15^th - 16^th
April

In August 2024, Leah Barton was appointed Interim Executive Director for Harris County Public Health (HCPH) – the nationally accredited public health agency for the nation’s third-largest county serving 4.8 million people.

Leah comes to the Department with a vision of building a more dynamic, vibrant, and resilient community, committed to improving public health outcomes and transparency. Prior to her appointment, she served as Deputy County Administrator in the Office of County Administration (OCA). In this role, she was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of OCA, driving strategic initiatives, and ensuring efficient collaboration within OCA and between OCA and other County departments and offices. Within OCA, Leah previously served as Managing Director of the Grants and Partnerships Division, overseeing the administration of $1B of COVID recovery funds made available through the American Rescue Plan Act. She also incubated cross-departmental functions including the Office of Early Childhood and homelessness response strategies.

Leah's distinguished career spans nearly 20 years in the energy sector, serving in commercial, IT, finance, marketing, and operations leadership roles at Centrica plc/Direct Energy, MXenergy, Shell Chemical LP, and Nuvera Fuel Cells. Collectively her achievements include leading divisional turnarounds, driving growth, and establishing effective performance management systems. Leah began her career as a US Peace Corps volunteer in Tanzania and speaks Spanish and Swahili.

Leah's commitment to community leadership is exemplified by her active involvement in various organizations and recognition as a "Woman Who Means Business in Energy" by the Houston Business Journal. She currently serves as Director of St. Paul’s United Methodist Foundation, as Advisory Board Member for ProUnitas, and is an American Leadership Forum Senior Fellow. She previously served as a Board Member of Child Advocates and Advisory Board Member of the UH Institute for Research on Women, Gender, and Sexuality. As part of her commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace environment, Leah sponsored the LGBTQ+ employee resource group at Direct Energy. She was the founding board chair of EMERGE, a college access organization now serving thousands of students and graduates across the Houston region.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Yale, a Master of Business Administration from the Wharton School, and a Master of Arts in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania.

Judge Lina Hidalgo is the head of Harris County’s governing body. She is the first woman to be elected County Judge and only the second to be elected to the Commissioners Court.

Harris County is the third largest county in our nation. Its population of more than 4.5 million rivals that of the entire state of Colorado. The Harris County Judge and four County Commissioners oversee a $4.3 billion budget that helps fund key county services and institutions.

The County Judge is the presiding officer on the Commissioners Court. As the main governing body of Harris County, the Commissioners Court plays a critical role that is part administrative, part legislative, and part judicial. Its many responsibilities include adopting a budget; setting tax rates; calling for bond elections; building and maintaining county infrastructure such as roads and bridges; and overseeing county courthouses, jails, libraries, parks, and the Harris County Flood Control District.

By state law, the County Judge is also the county’s director of emergency management, leading the Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM). In addition to her formal duties, Judge Hidalgo plays an important advocacy role for the County.

Judge Hidalgo believes that our region will remain competitive only through proactive and creative leadership on issues like flood control, transportation, criminal justice reform, and education. She is committed to ensuring that Harris County government is transparent, accessible, and accountable to every resident. She wants Harris County to be a place where everyone can attain the American Dream.

Judge Hidalgo’s leadership has been recognized through numerous awards and national honors. She received the prestigious John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award for her swift response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and was recognized with the Jack Brooks Foundation Leadership Award for her work to protect voting rights and access to the ballot box. Judge Hidalgo has also been named to the TIME Magazine 100 Next list as well as Forbes 30 Under 30.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis was born and raised in Houston’s Sunnyside neighborhood.

The proud son of a yardman and a maid, Ellis attended Texas public schools from grade school through law school. He holds a bachelor's degree from Texas Southern University, a master's degree from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, and a law degree from the University Of Texas School Of Law.

As Commissioner of Harris County Precinct One, Ellis has played a critical role on the Court by securing misdemeanor bail reform, flood equity guidelines, stronger worker protections and economic opportunity provisions, funding for indigent defense and COVID-19 recovery funding, including direct relief for residents, small businesses, emergency rental assistance, shelters for those experiencing homelessness, as well as other innovative programs, including providing computers to low-income students, among other achievements.

