AACA & E3 Presents The Right To Read v8

The Right To Read Film Screening & Panel Discussion Host Documentary Sponsor Saturday, April 20, 2024 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM The Historic Douglass High School 407 E. Market Street Leesburg, Virginia

About The Host AACA - African American Community Alliance The AACA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) whose mission is to fund qualified educational, religious, community-based, and charitable organizations that focus on improving equitable outcomes for African Americans. The Alliance is comprised of 18 not-for-profit member organization with an aligned mission of service to their local community. For more information go to: AACAlliance.org . About The Sponsor E3 - Elevate Early Education E3 + The E3 School raise awareness, advocate and create innovative initiatives to give children equitable access to a high-quality education for the first eight years. E3 has secured the rights to share The Right To Read Documentary film with communities. For more information go to: https://www.e3va.org/ .

About The Program The Right To Read Film Screening & Literacy Panel Discussion PART 1 SPEAKER & AUDIENCE MIXER REFRESHMENTS / RESOURCE TABLE VISITS OPENING REMARKS & INTRODUCTIONS PART 2 DOCUMENTARY SCENE ONE FILM STORY INTRODUCTION MODERATED PANEL /AUDIENCE POLL PART 3 DOCUMENTARY SCENE TWO LITERACY & FAMILY ROLE - 1st FIVE YEARS PANEL DISCUSSION /AUDIENCE COMMENT PART 4 DOCUMENTARY SCENE THREE TEACHER CLASSROOM IMPACT/CHALLENGES PANEL DISCUSSION/AUDIENCE COMMENT PART 5 DOCUMENTARY FINAL SCENE FOUR MAKING A DIFFERENCE BEFORE THIRD GRADE OUR SCHOOLS, FAMILIES, COMMUNITY PART 6 AUDIENCE Q&A / REACTIONS SPEAKER/MODERATOR CLOSING REMARKS VIRGINIA LITERACY & CALL TO ACTION RESOURCE TABLE VISITS

Dr. Mamie Parker Success Coach, Transformational Speaker, and Facilitator The Right To Read - Moderator Dr. Mamie A. Parker is a facilitator, speaker and success coach with nearly three-decade-long career as a fish and wildlife biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) spanned various locations across the country in Genoa; La Crosse; Madison, and Lake Mills, Wisconsin; Columbia, Missouri; New London and Minneapolis, Minnesota; Atlanta, Georgia; Amherst, MA; and Washington, D.C. Her exceptional leadership within the agency earned her the prestigious Ira Gabrielson Award FWS Leadership Award and the distinction of being the first Black FWS Regional Director and Senior Executive Service in the FWS. Dr. Parker has been featured on NPR Morning Edition among others promoting youth programs and outdoor learning. Her board of directors work includes the National Wildlife Federation, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment, The Nature Conservancy-Virginia Chapter, American University School of Public Affairs, Ducks Unlimited, and the Student Conservation Association. Parker’s incredible work has resulted in receiving the William P. Reilly Environmental Leadership Award and the Presidential Rank Award, the highest honor bestowed upon the top 1% of federal employees. Building on this foundation, she pursued higher education in Fisheries Biology and Limnology at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, the University of Wisconsin, and the JFK School of Government Executive Leadership Program. Dr. Parker's achievements in her home state of Arkansas have been immortalized in the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The governor enshrined her into the Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame, where she was the first native Arkansan to lead the nation's fisheries. Several years after Governor McAuliffe appointed her as a commissioner, she was elected chair of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. One of her most memorable moments was a call from Bass Pro Shop’s Founder informing her that she received the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ John L. Morris Life Time Achievement Award, named in his honor. Throughout her career, she has worked to advance diversity and opportunities for minority students in conservation and fisheries careers; in 2016, she was awarded the Emmeline Moore Prize from the American Fisheries Society for these efforts. Her lifelong dedication to conservation biology and environmental stewardship inspires all who encounter her remarkable story. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, The Links, Incorporated and President of the Rotary Club of DLM in the Tysons area Dr. Parker’s clients includes the National Park Service, University of Vermont, the Clinton Library, Gates Millennium Scholars and the United Negro College Fund. Dr. Parker resides in Loudoun County, Virginia. https://mamieparker.com/

Dr. Lisa Coons VA Superintendent of Public Instruction The Right To Read - Panelist Dr. Lisa Coons brings a rich background in education, rooted in a family legacy of educators. With experience spanning across three states, she now proudly calls Virginia home, where she serves military-connected families and all 1.3 million children in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As a military spouse and mother, Dr. Coons is deeply committed to supporting educational excellence, especially for her grandchildren residing in Virginia Beach. During her tenure as chief academic officer for the Tennessee Department of Education, Dr. Coons led comprehensive academic programming from early childhood to grade 12, overseeing areas such as language arts, mathematics, science, and fine arts. Her experience as a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent in Tennessee and Ohio has equipped her with invaluable insights into educational leadership. Dr. Coons holds a doctorate in education from Lipscomb University, further solidifying her expertise in the field.

Loretta Hickman National Education Consultant The Right To Read - Panelist With over 15 years of diverse experience spanning roles from teaching to nonprofit leadership, Loretta Hickman is a seasoned education professional. Notably, as a New York principal, she successfully implemented innovative curriculum and teaching methods that drove remarkable student progress. Loretta's commitment to educational equity, especially for marginalized groups like Black students, has been evident throughout her career. Her consultancy work has taken her across California, Tennessee, Texas, Colorado, and Massachusetts where she has supported school leaders in implementing effective literacy and math programs, leveraging her expertise in data-driven solutions and stakeholder engagement. Equipped with two Master's degrees in Education from Fordham and Columbia University, alongside an undergraduate degree from Stanford University, Loretta possesses a solid academic foundation. Her ability to build relationships, offer actionable feedback, and tailor solutions to meet diverse stakeholder needs positions her as a catalyst for student success. With her wealth of experience and expertise, Loretta is poised to continue making a significant impact in advancing educational outcomes for all. https://lhickmanedconsultant.com/

Dr. Jason Jefferson Principal, Park View High School The Right To Read - Panelist Dr. Jason Jefferson, is Principal of Park View High School in Sterling, Virginia, holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, a master’s degree in education administration and supervision from Regent University, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Bowie State University. He has extensive experience in education, serving in various roles including master teacher, curriculum reviewer, department head, literacy coordinator, and assistant principal across Philadelphia, Maryland, and Baltimore City Public Schools. With a strong background in curriculum, instruction, and educational leadership, Dr. Jefferson is dedicated to fostering academic excellence and student success at Park View High School.

Dr. Emily Solari Virginia Literacy Partnerships at UVA The Right To Read - Panelist Emily Solari is with the Virginia Literacy Partnerships at the University of Virginia (UVAa). She is a coordinator and professor in the reading education program within the Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education. Her expertise lies in developing interventions for students with reading difficulties, autism, and English language learners, aiming to bridge the gap between research and practice in school settings. As Principal Investigator of postdoctoral and predoctoral training grants, she focuses on academic development, particularly in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and students with disabilities. At the Virginia Literacy Partnerships (VLP), she directs by ensuring evidence-based literacy resources statewide. Emily also holds editorial roles in prominent journals and serves on executive boards at both state and national levels. She earned her Ph.D. and M.A. from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

The April 20, 2024 The Right To Read Film Screening and Panel Discussion CONTACT is jointly hosted and ELEVATE EARLY EDUCATION sponsored by the AACA and E3 CONTACT https://www.e3va.org/ E3 WEBSITE [email protected] AACAlliance.org https://MLKLeesburg.org