Daisha Holmes

Daisha HolmesDaisha Holmes
Specialized Grant Programs Manager
Johnson County Community College
RMASFAA

Meet Daisha Holmes, 2024-25 Diversity Leadership Program Class.

Daisha’s identity is a vibrant blend of cultures influenced by her mother’s Guyanese heritage. She has cultivated a unique perspective on identity, skillfully navigating the interplay between her Caribbean and Black American cultures. Fluent in French, which she mastered during her early education, Daisha embraces diverse experiences that enrich her professional and personal interactions. 

For Daisha, identity deeply informs the lens through which she views and engages with the world. “I’ve had to learn what it means to be both Caribbean and a Black American and understand how I can merge both identities without diminishing either,” Daisha said. 

Her journey in higher education was profoundly shaped by a life-changing financial aid experience during her undergraduate years. Facing a several thousand dollar shortfall, Daisha felt that pursuing higher education might be out of her reach. She found support through an admissions counselor who helped her secure the scholarships she needed to attend school. This pivotal moment inspired her commitment to pay it forward by empowering other students to achieve their educational dreams.

“Education is elevation,” Daisha said. “I feel like the most important part of my work is allowing students to feel like they can succeed through belonging.”

Learn more about Daisha in the brief Q&A below.

1. How did you get your start in financial aid? 

I worked as a college advisor at the high school level, helping seniors transition to postsecondary education, whatever that meant for them. It was a tough job during COVID. I was placed at a school where about 30% of students were homeless, and fewer than 50% were logging in because they didn’t have access to the necessary resources. Meeting grant-funded metrics during that time felt like too much. I believed more significant issues at the school needed to be addressed to help students holistically, but the program couldn’t cover those needs. 

I realized I liked advising, but not in that context. I went on LinkedIn, typed in 'advising,' and found a job as a financial aid advisor at Johnson County Community College. I decided to give it a shot, got the job, and here I am! I’ve been moving up at JCCC ever since.

2. What have been some of the most significant milestones in your financial aid career, and how have they shaped your perspective on the profession?

I just wanted to get involved. I told my supervisor I was interested in professional development, and she pushed me to take every opportunity. One of the first things I did was attend the Summer Institute with RMASFAA, and that experience solidified my love for financial aid.

After that, I became the treasurer and was pulled into this whirlwind – learning what it takes to be on a board, understanding its connection to financial aid, and seeing why our associations are so important. It shaped how I connect the students up to the Hill.

3. How have you seen diversity in higher education change since you began your career?

I’m seeing more people from my generation — Gen Z — entering the workforce, and it’s refreshing. We need more of us to understand and connect with Gen Z students. If we’re trying to build stronger connections with them, why not have Gen Z staff?

It’s encouraging to think about bridging the gaps between Gen Z, Millennials, and Gen X. There’s so much we can learn from each other, from the bottom to the top of organizations.

4. What’s a challenge within financial aid that you personally have overcome that you're proud of?

Understanding my place in this profession has been a journey. In many of our associations, I’m often the only one in several categories — whether it’s being the only Black woman, the only Gen Z person, or the only one in some other way. But I’ve realized that just because I’m the only one in this setting doesn’t mean I’m the only one ever. I strongly believe that 'if you can see her, you can be her' or 'if you can see him, you can be him.' Finding my space in this profession can help others find theirs, too.

5. How does your perspective impact how you do your job and approach financial aid?

Everyone says financial aid changes lives, but it truly changed mine. When I was planning to attend college for my undergraduate degree, my family could not afford it, and I thought it wouldn’t happen.

But then I connected with my admissions counselor, Mr. Aaron, who was also from Kansas City, even though the school was in St. Louis. We connected, and he advocated for me, helping me secure what I needed in scholarships. Not only did that cover the gap, but I even received a refund—something I never expected. 

I tell Mr. Aaron every chance I get that he changed my life. He opened a door for me that I thought was closed, and because of that, I vowed to continue to do the same for other students.

6. Any hidden talents or hobbies?

I used to be a makeup artist, which was always fun. Beyond that, I’m also a Yelp Elite. If you’re unfamiliar, Yelp Elite is a program for top reviewers on Yelp. I’m part of Kansas City’s Yelp Elite squad, so I get invited to exclusive Yelp events to try new restaurants and experiences and promote them on social media.

7. What advice do you have for those in financial aid?

Y’all, take a breath and rest, especially during times like these. The work isn’t going anywhere—it’ll still be there tomorrow.
Work-life balance is the most important thing, and it’s how we stay in this profession for the long haul. Don’t burn yourself out—we need you here, for sure!

8. What do you do when you're not working?

My niche is local coffee — I call myself the 'local coffee queen.' I visit coffee shops about three times a week, always trying new places. When I travel, I look for local coffee spots to keep my 'queendom' going nationwide. I’m excited to explore the local coffee shops during the 2025 NASFAA Leadership & Legislative Conference & Expo in DC! 


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