LaNysha Adams, Ph.D.
Student Wellness Center Director at Santa Fe Community College
Education Management
Education: BA, Cal State San Marcos - MA, Teachers College, Columbia University; PhD, University of New Mexico
Santa Fe, NM, USA
Biography
LaNysha Tufuga Adams, Ph.D. is a Thriving Culture Expert, 10x Award-Winning Author of ME POWER, and Student Wellness Center Director at Santa Fe Community College. With 20 years of experience in education at school, district, and state levels, Dr. Adams brings dynamic energy to her speaking engagements. Her impact extends beyond academia; she's a certified coach passionately committed to reshaping professional development as a continual cycle of unlearning, learning, and relearning. Featured on prestigious platforms like The Roland Martin Show and major networks such as ABC, CBS, and NBC, Dr. Adams brings credibility and authenticity to every presentation.
Her captivating story of surviving a sudden cardiac arrest resonates deeply with audiences, instilling in them a wellspring of resilience, courage, and an unwavering determination to confront challenges head-on, even against overwhelming odds. Audiences leave inspired, with a clarified understanding of the frequently misunderstood term "empower," fostering a strong belief in their ability to surmount obstacles through individual and collective empowerment.
She's the wife of a Pharmacy Officer in the Commissioned Corps for the U.S. Public Health Service and the mother of two sons, ages 3 and 5.
Passion
Inspiring talks built on 20 years of expertise in education, fostering resilience, growth, and collective empowerment, led by a Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivor and 10x Award-Winning Author of ME POWER.
Best Story
There’s no such thing as a "family vacation."
It’s a logistical marathon disguised as leisure.
This summer, I drove 850+ miles from New Mexico to California—Tucson ➡️ San Diego ➡️ LA ➡️ Vegas—just to spend 90 minutes at the one party we planned the entire trip around… where the host was way too lit to even notice we were there.
Add to that:
• 2 urgent care visits
• 1 ear infection
• 2 kid colds (mine included)
• And the long drive back home
Was it a break? Sure—just not the kind with rest in it.
But here’s the thing: That trip taught me 3 quick lessons about leadership:
1) Plans will crumble. Leadership is about adapting when your “perfect itinerary” falls apart.
2) You’ll get tired. But rest isn’t always about stopping. It’s often about resetting on the move.
3) It’s still worth showing up. The memories, the effort, the messy joy, that’s what matters.
Whew. What an adventure.
And isn’t leadership the same? A little chaotic, rarely restful, but absolutely worth it
Origin Story
I merge my background as a first-generation scholar with my expertise in accessibility services, counseling, and student support.
My journey began in Southern California, where my love for languages and cultures flourished. Growing up immersed in Samoan, Spanish, Farsi, and Armenian environments, I cultivated a profound appreciation for diverse perspectives. However, at 13, my architectural aspirations shifted when I discovered my calling lay elsewhere - in the boundless world of linguistics, sparked by Noam Chomsky's exploration of language's blueprint.
Now, I stand at the helm of a Wellness Center, steering the convergence of accessibility services, mental health counseling, and comprehensive student support. Drawing from my first-generation experiences and deep cultural immersion, I bring a unique perspective to the table. My personal journey navigating the educational landscape inspires me to champion inclusivity and support systems that empower every student, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.
In my multifaceted role, I'm dedicated to reshaping the narrative around accessibility, counseling, and student support. I aim to foster an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their fullest potential, regardless of their background or the challenges they face.
Speaking Engagements
Creativity Conference 2023
Featured Video
I am willing to travel
More than 100 miles
When it comes to payments
Everything is negotiable
Topics
Best Story
There’s no such thing as a "family vacation."
It’s a logistical marathon disguised as leisure.
This summer, I drove 850+ miles from New Mexico to California—Tucson ➡️ San Diego ➡️ LA ➡️ Vegas—just to spend 90 minutes at the one party we planned the entire trip around… where the host was way too lit to even notice we were there.
Add to that:
• 2 urgent care visits
• 1 ear infection
• 2 kid colds (mine included)
• And the long drive back home
Was it a break? Sure—just not the kind with rest in it.
But here’s the thing: That trip taught me 3 quick lessons about leadership:
1) Plans will crumble. Leadership is about adapting when your “perfect itinerary” falls apart.
2) You’ll get tired. But rest isn’t always about stopping. It’s often about resetting on the move.
3) It’s still worth showing up. The memories, the effort, the messy joy, that’s what matters.
Whew. What an adventure.
And isn’t leadership the same? A little chaotic, rarely restful, but absolutely worth it
Origin Story
I merge my background as a first-generation scholar with my expertise in accessibility services, counseling, and student support.
My journey began in Southern California, where my love for languages and cultures flourished. Growing up immersed in Samoan, Spanish, Farsi, and Armenian environments, I cultivated a profound appreciation for diverse perspectives. However, at 13, my architectural aspirations shifted when I discovered my calling lay elsewhere - in the boundless world of linguistics, sparked by Noam Chomsky's exploration of language's blueprint.
Now, I stand at the helm of a Wellness Center, steering the convergence of accessibility services, mental health counseling, and comprehensive student support. Drawing from my first-generation experiences and deep cultural immersion, I bring a unique perspective to the table. My personal journey navigating the educational landscape inspires me to champion inclusivity and support systems that empower every student, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.
In my multifaceted role, I'm dedicated to reshaping the narrative around accessibility, counseling, and student support. I aim to foster an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their fullest potential, regardless of their background or the challenges they face.