Before serving as a County Commissioner, Ellis was elected to Houston City Council and served three terms before being elected to the Texas Senate in 1990. For 26 years, he represented Texas' 13th state senate district and he passed over 700 pieces of legislation. On November 8, 2016, Ellis was elected county commissioner and sworn into office on January 1, 2017. 

As County Commissioner, Ellis prioritizes inclusive economic growth that uplifts low income communities, ensures access to parks and green-space in under-served neighborhoods, advances criminal justice reform that protects the rights of all people, and provides safe, affordable transportation options. Following Hurricane Harvey, Ellis successfully advocated for equitable investment in flood control infrastructure and disaster recovery in vulnerable communities through a $2.5B bond approved by voters in 2018.

He is an avid art collector and cycling enthusiast. Commissioner Ellis is married to Licia Green-Ellis and has four children.

Lauren McDonald serves as the Founder and Board President of Dawn’s Arrival Pregnancy Support. This growing non-profit serves pregnant and postpartum women in Houston, Texas through providing services, supplies, and scholarships. As a Houston native, Lauren has earned a Master of Public Health in Community Health Practice from UTHealth Houston School of Public Health and a Bachelor of Science in Health Education from the University of Houston. Lauren has extensive professional experience in project management, providing oversight for evidence-based interventions, and teaching curriculums to adults and youth. In addition to serving as a maternal health researcher, she has co-authored multiple publications on workplace wellness and cancer prevention.

Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones is a proud Latina and native Texan who grew up on the U.S.-Mexico border. Raised by her parents — both dedicated teachers— she learned the values of education, hard work, and community service at an early age. As the first woman to lead Precinct 4 and the first mother elected in her own right to the Harris County Commissioners Court, Commissioner Briones carries these values forward in her service to the people of one of the most dynamic and diverse regions in the country.   

As Commissioner, she is responsible for providing essential county services to Precinct 4, an area that is home to over 1.2 million residents — more than the population of eight U.S. states. As a member of Commissioners Court, she plays a critical role in overseeing $5 billion in taxpayer funds to deliver improvements in law enforcement and public safety, infrastructure, flood mitigation, disaster readiness, health care, economic opportunity, and other priorities that directly affect the lives of Harris County residents.  

Commissioner Briones’ career is built on a long history of service. After graduating with honors from Harvard University, she returned to her hometown of Laredo to teach middle and high school students in underserved communities. She then attended Yale Law School, where between her studies she provided pro bono legal support to survivors of domestic abuse and counseled juvenile offenders. After moving to Houston, she practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and later worked as General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer of the Laura & John Arnold Foundation. Briones then served as judge of Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 4, earning the highest ratings in the 2019 and 2020 Houston Bar Association Judicial Polls.  

During her term as County Commissioner, Briones has championed initiatives to make Harris County safer and more resilient. She led the successful effort to add six new criminal district courts, expanded the Sheriff's Office Violent Persons Warrants Task Force and TeleDeputy programs to prioritize apprehending violent offenders and reduce call wait times, and increased resources to combat domestic violence. She secured significant investments for flood mitigation projects and strengthened the precinct's ability to respond to disasters, reduce flood risks, and connect communities to resources.  

Her signature initiative, Call for Projects: Places 4 People, has leveraged partnerships to secure $220 million in shared investment for 52 transformative infrastructure projects in just two years. She has championed working families by investing over $17 million dollars to create good-paying union jobs, increasing the property tax exemption for 65+ homeowners, and installing lactation pods in county facilities. She allocated $6 million to the Reproductive Health Care Access Fund to support women’s health and spearheaded the creation of the county’s first LGBTQIA+ Commission. Through strategic board appointments, community town halls and signature events, she continues to empower residents to have a direct voice in the political process.  

Commissioner Briones’ leadership has earned widespread recognition. In 2023, she was named one of Houston Woman Magazine’s 50 Most Influential Women, received the Trailblazer of the Year Award from the Hispanic Bar Association, and earned the Eleanor Tinsley Ally of the Year Award from the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus. In 2024, she was honored with the Women of Influence Award from the National Council of Jewish Women, named Pride Houston’s Ally Grand Marshal, and received the Houston Bar Association President’s Award for Outstanding Service.  

Commissioner Briones and her husband, Adán, live in Houston with their three daughters and worship at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.

Dr. Jeffery M. Johnson is the President and CEO of the National Partnership for Community Leadership (NPCL). The NPCL focuses on enhancing public and private agencies' service capacity by empowering low-income parents and youth through innovative training techniques, practical program management tools, and evidence-based practices. 

