Cincinnati Public Schools
CPS Spotlight - Rauneisha Larkins
![Lady in Green]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1721094640/cpsk12/kkjccyuiwybro5hnkful/RauneishaLarkinsThumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1721094640/cpsk12/kkjccyuiwybro5hnkful/RauneishaLarkinsThumb.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1721094640/cpsk12/kkjccyuiwybro5hnkful/RauneishaLarkinsThumb.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1721094640/cpsk12/kkjccyuiwybro5hnkful/RauneishaLarkinsThumb.png","width":1080}])
CPS Spotlight - Rauneisha Larkins
- What CPS schools did you attend?
- I attended Carson School and Dater Montessori for elementary school and graduated from Clark Montessori High School in 2009.
- What are you doing now?
- After serving eight years in the U.S. Navy, I was honorably discharged. During my service, I earned three degrees: a Bachelor of Social Sciences from Western Kentucky University, a Master of Social Work from Widener University and a Master of Organizational Leadership from Eastern Washington University. Currently, I work as a Shared Power Consultant with the Washington State Office of Equity, where our mission is to promote equity for historically and systematically marginalized communities. Additionally, I am pursuing my clinical social work licensure while serving as an on-call Designated Crisis Responder at Kitsap Mental Health Services in Kitsap County.
- Was there anyone from your time at school who influenced you?
- Two people were particularly influential: Traci Cummings and Holly Taylor. Traci was my elementary school teacher and the first African American woman I encountered. She played a key role during a formative stage in my life, emphasizing the importance of representation. I remember her saying, “what you do in the darkness will come to light,” which has stuck with me. Holly Taylor, my high school teacher, believed in me even when I didn't believe in myself. Despite not always being the best student, she fought for me and encouraged me to continue studying French in college, which led to my decision to study abroad in Trinidad and Tobago. Many others have influenced me as well, especially in hindsight.
- What advice do you have for current students?
- Don’t feel pressured to have every aspect of your life figured out. Enjoy the journey and strive to be your best self every day.
- What’s your favorite school memory?
- I have many favorite memories, but performing in "Wartville Wizard" for elementary schools stands out. It was a joy to interact with students and make them laugh.
- What is your favorite Cincinnati staple?
- I love Cincinnati food, especially Grippos, Camp Washington Chili and Busken Bakery treats.
- Where do you live now?
- I currently live in Bremerton, Washington, with my husband, Lawrence Larkins, and our dog, Harley.
- Fun facts about yourself?
- Dubai is my favorite travel destination so far, and I dream of retiring with a vacation home in the Caribbean!
- Dubai is my favorite travel destination so far, and I dream of retiring with a vacation home in the Caribbean!
- District