Research Symposium

Closing the Knowing-Doing Gap: A Presentation of Current Research at the intersection of Race, Equity and Education

Dr. Kate Allman is the Executive Director of Winston-Salem TEACH and a Research Associate Professor in both Wake Forest University’s Department of Education and Winston-Salem State University’s Department of Education. Before receiving her Ph.D. in Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Dr. Allman was an English teacher in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County from 2005-2009 and is a passionate advocate for public education. Dr. Allman possesses 12 years of higher education experience and has procured approximately $6.5 million in research grants, including one U.S. Department of Education grant and two National Science Foundation grants.

Dr. Cynthia Williams Brown is the Interim Associate Dean of Education, Quality Assurance, Community Engagement at WSSU and a Co-Principal Investigator on the WS-TEACH project. She is in her 24th year at WSSU, 20 of which have been spent as department chair. Prior to her role as Interim Associate Dean, she served as Chair of the Department of Health, Physical Education & Sport Studies at Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) and Program Coordinator of the Physical Education Program. Dr. Williams Brown has extensive experience in grant and project management, including over 7 years of experience administering grants for summer camp programming for low-income and underserved youth, 5 years of experience as PI on three research grants (funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the USDA), and years of administering U.S. Department of Education academic program development grants.

Alexandra Hoskins serves as Executive Director for Systems Coherence and Strategic Planning for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools in Winston-Salem, NC, and she has worked for the district since 2006. She has over 25 years of experience as an educator and impacted lives as a high school English teacher in high-poverty schools for nine years. Alexandra holds a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix and a bachelor’s degree from Miami University. Her personal mission statement reads, “I am an authentic advocate who builds capacity by empowering others.” She is a 2018 graduate of Leadership Winston-Salem, serves on the Women United (United Way) steering committee, and serves on the Board of Directors for Authoring Action and Kaleideum Children’s Museum.

Rebecca Jordan, Ph.D., is Associate Professor of Literacy Education at Salem College. Her doctorate focused on Early Childhood, Special Education, and Literacy, and her career has been devoted to the intersection of these areas. She is a former elementary school teacher, reading specialist, and district leader. Her research interests center on how young children learn to read and write, and teachers' knowledge, skills, and beliefs around supporting emergent literacy. She has published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, including The Reading Teacher, Literacy Research and Instruction, Learning Disabilities Research and Practice, and Teaching and Teacher Education.

Dr. Alan Brown is an Associate Professor of English Education at Wake Forest University. He is a former high school English teacher and basketball coach who now serves as department chair and English education coordinator in the Department of Education. He is the inaugural director for the Wake Forest Center for Literacy Education and co-PI for Winston-Salem TEACH, a five-year, $4.7 million U.S. Department of Education Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) grant, a collaboration among Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem State University, Salem College, and Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. Dr. Brown teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on topics including action research, adolescent literacy, arts integration, educational leadership, English methods, secondary education, and young adult literature. His scholarly interests include critically examining the culture of sports in schools and society while connecting contemporary literacies to students’ extra-curricular interests.

Jackie Aponte has served as a classroom teacher, interventionist, curriculum and assessment writer, teacher educator, instructional coach, and undergraduate equity and education course instructor. She holds a master’s in Literacy Education from UNC-Chapel Hill and is passionate about building communities of care and belonging for all learners.

Kathleen Harrell has been a classroom teacher, interventionist, reading specialist, and instructional coach. She holds a master’s in Early Childhood Intervention and Family Support Services from UNC-Chapel Hill. She believes in the mission and collective action to create equitable classroom spaces that promote opportunities for all learners.

Maria Lucia Bernal was born and raised in Colombia, South America. Maria Lucia began her career as a preschool teacher, nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning in her students. In 2012, she relocated to the United States, where she continued her dedication to education. Maria Lucia holds a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Universidad de La Sabana in Colombia; she is an infant, toddler, and early childhood Montesori-certified teacher from CGMS and CMTE. She has served as a Pre-K and adult Spanish teacher, community researcher, and presenter at ISLA NC since 2020. Maria Lucia's dedication to education, multicultural background, and diverse skill set allow her to create enriching and inclusive learning environments where every child can thrive.

