2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Citywide Council on High Schools
Brooklyn:
Candidate Mohammad Akram
DBN: 21K690
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant Currently serves as a member of the Community Education Council District 21, previously held
Background positions as First Vice-President and Vice President. He has been a part of CEC District 21 for over 6
years. While serving on the board, he was a Liaison Officer for 3 different schools and one of his most
notable accomplishments was, he aided a local elementary school obtain a gym for the first time in the
school's history. Furthermore, Mr. Akram had been a High School Admissions Ambassador, during
his service he helped thousands of parents with the admissions process and is fully aware of all
questions parents have in regards towards selecting a school. Furthermore, he is heavily involved in
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA), whereby through a program called CUNY
Citizenship Now, he assists parents of undocumented High School students obtain legal status for their
child. He has been a member of this program for more than 5 years and has a range of experience with
problems faced by certain High School. Conversely, he is going to take part in another initiative called
Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA), where the goal of the program is to provide legal
status to undocumented parents of New York City students.
Personal I would like to serve as a part of the Citywide Education Council because I am a parent of 3 children
Statement who are products of the New York City Public High School system. I am aware of problems faced by
many parents and students, not only in terms of school related issues but those outside of it as well.
The reason I feel I would be effective is because I am fluent in 5 languages: English, Urdu, Punjabi,
Sindhi and Hindi. Being fluent in these languages will allow me to reach out to parents and students of
different backgrounds. Furthermore, I have an immense amount of experience within the New York
City Public Schooling system so I am aware of various issues and questions faced by parents, students
and faculty.
Candidate Lakeisha Monique Bowers
DBN: 21K728
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I am the PTA president for Liberation High School I also am the CEO Founder of a NGO "Brighter
Background Stars Of The Future" I held a red carpet event in 2013 were I serviced over 200 children giving out
school supplies ,food and other activities News 12 was also there. I also had a Coat Drive along with a
Christmas Event in which every Event was a great Success. This year I am looking forward into creating
Jobs for our youth and other training courses.
Personal I love to work with the young adults I just believe all hope is not gone and if they can find someone
Statement they can trust a change can be made,
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2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Citywide Council on High Schools
Candidate Osariemen Michelle Elcock
DBN: 23k644
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I am very involved in my childrens education. I've worked with special needs children for five years as a
Background 1 to 1 paraprofessional. I have just completed the training for special education parent advocate which
taught me to help parents understand their childs IEP. I am also a parent volunteer at my sons school
and serve as the Title I Co-Chair Person.
Personal I believe that every parent should be involved in their child's education. It's important that as parents we
Statement gain all the knowledge we can in order to take advantage of all opportunities that can be offered to our
children. We need to learn how to support not only our own children but all those that need our help
within the community. I will try to be the voice of those that may not be able to speak loud enough to
be heard.
Candidate Ingrid Lizeth Estrada
DBN: 14K071
IEP: No
ELL No
14K071
No
No
14K380
No
No
Applicant I try to be involve in most of my children activities in school by supporting the principle, helping him
Background take students to different events related to school work, and athletics. I try to get kids involve in
different activities after school like the NYPD explorers program. I work for an ambulance company
that provides special transportation to children with special needs arrange by BOE. I also volunteered
for a church by giving Sunday school to children.
Personal
Statement
Candidate Rene Irene Jordan
DBN: 17K600
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant As a parent and advocate for education and community initiatives, I volunteered as a tutor to prepared
Background students for the NYS High School Regents and Common Core tests. Through my love of gardening, I
volunteered as a representative of NY Cares to revitalize the interior and exterior of one of the public
schools in the Bedford- Stuyvesant sections of Brooklyn. And to encourage reading, I volunteered with
NY Cares to revitalize the library of a public school in Queens, NY, and hand out new books to every
student of the school. At one point in my quest to transition from the financial industry into education I
passed the NYS Teacher's Certification Exam with a score of 295 / 300. And, completed my training in
NYS Mandated Reporter: School Violence Prevention Certification and NYS Mandated Reporter:
Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Maltreatment Certification while seeking employment as a
Sub-paraprofessional with District 75.
Personal As a parent and advocate for education it is my desire to see every child receive the best education
Statement possible and see the educational system use innovative ways to encourage learning and foster a love of
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2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Citywide Council on High Schools
education. As a member of the Education Council, I would like to play a role in fostering that love of
education by encouraging our future innovators and educators to come up with new and exciting ways
to draw in the attention of their peers. As a mother of a high school junior and step-mother to an
autistic son who graduated from the Special Education Program of Harry S. Truman H.S. I have
gained an understanding of what holds my children's attention. As a parent and advocate I would love
to see the educational system use that knowledge to lay the foundation of where our educational system
needs to move.
