Voices for African American Students

About Us

Overview

Core Beliefs/Core Values:

Mission/Goals:

Voices for African American Students, Inc. (VASS)

Overview

Voices for African American Students, Inc, (VAAS) is a nonprofit public benefit corporation and is not organized for private gain of any person. This Corporation organized under the Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Law for charitable purposes. The focus is upon charitable, sci

Voices for African American Students, Inc. (VASS)

Overview

It is dedicated to charitable and educational purposes.

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Mission/Goals:

Core Beliefs/Core Values:

Mission/Goals:

MISSION/GOALS:

Support African American students in public education and advocate for their progress in academic achievement
Advocate for the need to promote Financial Literacy classes as a part of academia
Partner with and support programs which focus upon the academic needs of African American Students and Parents
Promote the

MISSION/GOALS:

Support African American students in public education and advocate for their progress in academic achievement
Advocate for the need to promote Financial Literacy classes as a part of academia
Partner with and support programs which focus upon the academic needs of African American Students and Parents
Promote the creation of an educational environment in which belief systems and practices lead to high levels of student achievement
Ensure increased accountability and equitable policies and legislation for Blacks

· Identify and support successful models of education Recognize, support, and celebrate individuals and systems that promote academic achievement for African American students.

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Core Beliefs/Core Values:

CORE BELIEFS:

The very best education for African American students is accomplished when they are exposed to or have access to a rigorous research-based, data-driven academic instruction.
Teacher preparation and professional development programs must prepare teachers to implement research-based, standardized core

CORE BELIEFS:

The very best education for African American students is accomplished when they are exposed to or have access to a rigorous research-based, data-driven academic instruction.
Teacher preparation and professional development programs must prepare teachers to implement research-based, standardized core curriculum that effectively address the needs of all students.
Every teacher must be part of a professional learning community in which data and academic content standards inform instructional practice.
There are other social and health issues which some African American students need assistance to be academically successful.
Life skills which can be successfully learned through partnerships with other organizations and partnerships

CORE VALUES:

· Academic achievement is essential to developing students’ self-confidence, self-motivation independence, and self-worth.

· Learning to manage finances is an essential skill to becoming financially literate and wealthy.

· Money management skills helps one to develop self-assurance and self-confidence, self-reliance, create worth

· In the appropriate learning environment, students learn valuable lessons of how to develop good social and behavioral skills, sound work ethics and gaining a sense of personal achievement.

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OFFICERS

Gwenette J. Parker, Ed.D

Gwenette J. Parker, Ed.D. is a retired Educator of Los Angeles Unified School District. At Voices for African American Students, we envision a world where every individual has access to basic necessities and the opportunity to live a fulfilling

life. We strive to create a community where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential.
Gwenette Parker, Ed.D. has worked extensively in public and private education for over 40 years. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and Master degrees from the University of Southern California and Laverne University plus a Doctorate of Education from Pepperdine University. Her experience as an educator included Classroom teacher, Local School Education Advisor, Los Angeles Unified School District, Early Education Advisor, Curriculum Developer and College professor.

Dr. Parker has held other administrative duties in leadership either as a director, coordinator, or president.

Linda James, M.D.

Gwenette J. Parker, Ed.D

Dr. Linda James MD has been a Family Practice Physician since 2005. She enjoys working with the entire family and Wound Care as a sub- specialty since 2017. Her interests are in traveling to exotic places with family and friends to Africa on safari, India for spicy Southern Dishes and Thailand for exploration of the many temples. Dr. James is focused on Community service and advocacy. She volunteers with Voices for African American Students for the improvement of our Public Education System. Dr. James attended public high school In New York City. Dr. James is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, San Fernando Alumnae Chapter of the Greater Los Angeles Area.

Helen White

Gwenette J. Parker, Ed.D

Norma Baker, Ed.D

Helen White completed her higher education at San Diego State University. Her Bachelors of Arts is in Physical Education with a minor in African American Studies , She has an Associate Degree in Theology from Shadow Mountain Southern California Seminary School of Theology. Helen is an avid volunteer, Some of her community service has been with the San Diego Food Bank, San Diego Black Infant Health, March of Dimes and Community Missionary Baptist Church Food Bank. She is a recipient of the Community Service award, Chaplin of her Region Sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Norma Baker, Ed.D

Norma Baker Ed.D. retired Educator and Founder of Voices for African American Students. She has been advocating on behalf of African American Students since 2005. Voices for African American Students has had a significant impact on our community. We have provided food, shelter, and other basic necessities to thousands of individuals in need, and we have helped countless others gain the skills and resources they need to improve their lives.
Norma Baker, Ed.D. received her BS from Memphis State University, Masters of Education from Memphis State University, Masters of Business Administration from California state University and a Doctorate of Education in Education Leadership from University of LaVerne. Her experience in the field of education has included Coordinator LAUSD of Reading and Math programs of Principal, Adjunct Assistant Professor and associate Professor at National University and Chapman University. Some of her other professional activities 15 years in the private sector. She is an active member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated.

Renee Rawles

Norma Baker, Ed.D

Renee Rawles

Rene Rawles presently works for Los Angeles Unified School District as an Administrative Coordinator of Instruction for African American Students Achievement. She received her degree in education at the University of California State, Domingues. Her other jobs have included classroom teacher, Reading Coordinator, and Elementary School Principal. She is an ordained Minister and a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Since our founding in 2005, Voices for African American Students has had a significant impact on our community. We have provided food, shelter, and other basic necessities to thousands of individuals in need, and we have helped countless others gain the skills and resources they need to improve their lives.