From Buenos Aires, Argentina, Soledad Oneto is a passionate advocate for bilingual education with a rich teaching and language acquisition background. Drawing from her diverse cultural background and extensive teaching experience, Soledad joined ISLA NC in 2021, where she serves as a teacher in ISLA los Sábados & ISLA Verano (summer camp). Additionally, Soledad contributes to ISLA NC as a dedicated community researcher and presenter, sharing her insights and expertise with fellow educators and stakeholders.Soledad's commitment to bilingual education and her passion for fostering cross-cultural understanding make her a valued asset to her students and the broader educational community.

Dr. Yolanda L. Blakeney, a passionate advocate for equitable learning environments, has dedicated nearly 28 years to North Carolina public education. She currently serves as the principal of David W. Butler High School. Dr. Blakeney holds a B.S. in chemistry from Wingate University, an M.Ed. in Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University, and a School Leadership add-on from Appalachian University. In May 2023, she earned her doctorate in Educational Leadership from UNC-Charlotte, defending her dissertation on "Black Male Teachers' Perspectives and Experiences in North Carolina Secondary Public Schools." Beyond her role as principal, Dr. Blakeney founded B-Strong Legacy in 2023 to inspire and support minority youth, guided by her mantra, "Pursuing Excellence."

Jalisa Evans is a passionate advocate for educational equity, with experience as a middle school science teacher in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Los Angeles, California. Frustrated by the barriers her students faced, she began her organizing journey as a regional strategy team member for ONE Charlotte, securing a $33.2 million capital needs bond for schools. In Los Angeles, Jalisa transitioned from teaching to full-time community organizing, collaborating with Black families and community members to establish a Black Student Achievement plan in LAUSD's Local District South. Recognizing the need for Black educators, Jalisa launched the Black Educator Advocates Network to transform practices and policies affecting the educational experience of Black educators and administrators across California.

Dr. Kenya K. Grant is the Secondary Principal at Rocky Mount Preparatory School, where she has served for five years. She has served in education for nearly 25 years as a High School English Teacher, Beginning Teacher Support, District Mentor, Assistant Principal, and Dean of Instruction. Over the years, she has been honored as Teacher of the Year, Master Lead Teacher, Elizabeth City State University Who’s Who for receiving Teacher of the Year, Golden Apple Award for Outstanding Service in Greensville County, Virginia, and so much more. Kenya is proud to be an alumna of Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), where she received a Bachelor of English degree. Soon after graduating from the illustrious ECSU, she attended the University of Phoenix, where she received her Master’s in Administration/Supervision and doctorate in Educational Leadership. Her passion is building teacher capacity and ensuring students receive an equitable education.

Quadric Witherspoon has a strong educational background that emphasizes school discipline, culture, and instruction. He has previously served as a 2nd (AIG) and 3rd Grade teacher, Dean of Students, and Dean of Culture and instruction. Currently, Quadric is the K-5 Assistant Principal at Rocky Mount Preparatory School. Mr. Witherspoon graduated from Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh, NC, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies. He is also a proud graduate of Grand Canyon University, where he earned a Master’s in K-12 Education. Quadric continued his academic journey and will defend his dissertation in April 2024. After defending and graduating, he is set to pursue a degree in Educational Law from the University of Connecticut (UCONN). Quadric is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, and is dedicated to creating an environment conducive to learning.

Charlitta Hatch is an interdisciplinary scholar and thought leader with over 18 years of experience in business, education, and technology. Passionate about changing the narrative of young black boys, she founded and assumed the role of Chief Mom Officer of the Me3 Project, which aims to change the narrative of young black boys in America through positive images, expressive stories, and deliberate advocacy. Through the Me3 Project, she has published three children’s books. Charlitta brings culturally responsive leadership, authentic relationship building, strategic thinking, and a commitment to excellence.

Amelia Q. Rivera, a passionate PhD student at North Carolina State University, is a leading advocate for Educational Equity. Her dedication has earned her prestigious recognition as Dean Fellow and Holmes Scholars Community Vice President. Amelia’s research centers on vital educational issues, particularly in Black Linguistic Justice. She addresses power dynamics in language and actively combats anti-Black linguistic racism, aiming to expose and rectify discriminatory language practices. Her scholarly pursuits extend to pedagogy, focusing on translanguaging to foster inclusive teaching strategies. Amelia is committed to preparing educators to create equitable, empowering learning environments.

