EDUCATION
Committee Mission
To bring to light racial disparities that influence educational policy and practices that perpetuate the achievement gap; and to dismantle the system by reimagining a more equitable one.
Committee Leadership
Joanne Jenkins, Co-Chair
Joanne Jenkins has her M.Ed in Educational Psychology and a M.Div in Spiritual Formation She has been a Charlotte resident since 1974. Ms. Jenkins taught at Villa Heights Elementary School in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, and is an instructor in the Criminal Justice Department at Central Piedmont Community College. She was Awarded the Jonnie H McLeod Addictions Institute at UNCC’s Practitioner of the Year. And if that is not enough, she serves as the co-chair of the Board of Galilee Ministries of East Charlotte, is a member of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina Racial Reconciliation Council Advisory Board Member, Black Congregations Missioner of North Carolina Diocese Co-Chair, and the Reimagining America Project’s Education Subcommittee.
Kevan Woodson, Co-Chair
Kevan Woodson has had a diverse career in corporate America, working for 3M, Coca-Cola USA, Chrysler, CarMax, Harris Teeter, and Physicians Mutual. He cites his specialties as a director of business development and training, strategic planning including forecasting, direct and indirect sales management, Six Sigma Black Belt, and Lead recruiter at the Center for Sales Excellence at 3M. He has been a former board member of the LWVCM and also is a former school board member at 211 Schaumburg/Palatine, IL. In his work, he learned that many business owners find the key problem is employee availability. He personally experienced that seven years ago when his wife DonnaMarie had colon and breast cancer. It took his focus off the job and onto how to get her better. Thankfully she has progressed tremendously through treatment. They have just celebrated 72 months cancer free. Kevan wrote that today he sees that education is the great equalizer. "If knowledge is shared, and ensured that it is understood, our goals can be unlimited. Knowledge and experience can get us through most difficulties," he said.