In his role, Dr. Johnson has led significant social welfare research projects related to low-income men and fathers. Under his guidance, NPCL has organized an annual international fatherhood conference since 1997, attracting policymakers, family practitioners, and parents worldwide. 

Dr. Johnson is involved in various initiatives, including serving as the visionary and national planning committee chair for the 100th anniversary of Father's Day. He has also presided over the National Youth Development Practitioners' Institute for the Department of Labor's Youth Opportunities Unlimited Program. He is the Dean of the Fatherhood and Co-Parenting Learning Academies for the Healthy Start Technical Assistance and Support Center. 

Dr. Johnson's work has focused on addressing the challenges faced by low-income men and their families. He is a prolific author, having written numerous curricula, articles, and publications, including two recent books, "Your Journey to Co-Parenting" and "Cornerstones of Responsible Fatherhood." Additionally, his advocacy played a crucial role in the passage of the first national fatherhood legislation in Congress, known as The Father's Count Bill, in 1999, which laid the groundwork for the initial federal funding of fatherhood programs. 

Beyond his professional commitments, Dr. Johnson has demonstrated extensive civic involvement and has received numerous service awards, including several for lifetime achievement. He also serves as the Montgomery County, Maryland Community Action Board Chair and President of the Men's Fellowship Ministry at the People's Community Baptist Church in Silver Spring, MD. 

Dr. Johnson's educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Secondary School Administration and Urban Education from the University of Michigan. He is married and has four children and three grandchildren. 

Joel Austin is the Founder, and Chief Executive Officer of Daddy University Inc., as well as the Executive Director of The School of Parent Education, a 501(c)(3) organization. Additionally, he is a Certified Postpartum Doula. In these capacities, he serves as a compelling force in advancing positive parenting and male engagement within families and communities. Fueled by his experience as a father of four, Mr. Austin is deeply committed to educating individuals about the significance of fatherhood. Under his guidance, Daddy University Inc. has emerged as a respected authority on fatherhood information, support, advocacy and training. As a national speaker and skilled facilitator, Mr. Austin addresses audiences nationwide, infusing his presentations with passion and empowering individuals and groups to make positive impacts in the lives of others.
 

Among his achievements, Mr. Austin is the founder of the Tri-State Daddy Daughter Dance, which, now in its eleventh year, has become a transformative tradition for young women everywhere. Furthermore, as the program developer for the Fathers Club™, Mr. Austin oversees a bi-weekly fatherhood training program in Philadelphia. Evolving with the times, the program now offers virtual sessions for fathers nationwide and provides training opportunities for agencies and facilitators seeking to establish Fathers Clubs in diverse communities. 

Excelling in serving fathers from all backgrounds, ages, and stages, Mr. Austin's latest initiatives include the Doulos 4 Dads program, which provides training and certification to over 10 male doulas offering maternal and paternal care to new parents. Additionally, he spearheads the Delta Alpha Delta Fraternity, aimed at bridging the gap between fatherhood and brotherhood. Through a commitment to supporting each other, the community, and mentorship, the fraternity endeavors to strengthen bonds and foster positive relationships among its members.
 
 In his unwavering dedication to promoting engaging parenting and fatherhood, Joel Austin continues to pioneer impactful change within families and communities. With innovative initiatives like Doulas 4 Dads and the Delta Alpha Delta fraternity, he embodies a steadfast commitment to nurturing healthier family dynamics and fostering inclusive support networks.

