Atlanta Reimagining & Innovating for Schools Everywhere (A.R.I.S.E.) is a nine-month fellowship that aims to grow community power and influence by exploring the levers that drive systemic change for all of Atlanta’s children. Through this fellowship, participants will learn about the history of the Atlanta Public Schools (APS) district, explore student achievement trends and identify opportunities to partner with communities to grant funds towards community-driven solutions. Ultimately, graduates of this program will be able to clearly articulate their commitment, goals and role in advocating for positive change in K-12 public education.
The A.R.I.S.E. fellowship was co-designed in collaboration with EdConnect, TeachX, Father’s Incorporated, Goodie Nation and Next Generation Men and Women.
In March 2022, we launched the Atlanta Reimagining and Innovating for Schools Everywhere (A.R.I.S.E.) Fellowship. Fellows were selected from each of Atlanta Public Schools’ nine Clusters and engaged in a nine-month fellowship designed to grow informed and active public education advocates.
Congratulations to the inaugural A.R.I.S.E. alums and the nine grantee organizations: Close Ties Program, National Black Arts Festival and RE:IMAGINE ATL.
Latisha Blackburn is a highly qualified educator and advocate for educational equity. Participant of Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Institute of Urban School Leaders, New Leaders Aspiring Principals Fellows and former Atlanta Public Schools Semi-Finalist for District Wide Teacher of the Year, Blackburn is dedicated to the fight for educational equity, which is evident through her transition into the field of education by way of Teach for America. In addition as a former participant in Leadership for Educational Equity, she served as a member of the One Network for Education (O.N.E.) Atlanta, Regional Strategy Team and previously worked with turnaround school organization, Purpose Built Schools Atlanta. Always intentional and action oriented, she understands that statistics are not absolute and is committed to being the voice for students, parents and teachers.
East Atlanta made her and Dekalb County raised her … DeAndrea Byrd is a mom, community advocate, and entrepreneur.
While her most proud accomplishment is being a mom to Zaire, Zaria, and Zuri Byrd, she is a successful business owner. DeAndrea helped other parents advocate for their children with disabilities and in student discipline areas.
DeAndrea has taught special education fellowships for Atlanta Parents and lobbied with other parents in Washington DC for parent’s rights and children’s educational rights.
Brandon is a human services practitioner who was born and raised in one of the smallest cities of Georgia, known as Marshallville. Coming from a population of 800 people, Brandon is proud to be actively serving a community of millions. Brandon is pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a specialization in Human Services. Brandon is the founder and CEO of Skrews4Life, a human services organization that specializes in training individuals to become comfortable with being uncomfortable to close the gap between their entire life and their desired life. From working with public schools and charter schools to colleges and non-profit organizations, Brandon’s background is unique and distinct. His passion for advocacy is deeply rooted in being the change in the community that he wants to see. Brandon is proud to continue his work of advocacy with GeorgiaCAN as the First Male Parent Fellow, aiming to increase education advocacy in Cobb County and state wide male engagement. Brandon is actively involved in the redefinED ARISE fellowship, and as the only male in his cohort he is looking forward to improving upon male engagement in the advocacy and education spaces to better serve the parents and children in the communities of Atlanta.
Ty'Sheka is a native of Augusta, GA, who has dedicated her time and efforts to the Greater Atlanta area. Education holds great significance for her, as she is a proud graduate of The University of Alabama. Her academic path has led her to pursue a Doctorate of Philosophy in Developmental Psychology. Alongside her professional career, Ty'Sheka is also working on her dissertation, focusing on a topic within the field of developmental psychology.
Ty'Sheka's professional background reflects her dedication to education and community service. She brings extensive experience from her work with charter schools and non-profit organizations. Ty'Sheka has been an active participant in the redefinED Atlanta ARISE fellowship, and she looks forward to continuing her advocacy and relationship-building efforts to support the community and children in Atlanta.
Bio Coming Soon!
Vernetta Nuriddin is a dedicated advocate who promotes civic literacy and parental involvement throughout her community. She has spearheaded initiatives for Georgia PTA, the League of Women Voters of Georgia and KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools. She also served as Vice Chair for the Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections. She facilitates unbiased public forums and town hall meetings for parent groups, community and civic organizations on public policy issues impacting families and public schools. She has worked in the legal, financial and software industries and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of Georgia and a Master's Degree in Information Technology from American Inter-Continental University. Along with being a full-time homemaker and family manager, she works as the Regional Family Engagement Specialist for KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools. Vernetta is a native of Atlanta where she lives with her husband, Ahmad Nuriddin, M.D. and their three children Akira-KIPP Atlanta Collegiate HS CO2015, Adam-Atlanta Classical Academy CO2020 and Amin Woodward Academy CO2024.
Keiana Raven is a passionate and dedicated education professional from the vibrant city of Atlanta, Georgia. Her unwavering commitment to fostering family engagement and promoting student success has defined her career and continues to drive her forward. Currently, Keiana is pursuing a Doctor of Education in Curriculum & Instruction with a focus on Educational Psychology from Liberty University, building on her Master of Public Health from Mercer University and her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Spelman College.
Keiana is a proud alumna of Carver High School, a foundation that ignited her passion for education and community service. Beyond her professional achievements, Keiana is a loving mother of two beautiful children, Joshua and Layla, who are also students within the Atlanta Public School district. She inspires and nurtures them every day, fostering their curiosity and growth. An adventurer at heart, Keiana finds joy in exploring new cultures and embracing the beauty of diversity. Her zest for life and open-hearted approach infuse everything she does, driving her to make a meaningful impact on the world.
Keiana's entrepreneurial spirit shines through in her founding of The Pursuit of Success and Joshua’s Closet International. As a former teenage mother, Keiana's personal journey inspired her to establish Joshua’s Closet International, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting adolescent parents. Her testimony of overcoming challenges and achieving success through education reflects her deep belief in the transformative power of education and her commitment to empowering others facing similar struggles. As an A.R.I.S.E. Fellow with redefinED, Keiana is at the forefront of innovative educational practices, advocating for equity and excellence in education.
Keiana Raven is more than an educator; she is a visionary leader and advocate for positive change. Her journey reflects a profound commitment to enhancing educational experiences and outcomes for all students, and her work continues to inspire those around her.
Join our growing collective of parents, educators, community leaders, and philanthropists invested in Atlanta public school education. Together, we will transform this city into a place where every student in every community has access to a great K-12 public education.
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