Alumni Spotlight: Lasha Boyden
November 2, 2023 - Megan Borders
Lasha Boyden, a 2015 Executive MBA graduate, exemplifies the definition of hard work, perseverance and leadership each day.
After graduating, Boyden received her first of many promotions that would lead her to relocate her family to California. She was sworn into her current position of U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of California in 2020. Unbeknownst to her, she would lead three offices and 34 counties through the worst pandemic in modern history and social unrest in the aftermath of George Floyd.
Boyden characterizes her leadership style as adaptable, which has allowed her to move through each work challenge head on. She leads by example and commits 110% of her energy to every task. By setting a powerful example, she fosters a work culture of empowerment and confidence that allows her leadership team to make impactful decisions independently of her.
Boyden's path into justice work was cemented at an early age. Raised in Georgia, she experienced and witnessed many instances of injustice and racism. The lasting impact came when she was able to hold an adult woman accountable for her bullying actions, leaving her with a profound sense of pride and fulfillment. Since then, she has dedicated her life to justice and has worked with the U.S. Marshals Service for over 20 years, dedicating her time to helping others.
She encourages current students, "Never give up when faced with challenges in your studies or work. Persist until you accomplish the task, and believe me, you will overcome it."
Boyden has lived this advice many times, between being pregnant during her graduate studies while working full-time, supervising a team of 20 men, and guiding and leading during the pandemic. Boyden has persisted, persevered and accomplished what she set out to do.
She reconnected with Anderson since graduating by speaking at our Executive Speaker Series today, Nov. 9, to current students and community members. She shared valuable insights from her career journey, the lessons she learned, and the helpful advice she received along the way.