Candidate Skhy LoBianco-Boasi
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
DBN: 22K405
IEP: No
ELL No
22K405
No
No
I am a member of the Marine Park Civic Association to keep informed of any community-related
activity where I live. I have been a member of the Parents' Association during my child's elementary
and junior high school years. It was very rewarding to raise funds for the children and to meet other
parents. I am a volunteer Sunday School teacher on the weekends and love teaching/being with the
Early Childhood children. I am a member of the Youth Group at my church. We help keep teenagers
off the streets with fun filled activities during the month. These activities include, but aren't limited to,
gym night, movie night, ice skating, trips to amusement parks, soup night, etc. I also volunteer for the
Midwood high school girls track team bi-weekly to assist the coaches.
We must work as a community to provide all we can for our children so they can reach their greatest
potential. I consider myself a very resourceful person. I feel that with my years of experience in the
administrative area, I have been awarded the necessary tools and understanding of CCHS. With my
knowledge, I can help District 22 become a resourceful district for our community. I hope to be the
voice for those parents who are busy or are seldom heard.
Candidate Jane R. Marlowe
DBN: 13K430
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I have been engaged as a volunteer in NYC public high schools for most of the last six years. I am
Background currently serving as Chair of the College Information Committee for the Brooklyn Tech PTA . I work
closely with the Brooklyn Tech College Office and Office of Student-Parent Engagement to develop
programming to better inform all of our families about the process of preparing for and applying to
college. This includes running parent workshops and engaging families through social media.
Previously, I was PTA President and member of the SLT at The High School for Math, Science and
Engineering at City College, where I focused on community-building and family communication. In
addition, I volunteer at the East Harlem Tutorial Program, where I am mentoring an immigrant high
school student.
Personal As PTA President at HSMSE, I worked to expose our students to a wide spectrum of enrichment
Statement activities, particularly students from less advantaged backgrounds. I became passionate about
empowering those students and exposing them to broader opportunities, but I also realized that high
school students and young adults can’t achieve their potential if they haven’t been exposed to ideas, art,
culture, etc. at a younger age. Unfortunately, we are still a city of "haves and have nots." I would like to
see our high schools provide more opportunities in computer science, humanites and current events to
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2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Citywide Council on High Schools
all students, regardless of economic background, to help them succeed in college and future careers.
Candidate Nequan C. McLean
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
DBN: 16K262
IEP: Yes
ELL No
32K383
No
No
13K527
No
No
I have over eleven years of experience volunteering for non for profit organizations such as B.A.S.I.C
and one City Youth which served over 500 students. For the last four years I have volunteered at
P.S/I.S. 262 helping facilitate a father's group called Donuts for Dads. As a former employee of Family
Dynamics a Division of SCO Family of Services. I have helped create after school programs and
worked for preventive services to keep families together. I am the current Co-President for District 16
Presidents Council and the first Vice President for district 16 CEC.
I would like to continue serving on the CEC because I believe that I can continue make a difference. I
have been a public school parent for 11 years and have worked to get more fathers involved. With
experience as a facilitator for Donuts for Dads. I believe that with the knowledge I have learned serving
on the council for almost a year will further help me make this program district wide initiative to involve
more fathers in their child's education.
Candidate Elaine Cynthia Straker
DBN: 18K566
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant For most of my career I have been working with children in both private and public sectors of
Background education. During my son's middle school years, I served at his school as Chairperson of the SLT. I
formulated the by-laws, scheduled and presided over the meetings; interfaced with the Principal;
facilitated discussions and set agendas. Also actively participated in the parent/teacher association.
Personal I have been involbved with teaching and caring for children for many years and have also been playing
Statement an active role in the education of my son. I believe that our children in NYC public schools need to
receive quality education that is comparable to any other county or state. I would welcome an
opportunity to be a part of the Education Council and join with other parents in support of our
children and the educational policy makers.
Candidate Fritz Vilton
DBN: 22k193
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
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2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Citywide Council on High Schools
Candidate Janies Wilks
DBN: 22x405
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant Class mom who knows she has a lot to give educationally.
Background
Personal Every child should have the opportunity to advance and excel in whatever they do. I can make a
Statement difference in the life of a child with the skills I have. It is my passion to assist whoever I can to work
towards a better tomorrow.
