LaKesha Wyse Expands Access to Ice Hockey for Girls and Minorities
LaKesha Wyse, a member of the 2026 class of Inspiring Women, welcomes all kids to the Columbus Ice Hockey Club and nurtures growth outside the rink.
As the volunteer president of the nonprofit Columbus Ice Hockey Club , LaKesha Wyse is dedicated to expanding access to the sport. The club serves over 3,000 area youth per year, from ages 3 through high school. The impact goes beyond the ice: Participants receive support in academics, leadership development and violence prevention as well as community service opportunities.
Connect with the Columbus you don't know. Subscribe to Columbus Monthly's weekly Top Reads newsletter . Wyse’s Inspiring Women nominator notes that the organization has been “especially intentional about breaking down barriers in a sport where diversity has historically been limited.
More than 65 percent of CIHC participants are minorities, and 30 percent are female, reflecting a strong commitment to expanding access for underserved communities. ” Under her leadership, CIHC received a $50,000 U. S.
Empowerment Grant for Girls Hockey from the NHL Foundation in 2025 to continue building opportunities for girls in the sport. Off the ice, Wyse works full time as a dean at Chamberlain University Who or what have been career or personal influences? Those who have influenced me most are people who lead by serving others.