Today we’d like to introduce you to Keysha Lee.
Keysha, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Growing up in Old Fourth Ward, I often watched the news with my mother. And that’s when I started dreaming of becoming a TV personality like Monica Kaufman and Steen Miles. Seeing black women on my TV screen every night had an immeasurable impact on my life and what I believed was possible for my future. Faith and fate collided when I attended North Atlanta, a performing arts high school, and landed an internship at CNN. That experience set the stage for my love of broadcast journalism and my decision to attend the University of Georgia.
After graduating from UGA’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, I earned a position as a general assignment news reporter in Augusta, Georgia. Seven years and three markets later, I was ready to take on the lofty task of teaching. This pivot into education was the best of both worlds…teaching tomorrow’s future broadcast journalists while staying connected to an industry I loved. But then it was time to pivot again. Pouring into students gave me a great sense of joy but I wasn’t feeding my passion. So, I created my self-titled TV show Lessons with Mrs. Lee. From on-air to educator and now entrepreneur…I created my own career path…
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Langston Hughes poem, Mother to Son, sums it up best when it comes to overcoming obstacles, challenges, and struggles: I’ll tell you: Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair. It’s had tacks in it, And splinters, And boards torn up, But all the time I’ve been a-climbin’ on, And reachin’ landin’s, And turnin’ corners, And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.
My mother recently passed. This is by far, the worst thing that’s ever happened to me. She was my biggest cheerleader and support. I wanted to give up and stop pursuing my passion. But she loved this poem and every time I feel discouraged or defeated, I think of these lines and my amazing mommy. This gives me the strength and resolves to keep going to honor her memory and many sacrifices.
Leeway Productions – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My business is a multi-media education and training company. Lessons with Mrs. Lee, my TV show, was born out of two desires: one desire was to give students more exposure and hands-on experience in the broadcast field. The second was to feed my own passion for storytelling. The show’s format is interviews with exceptional people who share the life lessons and their personal formula for success. With assistance from an all-student production crew, I have secured several notable guests. My very first show guest was Connie Seacrest, mother of media mogul and American Idol host Ryan Seacrest. Other guests have included:
— Judge Glenda Hatchett of the Emmy-nominated show Judge Hatchett
— IronE Singleton as T-Dog from AMC’s hit show The Walking Dead
— Mary Frances Early UGA’s first African-American graduate
— Olympic Gold Medalist Angel McCoughtry of the WNBA Atlanta Dream
The latest venture was the creation of a Filmmaking 101 workshop series. I present this workshop to ages tweens, teens, and adults. I’m most proud of giving young people an opportunity to get real-world experience in a booming industry and hopefully set them up for success like my high school internship with CNN did for me.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
The proudest moment of my career so far is seeing young people I’ve trained and coached…go out into the world and make an impact. Early exposure to a career path can really make all the difference in attaining future goals.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keyshaleetv/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keysha.perry
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/KeyshaLeeTV
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/user/Kshantrellworks
Image Credit:
Alexis Johnson, Ali Brathwaite, Geneva Pemberton, Sade Porter, Carla Reese
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
Marilyn Pugh
January 30, 2019 at 3:15 pm
Yes Mrs.Keyshia Lee is a pillar in her community and her field. Her work with the youth is inspiring and definitely making a difference in their lives.
Amadou
January 30, 2019 at 5:35 pm
WOW!!!! She is so inspiring…Im so glad she’s my teacher
Geneva Pemberton
January 30, 2019 at 6:19 pm
Mrs. Lee is a talented and innovative instructor. She teaches students and adults to make an impact.
Ny'Asia Manson
January 30, 2019 at 6:46 pm
MS.Lee is a good teacher ,I think what she doing is good she’s also a trust worthy person I will miss Ms Lee when I leave .
Jaelon Vincent
January 30, 2019 at 6:47 pm
This article is very interesting. Your background story is very inspirational.
Tamia
January 30, 2019 at 6:52 pm
She is a great, encouraging, strong, independent, and hardworking person.Also a great teacher.
Ali Brathwaite
January 31, 2019 at 8:15 am
It’s always nice to see pillars of the community getting recognized for their hard work and selflessness. You rock Keysha Lee
Rodney E Mallory
January 31, 2019 at 11:53 am
What a great article! Congratulations Mrs. Lee!
Stephanie
January 31, 2019 at 1:25 pm
Mrs. Lee is always forward thinking and keeps everyone on their toes. She is full of class and strength. Mrs. Lee sets a standard of excellence for everyone she is involved with.
Dr. Quinton J. Morris
January 31, 2019 at 1:37 pm
I am by no means surprised of this Super Stars’s biography/journey. She is the epitome of a strong African American icon with strong will and pazazz. Moreover, she is adventurous and courageous. I’m proud to have an opportunity to speak about such an extraordinary woman. Congratulations Mrs. Lee (aka: Mrs. Georgia) on your most recent accomplishment – LWML. I’m sure you’ll continue to set the stage of the future with many bright highlights!
Olabisi Thomas
January 31, 2019 at 1:38 pm
Mrs. Lee is an example of what we need in our society today. She has drive and the passion to help our children succeed and she has indeed made an in=mpact on all those she has touched. A higher power must have put her on this earth to do great things. Brave Keysha Lee.
Nate pau;
January 31, 2019 at 6:49 pm
Ms.lee is great teacher and inspiring and very inspirational
CollieNicole
February 6, 2019 at 3:50 am
Great read! Its obvious you have a great love and passion for what you do. I’m looking forward to seeing what the future holds for you. Keep inspiring others. I love that one of your desires for Lessons With Mrs. Lee was so that students could gain more exposure and hands on experience in the broadcast field. Keep doing what you are doing and keep feeding your passion!
TAKILA BOOKER
February 14, 2019 at 5:52 pm
Bravo! Bravo! It’s amazing to see someone walking in their gift. Mrs. Lee, it’s evident you have a passion for broadcasting and inspiring others to utilize their talents. Excellent article and congratulations on your many accomplishments!
Raegan Tuff
March 22, 2019 at 2:35 am
Congratulations! Happy to know that you are sharing your talents and gifts with the world. Continue to inspire others to pursue amazing careers and follow their dreams!