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Dr. Debby Dillard, President

Dr. Debby Dillard, is the proud parent of two adult children and a grandmother-in-waiting. She is founder of Kreative Kconversations. 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.  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. 

Dr. Leilah Kirkendoll,- Secretary/Event Coordinator

Dr. Leilah Kirkendoll Ph.D. is a Director of Equity, LCAP and MTSS with the San Diego County Office of Education. 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 enables her to lead this educational institution, providing opportunities for learning that are relevant, rigorous, and accessible to 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 at 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 (ret). 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.

 Tyonie Patterson, Speech Language Pathologist and children's author

 Tyonie holds a Master of Arts in Communicative Sciences and Disorders from Hampton University, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Prairie View A & M University.  Tyonie is a specialist in evaluating and treating children with language delays, receptive and expressive language disorders, articulation disorders, social skills deficits, and fluency disorders. Tyonie is also an author with a passion for developing children's speech and language skills, especially with literacy activities. Tyonie created  the Tamia T. Scott series of books as a resource for parents, educators, and organizations allowing them to teach their children basic concepts (e.g., counting, colors, prepositions, vocabulary, etc.), to help increase children's comprehension and expressive language skills. The series celebrates African Americans as the main character. Tyonie, believes we must diversify our bookshelves because it can give our children a sense of connectivity, relatability, and self-value.   of plant medicine. She is passionate about helping others explore the mind, body, spirit connecti    

Shavonne James, a Licensed Clinical Therapist and founder of Paper Cranes Counseling, a group practice that specializes in identity, intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships, multicultural experiences, and difficult life transitions.  Her mission is to connect underrepresented wellness seekers with culturally-affirming, holistic care. Shavonne enjoys being outdoors, reading, journaling, listening to music, drinking milk tea, and spending time with her family .

 Karen Hamilton, Outreach/Membership Chair

 Karen Hamilton iMBA/MPA associate Director, Risk Management and Participant Experience, Housing for Health, LA County, DHS. She formerly worked in the Grants Planning and Administration department. She is a Spellman College Graduate and the proud mother of an exceptionally gifted & talented Spelman undergraduate daughter. She is an active member of AKA sorority Karen enjoys networking with community parents helping their children  reach their full potential.