Kenn Harris is a Senior Consultant at the National Partnership for Community Leadership. He is the immediate past Executive Project Director and Engagement Lead at the National Institute for Children's Health Quality (NICHQ) in Boston, MA. Currently, he serves as the Project Director for the Maternal Child Health Bureau's Supporting Healthy Start Performance Project (SHSPP), overseeing the Technical Assistance and Support Center for the 101 federal Healthy Start programs across the country. His previous role was as Vice President for Community Engagement, Director, and Principal Investigator of the New Haven Healthy Start program at The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven in CT. Kenn has over 30 years of professional experience in maternal and child health (MCH) and public health. Before his time in Connecticut, Kenn worked with the Boston Healthy Start Initiative, one of the original Healthy Start projects. He played a key role in establishing and maintaining the Community Consortium and helped create the Father-Friendly Initiative. While in Boston, he also served on the "For Fathering Advisory Council" at the Medical Foundation, focusing on supporting responsible fatherhood in fragile families. Kenn is a past president of the National Healthy Start Association and helped establish the Association's Dads Matter Initiative: Where Dads Matter in Washington, DC. He co-created the Core Adaptive Model for Fatherhood (CAM©), an evidence-informed model for fatherhood and male involvement programs. Currently, he is working on developing an evidence-based home-visiting program for men and fathers, building on lessons learned from the CAM model and two decades of experience in fatherhood program implementation. Kenn is a national expert in maternal and child health, public health, fatherhood, male involvement, and community engagement. He contributed to "My Brother's Keeper," President Obama's initiative to improve the health of boys and men of color. He also has expertise in addressing the impact of racism on health outcomes, health equity, and men's health in the context of mass incarceration. Additionally, Kenn co-authored an article titled "The Health of Young African American Men," published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 2015. He continues to research Black men's health, focusing on integrating health services into programs aimed at men and fathers.

Jamail Johnson is a dynamic community leader, serving as an Educator, Author, and Success Coach. As the National Executive Director of the African American Male Wellness Agency, he dedicates himself to reducing health disparities affecting African American men and their families, emphasizing the need to close the health divide, across the country. He also heads Increase ME (Momentum Effectively), providing practical leadership insights to entrepreneurs and leaders and passionately serves as the Lead Pastor of The WORD Church, in Houston, TX.

His impact stretches across educational realms, business sectors, and community initiatives, where he imparts both knowledge and spiritual guidance, fostering development and growth in diverse settings. Jamail’s involvement extends to being a liaison for groups like The Greater Houston Frontiers Club, 100 Black Men Of Metropolitan Houston, Police and Clergy Alliance, and Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston, and he holds board positions with the Acres Homes Chamber of Commerce and One Body Networking. These roles underline his commitment to educational transformation, social empowerment, and robust community support.

Educationally, Jamail studied Business Administration at Texas Southern University and holds a Bachelor of Theology from Pentefaith Biblical Institute, plus an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Kingdom Training Circuit Institute. His efforts have garnered him notable recognitions, including a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joe Biden, a Congressional Commendation from Congresswoman Shelia Jackson-Lee, and a proclamation of "Jamail Johnson Day" on March 17th by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.

With over twenty years in pastoral and community activism, Jamail has become a significant voice for change, affecting multiple generations and cultures. His personal life reflects his values deeply; he cherishes his family, particularly his wife, Natasha, and their two sons, JayeLon and Adonis, who inspire his dedication to bettering his community and personal life.

In August 2024, Leah Barton was appointed Interim Executive Director for Harris County Public Health (HCPH) – the nationally accredited public health agency for the nation’s third-largest county serving 4.8 million people.

Leah comes to the Department with a vision of building a more dynamic, vibrant, and resilient community, committed to improving public health outcomes and transparency. Prior to her appointment, she served as Deputy County Administrator in the Office of County Administration (OCA). In this role, she was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of OCA, driving strategic initiatives, and ensuring efficient collaboration within OCA and between OCA and other County departments and offices. Within OCA, Leah previously served as Managing Director of the Grants and Partnerships Division, overseeing the administration of $1B of COVID recovery funds made available through the American Rescue Plan Act. She also incubated cross-departmental functions including the Office of Early Childhood and homelessness response strategies.

Leah's distinguished career spans nearly 20 years in the energy sector, serving in commercial, IT, finance, marketing, and operations leadership roles at Centrica plc/Direct Energy, MXenergy, Shell Chemical LP, and Nuvera Fuel Cells. Collectively her achievements include leading divisional turnarounds, driving growth, and establishing effective performance management systems. Leah began her career as a US Peace Corps volunteer in Tanzania and speaks Spanish and Swahili.

Leah's commitment to community leadership is exemplified by her active involvement in various organizations and recognition as a "Woman Who Means Business in Energy" by the Houston Business Journal. She currently serves as Director of St. Paul’s United Methodist Foundation, as Advisory Board Member for ProUnitas, and is an American Leadership Forum Senior Fellow. She previously served as a Board Member of Child Advocates and Advisory Board Member of the UH Institute for Research on Women, Gender, and Sexuality. As part of her commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace environment, Leah sponsored the LGBTQ+ employee resource group at Direct Energy. She was the founding board chair of EMERGE, a college access organization now serving thousands of students and graduates across the Houston region.

She earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Yale, a Master of Business Administration from the Wharton School, and a Master of Arts in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania.

A Louisiana native, Dr. Joy has called the Houston area home for nearly two decades. 

After matriculating in her home state (McNeese State and LSU), she earned her Doctor of 

Philosophy in Social Work from The University of Houston’s Graduate College of Social Work 

in 2014. She has over 20 years of experience in healthcare, community engagement, 

leadership and staff development. 

Her current work with Inside Edge Consulting Group allows her to partner with national 

clients, engage communities and provide clinical research education to underrepresented 

populations. 

Dr. Malbrough is a servant leader and has a passion for developing successful teams, 

mentoring new professionals, community engagement and advocacy. These passions are 

demonstrated, in part, by the following: 

★ Founder and Principal Facilitator of Martin Newman Smith Consulting (Health Equity 

Strategies & Solutions) 

★ Charter Member and current Chapter President of the Houston Metropolitan Chapter 

of The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Incorporated (NCBW) 

★ Member of NCBW’s National Health Committee 

★ Member of the Collective Impact Planning Committee and Task Force- March of 

Dimes, Houston/Harris County. 

★ Board Member, African American Health Coalition 

★ Diamond Life Member, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated (Houston 

Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter) 

★ Incoming Board Member, The Center for the Healing of Racism  

Dr. Malbrough serves on the Community Advisory Board for SPACE-BP with the African American Male Wellness Agency and is also a member of the Houston Area Urban League Guild and past President of the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work Alumni Association Board of Directors.  

She is an avid baseball fan and most importantly, she is the proud dog mom to her loving rescue. 

Dr. Jay Barnett, an acclaimed author, dynamic speaker, and leading authority on mental health, is driving transformative change in the mental health landscape. Through impactful storytelling, innovative strategies, and insightful teachings, Dr. Barnett enlightens and inspires audiences nationwide.

Committed to equitable access to mental health resources, he places a special focus on underserved communities and youth development. A former professional football player, Dr. Barnett integrates the principles of athletic discipline into his clinical work, fostering a winning mindset and empowering others to thrive.

A progressive and devoted leader with tremendous experience in performance improvement activities resulting in positive maternal child nurse/patient relationship and manager/employee productivity. Proven track record managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. An advocate nonprofit leader with strategic vision to improve the overall life of the community. 

Dr. Allison Bates is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor, nonprofit leader, and maternal mental health advocate with over a decade of experience supporting pregnant and postpartum mothers. As the founder and executive director of The ALLICE Collective for Mental Health & Community Engagement, established in 2021, she has positively impacted numerous mothers and families through culturally relevant mental health services, including support groups, parenting classes, and wellness programs. Under Dr. Bates' leadership, The ALLICE Collective has become a trusted resource in Black communities, breaking down barriers to care and building stronger social networks. Dr. Bates' commitment to maternal mental health stems from both lived experience and deep understanding. She has endured the loss of a child and witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of loss on those closest to her. Her own upbringing, watching her mother and grandmother navigate single parenthood with remarkable resilience, showed her the power of community support. These experiences haven't just shaped her work – they've fueled her mission to create systems of care and support for mothers and families in need. Her personal connection drives her passion and unwavering dedication to ensuring that no mother feels unsupported or alone. A dedicated community partner in Harris County, Dr. Bates collaborates with programs like Harris County Public Health's maternal mental health initiative, The DePelchin Children's Center DADS program, and Family Scholar House to expand access to care and fortify local support systems. Her work continues to inspire meaningful change in how maternal mental health is addressed locally and beyond. Driven by her commitment to breaking the cycles of isolation that affect maternal well-being, Dr. Bates continues to build bridges between advocates, clinicians, and community leaders in her mission to foster inclusive, compassionate, and truly connected communities.

