Family compassion inspires purpose for community work
Lesha Crocker wears many hats. As a senior learning business partner at Synovus, she’s a wife, first lady, leader, coach and volunteer.
“To say I came from humble beginnings is putting it mildly,” the 20-year learning and development professional explains. “My mother was a seamstress who made clothes for children in need, and she always ensured there was a hot meal for anyone in the neighborhood.”
Growing up with 12 siblings in the mountains of Norton, Virginia, Crocker’s upbringing influenced her daily commitment to impact the lives of others. Each role she holds is rooted in the values of generosity and service, passed down by her parents.
In her Synovus role, she facilitates training courses to help team members achieve career and life goals. Outside of the bank, Crocker builds community through the organizations she leads and volunteers for.
“There will always be a need to serve the community, though the depth and level of that service often fluctuates with economic trends,” she says. “I’m a firm believer that we make time for what we want to do and what is important to us.”
She created PEARLS (Priceless, Empowered, Affectionate, and Righteous Ladies) at her church, Metropolitan Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia, to help teenage girls recognize their strengths and build self-esteem. Mothers of the participants in PEARLS have shared with Crocker that they've seen their daughters’ increased confidence and glowing personalities.
Crocker’s influence extends beyond her family and church. She’s actively engaged as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and The Links, Incorporated, international service organizations. As president of PEARLS and a member of Mt. Calvary Association Minister’s Wives Association, she fosters connectivity and support.
“I’m blessed to walk in my purpose every day. I harness my instructional design and facilitation skills at work and within my church community to uplift others.”
At Synovus, Crocker says she works at the intersection of her professional and personal passions, collaborating with various departments to identify and implement learning solutions to cultivate leaders who can positively impact their teams. “I’m blessed to walk in my purpose every day,” she adds. “I harness my instructional design and facilitation skills at work and within my church community to uplift others.”
Zachary Beasley, director of enterprise learning and Crocker’s manager, shares how she inspires their team. “She’s consistently finding ways to impact her peers to move the team forward,” he says. “They see Lesha as an extension of leadership, and she regularly consults with them on project work and challenging situations and even provides coaching.”
Dedicated to continuous improvement, Crocker has pursued many educational opportunities, including participation in Leadership Gwinnett, where she refined her leadership abilities. She believes transformative growth stems from ongoing learning and development and shared experiences.
With aspirations to host a conference that empowers women throughout Chattahoochee Valley, Crocker envisions providing more opportunities for others to gain spiritual, personal and professional development.
Read more about how Synovus team members are enabling people to reach their full potential.