Patricia S. Ambrosio is a doctoral student in the educational equity program at NC State, originally from Brazil. Her research focuses on fostering collaboration among educators, mainly through the co-teaching models, intending to build a cohesive community that promotes educational equity. She is a member of the AACTE Holmes Scholars Program. Her academic journey unfolds in diverse settings. She has a Bachelor of Secondary Education in Modern Language from Brazil and a Master of Arts in Teaching specializing in English as a Second Language from UNC Charlotte.

Dr. Samantha A. Marshall is an assistant professor in the Department of Teacher Education and Learning Sciences at North Carolina State University. A first-generation college graduate, she received her B.S.E. in mathematics from Oklahoma Christian University, her M.A. from Columbia University, and her Ph.D. in Learning, Teaching & Diversity from Vanderbilt University. Dr. Marshall’s work lies at the intersection of teacher learning, justice-oriented mathematics education, and learning sciences.

Dr. Sunghwan Byun conducts research on discourse and social interaction in data science, mathematics, and statistics teaching and learning. He is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education in the Department of STEM Education at NC State. He also serves as the Director of Educational Research at the NC State Data Science Academy. Prior to his academic career, he was a high school mathematics teacher and a National Board Certified Teacher.

Mills Jordan (he/him) is a junior at Davidson College majoring in Political Science and is a Policy and Advocacy Intern at the Center for Racial Equity in Education (CREED).

Kenzie Leonard (she/her) is a senior majoring in Political Science and Economics at Davidson College and will attend the University of North Carolina School of Law next fall.

Liz Varela (she/her) is a sophomore international student from Brazil majoring in Education Studies and Political Science at Davidson College.

Dr. Mecca K. Terry is a Sociology and Criminal Justice Department Lecturer at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Dr. Terry graduated from Ramapo College of New Jersey with a B.A. in Law & Society and a Sociology minor; Rutgers University with an M.A. in Criminal Justice; Capella University with an M.S. in Human Services and a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice. Dr. Terry is a retired Probation Officer with over ten years of experience working in various sectors in the criminal justice field. This experience has afforded her the opportunity to be a member of the Collaboratory for Justice Education at the Eastern State Penitentiary History Site. She has authored the textbook Probation, Parole, and Community Corrections. Her research interests include police-community relations, pedagogy and assessment in criminal justice education, and community corrections.

Having retired after 35 years as a professor and researcher (University of Maryland) and dean of education (Elon University), Dr. David Cooper founded The 1868 Project, which honors the courage of the North Carolina Constitutional Convention of 1868 when men with a strong sense of justice sought to mobilize the State's resources for the benefit of its children - all of them. The Constitution they drafted was intended to elevate North Carolina from the ashes and bones of the failed rebellion, to reach far ahead of its shameful history, work that continues to this day.

Dr. Christina Richardson is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Program for Leadership and Character and the Department of Education at Wake Forest University. She previously served as an assistant director for UNC Greensboro’s lab school, where they trained future teachers and provided academic support to students within the community. Before her experience at UNCG, she was a K-12 administrator and high school mathematics teacher across four NC school districts. Christina holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, a minor in Romance languages (UNCG), a Masters in Leadership (Gardner-Webb University), a Masters in School Administration (UNC-Chapel Hill) , and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership (UNCG). She is also an alumna of the NC Teaching and Principal Fellows programs. Her research interests include exploring the career trajectories of women of color and teacher recruitment, retention, and diversifying the teacher workforce.

Dr. Laura Handler is Dr. Cooper's thought partner in seeking innovative solutions to resegregation and co-founder of The 1868 Project. She is an Assistant Professor of Education at Greensboro College, focusing on elementary education, teacher education, and instructional design. Her extensive local and international experience in elementary schools informs her scholarship on equity and policy. Dr. Handler is a National Board Certified Teacher and frequent contributor to the literature on equitable teaching, learning, and policy in Latine education.

Felix Morton IV, Ph.D., LCMHC, NCC, serves as a Core Faculty in the Counselor Education Program at Capella University. Felix has advocated for access to higher education and culturally affirming clinical support for students across the K16 pipeline, with special attention to the experiences of Black boys and men. He is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (NC) and National Certified Counselor. He holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development, with a specialization in Counseling and Counselor Education from North Carolina State University. He has published research on college student wellness and has served clients across education and clinical settings. He also owns Beyond Wellbeing, PLLC, a private psychotherapy practice in North Carolina.