Mrs. Onyi Oriji-Dor is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and Clinical Supervisor with 10 years of experience in the mental health field. Onyi is the founder and Clinical Director of her Group private practice, Mérité Counseling and Consulting Services. She also serves as the Clinical Behavioral Health Associate Director at MyCHN (Community Health Network), the largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Texas. MyCHN operates 14 clinics across Brazoria, Galveston, and Harris Counties, offering a wide range of healthcare services, including therapy, psychiatry, primary care, pharmacy, dental care, and specialty services such as OBGYN, pediatrics, and oncology.

With a special focus on motherhood and family dynamics, Onyi is particularly passionate about supporting mothers at every phase of their journey. Whether it’s navigating the early stages of motherhood, adjusting to parenthood, or managing the pressures of balancing family and personal growth, Onyi offers compassionate and informed guidance. Onyi’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to compassionate, culturally sensitive therapy in a safe and supportive environment. She is passionate about empowering mothers, parents, and individuals to navigate life’s challenges, cultivate healthier relationships, and achieve their fullest potential.

As a mother of two young children, ages 2 and 5, and a wife, Onyi’s own experiences in motherhood deeply inform her empathetic approach when helping other mothers and families. She understands the unique challenges and rewards that come with raising children and strives to create a nurturing space for mothers to explore their needs, build self-nurturing practices, and find fulfillment in their roles. Above all, Onyi is dedicated to helping her clients find their unique paths to healing, growth, and well-being. 

Charlee King MPH, MCH, CLC, CHW, DRPH(c), is a public health scientist, maternal health advocate, and published author specializing in maternal and child health disparities. With a robust background in public health research and human subject protection, Charlee’s work focuses on addressing structural inequities and healthcare disparities that disproportionately impact Black women. Her groundbreaking research on maternal health, published in a medical journal, delves into the root causes of racial disparities in maternal and child mortality and explores why Black women often face dismissed or ignored pain concerns in healthcare settings.

Charlee is the visionary founder of The Mommy Room lactation suites, which provide supportive spaces for breastfeeding mothers in workplace and academic environments. She also leads Mommy’s Sweet Treats and Company, a maternal health business offering lactation products and educational resources to empower mothers. Her first published book “Thanks for Telling me is a great comical guide for new mothers on what to expect after given birth.

An active alumna of Texas Southern University, Charlee has developed and conducted vision and hearing screenings and maternal health workshops, including creating the first Mommy Room lactation suite at her alma mater. During her doctoral candidacy, her dissertation investigates disparities in pain recognition between Black and White women in maternal healthcare.

With experience as a speaker, coach, and trainer, Charlee is passionate about educating and advocating for equity in maternal health care. Her mission is to inspire systemic change and ensure all women receive the respect, care, and support they deserve during their maternal journey.

Years ago, if you had asked Dr. Crystal Edwards what she aspired to be, she would have confidently said, “Oprah!” A proud alumna of Temple University’s Lew Klein School of Communications and Theatre, Dr. Edwards initially pursued a career in media, working with WRTI-Jazz 90 FM and WPVI (ABC-Channel 6). However, the unexpected passing of an English teacher brought her back to her roots in her beloved DMV area and ignited what would become her true calling: Her voice in education. Dr. Edwards has built an exemplary career, earning recognition as a Lindback Award-winning principal. Her roles have spanned secondary English teacher, middle school educator, curriculum specialist, GED teacher in correctional facilities, dean of students, assistant principal, principal, and mentor. She is also an accomplished author, with three books to her name, including her dissertation, Money, Power, Respect: Black Women Narrate Their Experiences in Educational Leadership Positions Within an Urban School District. Currently, she leads as a principal and facilitates the largest equity group within her school district, Black Women in Leadership Think Tank. Outside of her professional work, Dr. Edwards is the founder and president of Empowering Single Moms, Inc., an innovative non-profit dedicated to helping single mothers achieve self-sufficiency. Through educational programs, conflict resolution training, and support services, the organization uplifts single mothers, empowering them and improving the lives of their children and future generations. Dr. Edwards’s work with ESM, Inc. has garnered international, national, and local recognition, with features on major news outlets. She was honored as Kelly Clarkson’s “Rad Human of the Week,” and Gayle King has expressed admiration for her iconic glasses after a CBS Good Morning feature! Dr. Edwards is the wife of "Mr. Fantastic," mother to the "Fantastic Four," and proud grandmother to the "King of 1st Grade." She is also a lifelong member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Follow her on social media @CrystalSaidThat or connect via email at CME@CrystalMEdwards.com.