Candidate Lailing Yu
DBN: 13K430
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I was a member of Community Education Council of school district 15 (CEC 15) from 2005 until
Background 2008.
Personal I believe that all students should receive equal and quality education with after-school programs
Statement provided to improve their academic progress.
Candidate Odeta Zheku
DBN: 20K445
20K445
21K281
21K281
IEP: No
No
No
No
ELL No
Yes
No
Yes
Applicant NA
Background
Personal
Statement
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2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Citywide Council on High Schools
Candidate Osariemen Michelle Elcock
DBN: 23k644
IEP:
ELL
Applicant I am very involved in my childrens education. I've worked with special needs children for five years as a
Background 1 to 1 paraprofessional. I have just completed the training for special education parent advocate which
taught me to help parents understand their childs IEP. I am also a parent volunteer at my sons school
and serve as the Title I Co-Chair Person.
Personal I believe that every parent should be involved in their child's education. It's important that as parents we
Statement gain all the knowledge we can in order to take advantage of all opportunities that can be offered to our
children. We need to learn how to support not only our own children but all those that need our help
within the community. I will try to be the voice of those that may not be able to speak loud enough to
be heard.
Candidate Geneva Davis
DBN: 19K764
IEP: Yes
ELL No
Applicant Currently involved in local PTA and have completed 2 years of student teaching assistantship. Has held
Background temporary positions within NYC public and charter schools for 3 consecutive years in an administrative
capacityPersonal
Statement
Candidate Skhy LoBianco-Boasi
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
DBN: 22K405
IEP: No
ELL No
22K405
No
No
I am a member of the Marine Park Civic Association to keep informed of any community-related
activity where I live. I have been a member of the Parents' Association during my child's elementary
and junior high school years. It was very rewarding to raise funds for the children and to meet other
parents. I am a volunteer Sunday School teacher on the weekends and love teaching/being with the
Early Childhood children. I am a member of the Youth Group at my church. We help keep teenagers
off the streets with fun filled activities during the month. These activities include, but aren't limited to,
gym night, movie night, ice skating, trips to amusement parks, soup night, etc. I also volunteer for the
Midwood high school girls track team bi-weekly to assist the coaches.
We must work as a community to provide all we can for our children so they can reach their greatest
potential. I consider myself a very resourceful person. I feel that with my years of experience in the
administrative area, I have been awarded the necessary tools and understanding of CCHS. With my
knowledge, I can help District 22 become a resourceful district for our community. I hope to be the
voice for those parents who are busy or are seldom heard.
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2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Citywide Council on High Schools
Candidate Sandra Denise Minter
DBN: 15K448
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I was a member of the Parent Leadership Council at Achievement First charter school in East New
Background York Brooklyn. I was a parent volunteer on school trips. Donated meals for school events.
Personal I am deeply committed to the education of our future generation. It is imperative that we guide them
Statement into becoming world changers and to make a difference. We must encourage them to leave a legacy
and a footprint significant to those who blazed the trail before us.
Candidate Deidre L Olivera Douglas
DBN: 15k684
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant Waverly School of Arts / PTA president SLT member(PTA president) Learning Leaders Member
Background District 15 CEC advisory committee 2009 CSA Parent Leadership Awardee 2009 Community Bd #16
member / Youth Committee Millennium Brooklyn 2nd Vice Chair 2013 Community Education
Council Awardee / District 15 2014 Cops and Youth National Night out Coordinator 73rd Pct
Certifications received: Parenting, Conflict resolution, At-Risk Youth Certification
Personal I am an active and involved parent of a public school child. I am truly dedicated to the advancement
Statement and progressive development of the Public School System, and believe that community and parental
input is a necessary component to bettering our children's education and lives.
Candidate Sandra Cordero
DBN: 15K592
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I have 18 years of experience in social services and healthcare. My experience with homeless/housing
Background ,mental health, substance abuse, healthcare specialize in HIV and STI, entitlements, advocacy,
community service, youth court and keep program, counseling, and recreational activities for
adolescent . I have a network of artists for mentorship, recreational, and volunteering. I have worked
with community board, non profits and politicians to provide housing for families. Assisted families
with special education and IEP resources. I am very resourceful. Its very important that we deal with
student as a whole, addressing and removing the barriers, providing living skill as well as
education/college, and preparing them for a career. I have been proactive in my children education and
well being. I am a very proud parent.
Personal Its very important that we deal with student as a whole, addressing and removing the barriers, providing
Statement living skill as well as education/college, and preparing them for a career. I have been proactive in my
children education and well being. I am a very proud parent.
