Mary Jane McLeod Bethune

Mary Jane McLeod Bethune, born on July 10, 1875, in Maysville, South Carolina, rose from humble beginnings to become a trailblazing educator, political leader, and champion for civil rights. Her life's work was dedicated to advancing education and advocating for equal opportunities for the Black community.

Despite facing the challenges of poverty and discrimination, she attended Scotia Seminary in North Carolina and later founded her own school, Daytona Beach Literary and Industrial School for Training Negro Girls, in 1904. The school would later merge with Cookman Institute and eventually become Bethune-Cookman College. A tireless advocate for racial and gender equality, Bethune was elected president of the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs in 1924. In 1935, she became the founding president of the National Council of Negro Women, an organization that continues to advocate for African American women and their communities.

Mary McLeod Bethune's impact on education and civil rights extended to her involvement in national politics. She became the first African American woman to be part of a presidential administration during the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt, when she was named director of Negro Affairs of the National Youth Administration, where she remained until 1944. McLeod Bethune passed away on May 18, 1955, but her legacy as an influential educator and leader remains an integral part of American history.

Shandelyn Williams

Shandelyn Williams stands as a beacon of dedication and excellence in the educational landscape of the Antelope Valley. With an impressive tenure of 29 years, Ms. Williams currently serves as the Deputy Superintendent for the Antelope Valley Union High School District, where her leadership and vision have significantly contributed to the growth and success of its students and educators alike.

Beyond her administrative achievements, Ms. Williams extends her expertise to the next generation of educators as an adjunct instructor in the special education teacher credentialing program at California State University, Bakersfield. Her contributions to the field of education are not only practical but also academic; she has enriched the educational literature by co-authoring articles for esteemed publications such as “Principal Leadership” and the “Council for Exceptional Children” magazines.

Ms. Williams's commitment to her community transcends her professional endeavors. She is deeply involved in mentoring young girls, embodying the role of a guiding light and inspiration for the youth. Her service extends to volunteering at her local church and dedicating her time and energy to the “Special Olympics,” showcasing her unwavering dedication to uplifting and supporting those around her.

In 2018, Ms. Williams's profound impact on education and her community was recognized and honored by the California Association of African-American Superintendents and Administrators, a testament to her dedication and devotion to fostering excellence in education.

When not shaping the future of education or serving her community, Ms. Williams cherishes spending quality time with her family, traveling, gardening, and immersing herself in the excitement of professional sporting events. Her multifaceted contributions and passions underscore her role as a pivotal figure in education and an exemplar of service and leadership in the Antelope Valley.

Jamira Alford

Meet Jamira Alford, a dynamic 11th-grade student whose gaze is firmly fixed on the stars. At just 16, Jamira has already charted a course for a future in aerospace engineering and astrophysics, driven by an insatiable curiosity for the universe and its endless possibilities for discovery. It's the thrill of uncovering new knowledge in a field that is ever-evolving and boundless that propels her forward.
 
Jamira's journey into the realms of physics and engineering was sparked in 9th grade, thanks to an influential physics teacher who saw potential in her curiosity and passion. This pivotal moment transformed her from aspiring to be the first doctor in her family to pioneering her path as the first engineer, delving into the complexities of heliophysics and beyond. Her teacher's mentorship and the visit from a former student opened Jamira's eyes to the vast opportunities in aerospace engineering and astrophysics, setting her on a trajectory towards exploring the outer limits of our knowledge.
 
Her commitment to STEM extends beyond her personal aspirations; Jamira is a co-founder of a non-profit organization aimed at inspiring high school girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. This initiative reflects her passion for breaking barriers and fostering a community where young women are encouraged to excel in science and technology. Additionally, Jamira has contributed to an invention that is now patent pending, a testament to her ingenuity and dedication. This project, supported by a grant from MIT, showcases her ability to innovate and solve real-world problems.
 
Looking ahead, Jamira's ambitions soar as high as the stars she wishes to study. She dreams of joining NASA, where she aims to contribute to the exploration of new planets and the sustainability of our own. Simultaneously, she envisions sharing her passion and knowledge as a university professor, shaping the minds of future scientists and engineers. Jamira Alford is not just preparing for a career; she is gearing up to be a trailblazer for the next generation of African American women in science, eager to leave a lasting impact on the world and inspire others to follow in her footsteps.

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