Leaders of Color Memphis-Shelby County Election Winners
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In the August 2024 elections in Memphis, five Leaders of Color ran for critical seats that will influence education policy. All of our candidates are education champions and community leaders who are working to bring their extensive expertise to the school board.
We are thrilled to congratulate the THREE Leaders of Color have won their seats for Memphis-Shelby County School Board! We also congratulate and have deep pride for our alum Danielle Huggins and Dr. Telisa Franklin who fought hard in their respective races.
Meet the Leaders of Color Memphis-Shelby County School Board WINNERS:
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 she is 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.”
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.
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.
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