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2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Citywide Council on High Schools
Candidate Mildred Felicita Ortiz
DBN: 14K071
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant PS 40 Q Samuel Huntintong School 109-20 Union Hall Street Jamaica Queens 11433 Parent
Background Volunteer
Personal I'm an energetic,ditail-oriented person who has strong administrative and computer skills,and the ability
Statement to work well with people from all walks of life.
Candidate Deica Johnson
DBN: 21K525
IEP: Yes
ELL No
Applicant I am currently a Board Member of Mill Basin Civic Association, I am also a Parent Member. I
Background advocate for other Special Needs Individuals. I continue to assist Parents and or Advocates with
obtaining eligibility for various services such as OPWDD (Office of People With Developmental
Disability). I am currently assisting parents and advocates with Special Education Services.
Personal A Child can teach an adult three things: 1. to be happy for no reason 2. to always be curious 3. to fight
Statement tirelessly for something. My son taught me all of these things and so much more. He taught me that he
is so much more that all of the tests, evaluations and Assessments that he had to endure throughout his
lifetime. I have come to Appreciate the little things such as him learning how to read, tying his
shoelaces etc. As a Parent with a Special needs Child I need you to understand that our children have a
Disability, not a disease therefore you can't catch it. They may walk or talk differently on the Outside
but on the inside they are the same as you and I. They want to be Accepted. If only we could see the
world through the eyes of a Child, we would see the magic of everything. I believe Anything is possible
and there's no such word as Can't. Never Give UP!! You are What you Do, Not what You say you'll
do!!
Candidate Pamela B Garcia
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
DBN: 17K531
IEP: No
ELL No
18K244
No
No
School Leadership Team-Representative Parent Teacher Association-President Parent Association-1st Vice
President President's Council-Secretary Community Board Committee Member: Education Committee
Youth Committee Parks Committee
Strengthening parental involvement, supporting students and schools are reasons I would like to represent
Brooklyn, via Citywide Education Council as well as Community Education Council. I believe academic and
administrative advancements can occur with parental input which can positively impact a school's output. My
commitment to parental engagement via S.L.T., P.T.A., P.A., P.C., C.E.C. and C.C.H.S. has solidified my
leadership skills. The abilities I have obtained have assisted me as a parent participant during a C-30 process
to evaluated the qualifications of candidates vying to become Assistant Principal. Alongside a plethora of
responsibilities I am effective in the role of Brooklyn Parent Representative for CCHS and would appreciate
the opportunity to continue that representation.
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Page 8 of 12
2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Citywide Council on High Schools
Candidate roslyn ann solina-cody
DBN: 20K505
IEP: No
ELL No
Applicant I was a cub scouts den mother, I help out with karate an was involved with the PA.
Background
Personal I am a hands on single parent, born and raised in Brooklyn ,N.Y. I would like to be involved in making
Statement our schools even better.And helping our children to get the best education they possibly can.
Candidate Abiola Aiesha Brathwaite
DBN: 32k549
IEP: No
ELL No
DBN: 15K464
IEP:
ELL
Applicant none
Background
Personal none
Statement
Candidate Peggy L Farrell
Applicant As a single mother, I have parented, as well as supervised 2 students who passed through the public
Background school system and have successfully attained their B.A. degrees and are both in pursuit of the Masters
Degrees. Also, I attended PTA workshops while they attended high school, was employed full time and
attended college in order to gain my Bachelor Degree and raise another child who attends high school
at this time.
Personal Peggy Farrell 03/10/2015 Personal Statement On the first day of school a student asked me if I was the
Statement professor, because I was not a traditional student. I emigrated from Trinidad and Tobago to the United
States. After 20 years as a single parent who worked labor intensive jobs,I decided to obtain a college
degree, as well as a law degree. I came to America in 1987 because my country lacked opportunities
and had been experiencing political and economic turmoil. I was a single parent raising two children
with a desire to earn a degree. For three years I held different jobs, such as a customer service
representative, mail sorter,and a cashier. I then enrolled in a certified nursing aide program. After
completing the program, I worked for various nursing home facilities. At least ten years, I worked full
time as a nursing aide, and I put off my of college career until my children were older and would be
able to care for themselves. I enjoyed my job but I was not content. The study of law was my ideal field.
Therefore,I enrolled at a Community College, then I transferred to a senior college where I knew I
could begin my shift into the legal field. Best Regards, Peggy Farrell.
