Wakhisi received an Master of Science degree in journalism from Northwestern University. She is the managing editor of the Miami News Service, a professional news organization operated by the Graduate Program in Professional Journalism. She is the former director of the Peace Sullivan/James Ansin High School Summer Journalism/New Media Workshop, which takes place annually at the School of Communication. Her professional background includes serving as a reporter and editor for several daily newspapers, including the Plain Dealer in Cleveland, the Kansas City Star, and The Miami Herald.

Wakhisi is the two-time winner of the University’s Excellence in Teaching Award, which she received in 1996 and 2006. She writes a monthly neighborhood restaurant feature, “Quick Bites,” for the Neighbors Section of The Miami Herald and she occasionally works with and writes for The Herald’s Editorial Page.