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Dr. Debby Dillard, President

Dr. Debby Dillard, is the proud parent of two adult children and a grandmother-in-waiting. After 31 years of service, primarily in Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD),  she retired March 13, 2020. She has served as a teacher, principal, district literacy coach, administrator with Specially Funded Programs, Magnet Programs, Gifted and Talented Programs, and Human Resources. Debby is al the founder of the Dillard Foundation. As a Board Member of Central Cities, I will further the pursuit of increased identification, participation, and advancement for underserved urban students. In addition, I will assist parents and students as they address concerns and achieve positive outcomes in all areas of gifted and talented education. 

Leilah Kirkendoll,- Secretary/Event Coordinator

Leilah Kirkendoll Ph.D. is a Director with the San Diego County Office of Education ~ Juvenile Court and Community Schools (JCCS). She has served as school site principal and taught high school, all subjects, to the most underserved and high-potential students in San Diego County. Her passion for equity helps her lead this educational institution while providing opportunities for learning that are relevant, rigorous, and accessible for ALL students. Finally, this same passion keeps her interested in alternative disciplinary measures that are focused on restoring both the student and the community, ultimately keeping our children out of the school-to-prison pipeline. As a child, she experienced the powerful opportunity, the Oakland Community School with the Black Panther Party. This educational beginning was critical and helped to cultivate her giftedness; she continues to work with her children and others to identify and service them appropriately. 

Cecil Fields, Treasurer

Cecil Fields is a Senior Manager at The Boeing Company, where he has been employed since 1978. He is recognized as a Subject Matter Expert in Aerospace technology, program management systems engineering, and product lifecycle management. He has contributed to the Space Shuttle Program, Global Positioning Systems Satellite Program, Space Station Program, and multiple programs under the Boeing Phantoms Works, Autonomous Systems, Space and Satellites Business Units. He received a Master of Science degree in Technology Management and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. He has a certification in Systems Engineering and has been recognized by the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) as a Modern-Day Technology Leader. He remains an active member of NSBE and the National Defense Institute Association (NDIA). Cecil has a passion for helping youth use not only STEM education but also athletic endeavors as a means of reaching their full potential.

 Jenna Barr, Home School Coordinator

 Jenna Barr is a certified Vegan Chef with a special interest in plant-based nutrition and the power of plant medicine. She is passionate about helping others explore the mind, body, spirit connection, and the importance of maintaining balance in physical, emotional, and mental health. As a long-term homeschooling Mother of two young boys, she understands the dedication it takes to raise and nurture children of diverse and minority communities and recognizes the challenges families face to make sure no child’s abilities and gifts are underserved due to lack of resources and that everyone has an equal opportunity to step into their highest expression. She enjoys traveling, trying new foods and experiences, outdoor activities, and connecting with others to continue building mindful, kind, and compassionate communities.    

Shavonne James, Public Relations/Media Coordinator

Shavonne James is working in private practice as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She specializes in identity, intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships, multicultural experiences, and difficult life transitions. Before going into private practice, Shavonne worked as a psychotherapist and/or social worker in schools, community mental health, interim housing, and children’s advocacy. Shavonne enjoys being outdoors, reading, journaling, listening to music, drinking milk tea, and spending time with her family in her free time.   

 Karen Hamilton, Outreach/Membership Chair

 Karen Hamilton is a Program Manager at the Community Development Commission, County of Los Angeles. She formerly worked in the Grants Planning and Administration department. She is the proud mother of an exceptionally gifted & talented daughter. She is an active member of AKA sorority Karen enjoys networking with community parents helping their children  reach their full potential.This is a long form text area designed for your content that you can fill up with as many words as your heart desires. You can write articles, long mission statements, company policies, executive profiles, company awards/distinctions, office locations, shareholder reports, whitepapers, media mentions and other pieces of content that don’t fit into a shorter, more succinct space.