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Page 9 of 12
2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Citywide Council on High Schools
Candidate Marianne Russo
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
DBN: 13K430
IEP: No
ELL No
21k215
No
No
21k215
Yes
No
Citywide Council for High School Brooklyn Representative for Districts 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, and 21.
from 2013-2015. .CCHS Co-Chair of the Capital Plan committee for 2015. CCHS parent
representative at District Leadership Teams in Districts, 13.13.15.17.18.20. and 21. CPAC
representative for D 21 from 2012-2015. PTA Co-President for IS 98 2012-2014 .CEC 21 Council
Member 2010-20111. PTA Secretary 2008-2010 P.S.215 PTA Co-President 2006-2009.Learning
Leader volunteer 2001-2007. PS 215 School Leadership Team member 2001-2015.
As a Brooklyn Representative of the Citywide Council for HS I have advocated and been a voice for
High School students and their needs. As a member of CCHS I am the Co-Chair of the Capital Plan
Committee. organizing and coordinating the capital needs of NYC High Schools. I have been involved
in representing the parents' voice in school closure hearings. I spoke for parent's rights at Joint Public
Hearings. I will advocate for all students in NYC High Schools. I wish to accurately convey information
regarding changes that impact High School students and their educational rights. I strongly believe the
importance of parents' voice in the new policies being enacted by DOE. As a parent of four children
two of which are now attending college I have knowledge and experience of the issues facing children
and parents. I am a former ELL student and have personally experienced the issues that face immigrant
families. Thank you for the opportunity to serve High School students and advocate on their behalf.
Candidate Lannetta jeffers
DBN: 13K325
IEP: Yes
ELL No
Applicant I'm a special education advocate I've been involved in District 23 for years I've served on the District
Background leadership team, I was the title 1 co chair for 2yrs, served on the SLT team and held as the Chairperson
and Co Chair, PTA treasure for years. And now that my son is in HS I'm involved at his school as well
on the SLT and PTA as well. I'm also involved in social justice as well. I'm a member of the Order of
Eastern Star I'm always in my community volunteering, serving food, coat drives etc.
Personal My name is Lannetta Jeffers I have a 15yr old son who's Special needs I've been advocating for my son
Statement throughout his elementary and middle school years. I've been a pillar in my community which is
Brownsville, Brooklyn District 23 I've been taught and trained by the best in my District! for social
justice and education. I believe in ACTION NOT WORDS!! Because you can talk a good one but
where is the PROOF!!! As in my applicant background I have experience and knowledge of how things
run and still learning! Vote for me I'm about Change, holding folks accountable and success!
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2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Citywide Council on High Schools
Candidate Andrea Lashley
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
DBN: 17K138
IEP: No
ELL No
55____
No
No
For the last 11 years I have actively volunteered at PS 249K. I am a member of the School Leadership
Team ( SLT), a Learning Leader and a member of the BRT/ Safety Committee. I have attended
NYCESPA's annual celebration and have attended workshops. I tutor individual and small groups of
students from both PS 138 and PS 249.Each year I work closely with the Multicultural Committee at
PS 249K in preparation for the celebration of the diversity in the school. As a help to the staff, mainly
admin and teachers, I am responsible for making copies, laminating and the distribution of items. I
chaperone students on field trips both locally and out-of-state/overnight. In collaboration with Medgar
Evers College, I meet each semester with students doing education observation hours to talk about the
school from a parent's perspective.
Educated here in Brooklyn,at the Old Boys and Girls High School, I take pride in saying that I am the
parent of two students in the NYC Public School system. In a time when our students must be college
and career ready it is important that schools implement the Common Core Learning Standards and
provide our students with a rigorous curriculum that includes fitness and the Arts . In addition, I
believe it's important that school communities address the social- emotional needs of ALL students. I
know that all our schools do something WELL, so how do we on a big scale have a share so that we as
school communities can learn from one another. One thing I have learned as a volunteer for 11 years
is, " The Answer is in the Room". Our teachers, students, leaders and parents do their best everyday
and our city reaps the benefits of our labor. Let's continue to work collectively for the future of our
students and this city.
Candidate
DBN:
IEP:
ELL
DBN:
IEP:
ELL
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
Candidate
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
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2015 NYC Education Council Elections
Candidate Profiles for
Citywide Council on High Schools
Candidate
DBN:
IEP:
ELL
DBN:
IEP:
ELL
DBN:
IEP:
ELL
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
Candidate
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
Candidate
Applicant
Background
Personal
Statement
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