Leaders of Color Memphis Fellows Running for Memphis-Shelby County School Board
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We are excited to share that several Leaders of Color Memphis fellows are running for Memphis-Shelby County School Board in the upcoming 2024 election!
These leaders are education champions and community leaders that will bring their extensive community and professional experience to the School Board. As alumni of our program, each of these candidates has received 70 hours of training across all six dimensions of civic engagement as defined by the Association of American Colleges & Universities (AAC&U). While in the program, each fellow engages in issues that are impacting our communities and education right now, while also diving deep into the historical issues that shape our systems and structures today.
Meet our leaders who are up for election:
Candidate for U.S. Senate
Memphis Class of 2019
Marquita Bradshaw is a Tennessee native; a Memphian who has extensive experience in the environmental justice movement and an advocate for human rights. Marquita grew up in South Memphis and is an alumna of University of Memphis. She is a single mom who raised her son on a working-class salary. Marquita has spent her life as an activist, rolling up her sleeves and fighting tirelessly for criminal justice reform, equitable access to healthcare, a clean and safe environment, and a public education system that serves all children.
Marquita’s career and service have spanned labor, environment, education reform, tax reform, trade policy, and social justice work. Her passion for a clean and safe environment drives her to raise awareness and fight for environmental justice which impacts the poor and most vulnerable in any society.
Candidate for Memphis Shelby County School Board District 5
Memphis Class of 2023
Dr. Audrey Elion is a Native Memphian and a proud product of Memphis City Public Schools. She received her B.A. in Psychology and M.A. in Counseling and College Student Personnel from The University of Memphis. Subsequently, she earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from The Pennsylvania State University. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at The University of California, Berkeley.
She is the owner of Elion Management Consulting, LLC. Additionally, she is the Co-Director for Sowing Justice, which is a non-profit focused on environmental justice. Dr. Elion is currently a substitute teacher for Memphis Shelby County Schools, an Arise2Read tutor, a vendor, and Tn Achieves mentor with Memphis Shelby County Schools.
Dr. Elion was a Prevention Liaison Counselor for legacy Shelby County Schools and worked for the Mental Health Center in the Memphis Shelby County Schools for a combined total of nine years. Thus, she has over fifteen years of experience working for and with the school system. She is a candidate for school board for Memphis Shelby County Schools, District 5.
Dr. Elion is the secretary and member of the Board of Commissioners of Education, Health and Housing in Memphis Tennessee. She is the Regional Chair of the Greater Memphis Region of the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network and past chair of the Statewide Advisory Council of TSPN. Additionally, she serves as a board member for Freed Life which focuses on addressing human trafficking in West Tennessee.
Previously, she was the Mental Health Representative for the Memphis–Shelby County Education Association and a member of the Tennessee Education Association. Dr. Elion is the former Executive Director of Trauma Informed Programs and the Special Assistant – Trauma Informed Intervention for Juvenile Court of Memphis/Shelby County.
Candidate for TN House District 96
Memphis Class of 2024
Dr. Telisa Franklin is an amazing individual whose impact extends far beyond her accomplishments in various fields. Her upbringing and values have played a crucial role in shaping her approach to life. She believes in the importance of family and draws inspiration from the lessons she learned from her grandparents, which guide her actions and decisions.
Dr. Franklin's educational qualifications, including a Ph.D. in Counseling, have equipped her with the knowledge and expertise to make a positive impact within the education sector. She strives to empower individuals and communities by contributing to their growth and development. While maintaining a vast understanding of religion and community, Dr. Franklin has also developed expansive knowledge of the arts. As an Emmy-nominated voiceover artist, she’s shaped culture and inspired thousands with her positive messages delivered throughout the city. In the business arena, Dr. Telisa Franklin has built success as a motivational speaker, and has served as the President of the Memphis Juneteenth Festival.
Her contributions to the Tennessee community continue to leave lasting impressions that will span generations to come. As your next Tennessee State Representative for District 96, Dr. Telisa Franklin will bring thoughtful leadership so that everyone can have a thriving future
Candidate for Memphis Shelby County School Board District 7
Memphis Class of 2022
As an educator and community advocate, Danielle Huggins wants to expand the availability of educational opportunities, hold schools accountable, and improve early childhood education in Memphis-Shelby County.
Huggins’ Memphian existence began in the Alcy Ball Neighborhood Community and her passion for education was fueled by her parents. Huggins attended Dunn Elementary, Alcy Elementary, Corry Middle, and graduated from Hamilton High School - a Memphian through and through.
Former Candidate for Memphis Shelby County School Board District 7
Memphis Class of 2020
Frank believes that we are too focused on making Memphis better for a few but should exists for the many! Frank has withdrawn his candidacy for this race and has officially endorsed Danielle Huggins for School Board District 7!
Candidate for Memphis Shelby County School Board District 2
Memphis Honors Class of 2024
Natalie McKinney has lived in Memphis, for 19 years, and has had the honor to serve as a leader and advocate for positive educational outcomes through her role as the Director of Policy and Legislative Planning at Memphis-Shelby County Schools, and subsequently, as the co-founder and executive director of Whole Child Strategies Inc. In addition to her leadership roles, I am a loving mother, wife and active community leader. I am married to my best friend and life partner, Dr. Charles W. McKinney, Jr., raised two incredible young men, Ayodele ( recent magna cum laude graduate of Xavier University) and Chioke ( honors sophomore at Howard University), both graduates of Memphis Public Schools/Memphis Shelby County Schools. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Spelman College, a Juris Doctor from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law, and a Master of Public Affairs from the School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University.
Candidate for Memphis Shelby County School Board District 5
Memphis Class of 2024
As a wife, mother, businesswoman, former USA Bobsled athlete, and community advocate, Otey understands the critical importance of education in shaping our children's futures. She is committed to promoting general and financial literacy, ensuring our students are equipped with essential life skills for success beyond the classroom.
Candidate for Memphis Shelby County School Board District 4
Memphis Class of 2024
Tamarques Porter is a proud native of Memphis, TN, graduate of Melrose High School, and is part of the Bishop Brandon B. Porter lineage. Mr. Porter's journey from a local high school graduate to a seasoned professional in the field of Information Technology reflects his deep commitment to educational excellence and community empowerment.
After attending Texas Southern University and then earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology and a Master of Science in Technology Management from the University of Phoenix, he embarked on a career dedicated to leveraging technology for positive social impact.
Currently serving as a Cybersecurity Specialist with the U.S. Department of Treasury, Mr. Porter brings a unique blend of technical expertise and community engagement to his candidacy. His professional background shows his unwavering commitment to leveraging technology as a tool for enhancing learning outcomes and fostering innovation in education.
Porter's commitment to community service is evident in his involvement with organizations such as the Tennessee Higher Education Prison Initiative (THEI), where he advocates for educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals. He also serves as a mentor and facilitator in programs like Dr. Clifford Black's Super Learning Literacy Class, where he empowers students with essential language and computer literacy skills.
He is dedicated to ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success and not failure. Porter is also committed to providing safe, diverse, and inclusive policies that prioritize the needs of students, teachers, and families. With his proven track record of leadership, his deep roots in the community, and his unwavering commitment to educational excellence, Tamarques Porter is the ideal candidate to represent District 4.
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