Denisha Allen is a Senior Fellow at the American Federation for Children and Founder of Black Minds Matter. Denisha previously served as School Choice and Youth Liaison to the Secretary of Education at the U.S. Department of Education.
Denisha is a Florida tax-credit scholarship graduate and now sits on the board of directors for Step Up for Students. She received her master’s degree in social work from the University of South Florida and bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary social science. Along the way, Denisha has become a national symbol for school choice, headlining events with elected leaders, including the former President, governors, members of congress, and other advocates for school choice. Denisha has shared her story across the country and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Examiner, EducationWeek, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and Fox News, among other outlets.
To learn more about Black Minds Matter, visit blackmindsmatter.net
Chaplain Monica S. Hall is the epitome of a woman who understands the responsibility that accompanies the Favor of God. Well into her thirties, she has already begun a legacy of service and kindness within the Metro- Atlanta community and beyond. For her accomplishments, she thanks God for Favor; she credits her parents, retired Sergeants Major Deborah and Dexter McClanahan, for her discipline and drive; and appreciates her husband and children for their love and support.
Monica S. Hall completed her undergraduate education at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Mo founded her first non-profit, Love’s Legacy, Inc., in 2010; an organization focused on advocating for (father’s) paternal rights in child custody realms. She subsequently opened Blessed 2 Bless in 2012 which expanded to launch T.H.R.I.V.E. Christian Academy (TCA) in 2013 and began the 2013/14 school year with two first-grade students. Twelve school years later, T.H.R.I.V.E. Christian Academy is fully accreditation (with highest quality), the 2022 recipient of the Key to the City of Lithonia, and services over 250 students spanning from Pre-K through 12th grade.
Jay Artis-Wright is the Executive Director of the Freedom Coalition for Charter Schools (FCCS), championing high-quality educational options for Black and Brown communities. With over two decades of experience in public policy, education, and advocacy, Jay has been instrumental in founding FCCS and advancing charter schools.
Her career spans mentoring educators, leading policy initiatives, and driving DEI efforts. A strategic leader, she excels in coalition-building and navigating legislative challenges, achieving significant policy wins that support charter schools and promote women's leadership on school boards. Jay's influence extends nationwide, impacting key states like California, New Jersey, and Texas. She resides in Houston, TX with her husband and three children.
Denise (Bella) Ceballos-Viner is the Founder Padres Unidos AZ, an organization advocating for families, communities, and children. Denise focuses on enhancing parental rights by providing resources that enable informed decisions for children's futures.
Dr. Parker is the Director of Awareness Events for the National School Choice Awareness Foundation in which she works with partner organizations to raise awareness about education choice.Dr. Shaunette Parker is an K-12 experienced classroom teacher, college professor of psychology and she has worked with non-profit community-based organizations for more than 20 years. Her experience has taught her the importance of genuinely applied, experiential learning resulting in positive outcomes for youth and society. She firmly believes people require a specific set of resources that will enable them to be contributing members of society. Thus, she is passionate about supporting dedicated educators, as they provide engaging learning experiences both in and out of the classroom.
Dr. Parker is a native of Indiana who now resides in Aiken, South Carolina. She is also a wife, mother of six and grandmother of three. Dr. Parker holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Telecommunications from Indiana University, a Master’s of Science in Community Psychology from Martin University, and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Educational Psychology from Walden University.
As the High School to College Coordinator for the Alternative High School Initiative (AHSI), she worked with a diverse group of schools. As facilitator of the career and college workgroup she guided the focus not only on the academic preparation necessary for college matriculation, but also the tacit knowledge students need to be successful.
Kelley Williams-Bolar born July 15, 1970 is a native of Akron, Ohio. As a single mother she made national headlines in 2011, when she was arrested and served ten days in jail for sending her two daughters outside of their designated school district in Akron. Kelley’s actions were inspired to expand the educational and social opportunities for her children that the existing school could probably not provide.Dr. Parker is a native of Indiana who now resides in Aiken, South Carolina. She is also a wife, mother of six and grandmother of three. Dr. Parker holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Telecommunications from Indiana University, a Master’s of Science in Community Psychology from Martin University, and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Educational Psychology from Walden University.
As the High School to College Coordinator for the Alternative High School Initiative (AHSI), she worked with a diverse group of schools. As facilitator of the career and college workgroup she guided the focus not only on the academic preparation necessary for college matriculation, but also the tacit knowledge students need to be successful. Today her crusade continues to bring awareness to the issues of inequality and injustices that effect lower socio-economic areas. Bolar stays connected to the community by working and speaking at churches, nonprofit organizations and universities emphasizing the importance of having public schools without outdated geographical borders.
Jae Carter is the developer of the Homeschool Yo Kids App, the organizer of the Homeschool Yo Kids Expos, and the founder of Homeschool Yo Kids Organization. Jae currently homeschools her two little ladies and works adamantly to provide parents with resources and tools to confidently lead their child(ren)'s home learning journey. She loves showing individuals all that they possess when they just tap into themselves and learn to trust the process. Jae and her two little ladies travel the country hosting Homeschool Yo Kids Expos, ensuring that families are able to access educational resources, creating community building opportunities, providing family enrichment activities, and empowering parents to lead their children's educational journey.
Check out this great video
LET OUR CHILDREN know their education is OUR PRIORITY!