Today we’d like to introduce you to Keisha Williams.
Hi Keisha, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I grew up on the West Side of Chicago, where opportunities felt limited and the odds were stacked against me. I was a high school dropout and a teenage mom, unsure of my future—but certain of one thing: I wanted a better life for my daughter. That desire for change became my driving force to go back to school.
With courage and determination, I packed up and moved to Minnesota in search of a fresh start. My first step was enrolling at the Hubb Center on University Avenue, where I earned my GED. That achievement opened the door to college, and I chose the medical field—because I wanted my work to have meaning.
I began as a nursing assistant, quickly realizing that caring for others wasn’t just a job—it was my calling. I went back to school, first earning my LPN license, then my RN degree. Each step forward was a reminder that my past didn’t define me—my choices did.
Over the years, I worked in many healthcare settings and saw firsthand the urgent need for well-trained, compassionate caregivers. That vision inspired me to create Loving Lotus, a training center dedicated to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.
What started as a dream is now a thriving reality: Loving Lotus has trained thousands of students and recently expanded to a second location in Hudson, WI. Every day, we’re not just teaching skills—we’re shaping careers, strengthening communities, and ensuring our elders receive the quality care they deserve.
My journey is proof that no matter where you start, with vision, perseverance, and heart—you can build the future you dream of.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When I first arrived, finding a stable job and a place to call home felt like an uphill battle. I was working to keep a roof over our heads while going to school to build a better future—a constant juggling act that tested my strength every day. Many of my jobs paid little, but I held tightly to my vision. Through every late night and early morning, I reminded myself that these struggles were stepping stones toward my ultimate goal: becoming a nurse and creating a better life for my family.
We’ve been impressed with Loving Lotus CNA Training Academy, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Loving Lotus was founded in 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a mission to educate and train nursing assistants for entry-level positions in nursing homes and hospitals. What truly sets us apart is the love, care, and compassion we instill in every student—a core part of our training philosophy.
Our classrooms bring together students from diverse backgrounds and ethnicities, creating a learning environment that feels more like family than school. Five years later, I’m proud that we’ve not only survived but thrived, training thousands of students who have gone on to become licensed in the state of Minnesota and find meaningful employment in healthcare.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I believe nothing worthwhile comes without taking risks. Every major step forward in my life—from moving to a new environment to building my own business—came from choosing courage over comfort. Success has required sacrifices: giving up sleep, working long hours, and pushing through challenges when quitting would have been easier. My journey is proof that when you take risks and commit fully, you can create the life you envision.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lovinglotuscna.com/
- Instagram: @lovinglotuscna
- Facebook: Loving Lotus CNA Training Academy
