, good health and financial stability.
KSU: What is your favorite trait in others?
LF: Kindness and consideration of others. Putting themselves in the other person's shoes and responding in a way that they would want someone to respond to them if they were in a particular situation.
KSU: What trait about yourself do you like least?
LF: Second guessing myself when it comes to personal decisions.
KSU: Who had the greatest influence on your life?
LF: My mother and grandmother have had the greatest influence on my life. Growing up, observing the way that they carried themselves, their integrity and work ethic has always stayed with me.
KSU: What is your favorite ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ memory?
LF: Attending the Renaissance Ball. It was always fun to dress up and have a good time with friends.
KSU: What is your favorite journey?
LF: My favorite journey is any trip with family or friends where we are enjoying life and making memories together. Back in 2022, when my last kid finished high school, we started traveling with our immediate family for Christmas. One year we spent a week in California, and it was the best family holiday trip to date.
KSU: What is your guilty pleasure?
LF: Handel's Caramel Cone Crunch Hurricane.
KSU: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
LF: Being a mom to two beautiful and intelligent children. May 1, 2026, my daughter graduated college, summa cum laude, debt-free and with many other accolades. I feel that her success is a direct reflection of something that I did right. So, raising responsible, successful, kind and humble children would be my greatest accomplishment to date.
KSU: If you could come back as one person, who would it be and why?
LF: Myself but with an understanding of the mindset of the Gen As and Gen Zs so that I can influence them to think and act differently in regard to their work ethics and expectations of life. LOL
KSU: What part of your college experience most formed who you are today?
LF: Attending college with a young child was an experience that came with a huge responsibility. As a college student, I not only had to be responsible for my success but also the success of my child. ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ helped to make this experience possible because not only did they offer apartments for families, but they also had a childcare facility on-site, and I was blessed to be able to utilize both. This accessibility helped to mitigate a number of barriers that single moms/parents face while trying to pursue an education. This experience taught me how to problem solve and navigate through a number of challenges that stretched me and prepared me for the future both personally and professionally.