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Maya Angelou Schools & See Forever Foundation Continue Expansion of New Academies in Correctional Settings

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The DC-based charter school network is a nationally recognized, top-ranked model of juvenile justice education services that continues the mission to offer its acclaimed 9-12 and CTE-centered GED curriculum to detained youth and young adults.

(For release Jan. 2023)

Early into School Year 2021-2022 two new secure settings-based learning centers joined the Maya Angelou Schools roster. The Maya Angelou Academy at D.C. Jail (D St SE, Washington, DC 20003) and the Maya Angelou Academy at Youth Services Center (1000 Mt Olivet Rd NE, Washington, DC 20002) expand the MAS network to five campuses throughout the District of Columbia and the nearby city of Laurel, MD – where Maya Angelou Academy at New Beginnings resides. The goal of the Maya Angelou Academies is to educate youth who are incarcerated or awaiting adjudication.

On October 1, 2021, Maya Angelou Academy at DC Jail (MAA@DCJ) started what would be a challenging, yet successful and rewarding school year. Navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic, while learning the layout of DC Jail, Maya staff and faculty were able to do what they do best; teach and support students. The MAA@DCJ started with 31 students in October 2021 and ultimately served 72 students. Ninety percent of students were able to gain credits towards a high school diploma while receiving special education services. We celebrated our first graduation in June of 2022, with fourteen scholars. 

In October 2021 as well, the Maya Angelou Academy at the Youth Services Center (MAA@YSC) was established–providing educational services to youth who were ordered detained by the DC Superior Court Family Court Division.  MAA@YSC works in partnership with the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services to ensure that scholars are able to fully take advantage of the services provided to them.  Early in the first year at MAA@YSC critical short and long-term goals were set and measured regularly.   Early on the scholars provided positive feedback regarding the changes in their educational offerings.  The Maya staff held an award ceremony to recognize student performance and growth realized since the previous academic session. The staff also work to engage students’ caregivers in their education by welcoming them to events like the award ceremony, providing holiday food baskets,  and establishing the school as a community that cares for the entire family’s well-being.  In June of 2022, MAA@YSC proudly graduated seven scholars–the most in YSC history.   

Fifteen years ago during the summer of 2007, the See Forever Foundation also assumed management of the educational program at New Beginnings Youth Development Center, formerly Oak Hill Detention Center. The Transition Center followed, which would become  the Maya Angelou Young Adult Learning Center (YALC) at the flagship MALC location. Maya staff and faculty do all that they can to support young men and women transitioning back into the community with Academy transfers into the YALC CTE and GED programs. The YALC serves a wider population of disconnected 17- to 30+-year-olds across Washington, D.C., and helps them earn their GEDs and workforce credentials. Supporting our Academy transfers who continue their academic journey to and through the YALC is one of the key steps in rehabilitation and reducing recidivism. 

Attending a Maya Academy includes extended day, exploratory visual arts classes, clinical support and special education assistance. The academies are committed to building a high-achieving school community within a secure setting, answering the unique needs of a justice involved scholar. Detained students have barriers to learning, both documented and undocumented, such as psychological strain, physical injuries, antisocial behavior, suspension or expulsion from previous schools and familial economic hardship. Nearly all of the students at the Academy are years behind their age-appropriate grade level academically – many have special needs – and most have experienced significant trauma at some point in their lives. At the Maya Angelou Academy the goal is to provide these students with the best educational resources and opportunities that are available to help them succeed in life and make a positive contribution to their communities. We address the unconscious bias students may have had with teachers or authority figures, by actively building trust with every scholar. School Leaders and instructors counter feelings of  mistrust and hypervigilance with progressive, restorative justice-based conduct policies that are designed by the Student Support teams to mend emotional trauma and harm while renewing  healthy development.

Maya Angelou Academy students will be positioned to thrive for years to come at our New Beginnings, DC Jail and Youth Services Center campuses. Our youth have the opportunity to participate in a number of unique classes, clubs and learning concepts, including seminar-style small classes covering math and literacy curricula that will prepare them for their next elevation in life – graduation. The Maya Way values social-emotional learning, identity studies, health and wellness enrichment and civic engagement to help empower young voices for self-advocacy. We are confident that our holistic student-centered academies will offer strong supports to justice-involved families and caretakers knowing that their children are being prepared to be successful scholars and free thinkers beyond these temporary walls.

About the Maya Schools

The Maya Angelou Schools and See Forever Foundation is among the best and most progressive,alternative education charter networks in Washington, DC. We are the first and largest LEA to commit to serving opportunity youth in both nontraditional or correctional settings as they earn high school or GED diplomas and CTE certifications.  Our passionate and knowledgeable Subject Expert Teachers are the heart of Our acclaimed program. Our instructors and School Leaders prepare Maya Scholars to be participants in the 21st century civic landscape through college prep and career assistance  which also include business mentorships, trade apprenticeships and job placement. Starting in Spring 2023, the Maya will celebrate our 25th academic year of serving more than 500 students across Washington, DC with primary representation from Wards 7 and 8.

Monday, January 23rd Incident Briefing

January 25, 2023

Dear Maya Community of Students, Alumni, Families, Faculty and Staff:

In an effort to remain as transparent as possible, we are informing you of two separate incidents that occurred on and near the Maya Angelou Learning Campus on Monday, January 23, 2022. You may have already heard via local news outlets or from unsubstantiated social media accounts, but we at the See Forever Foundation and Maya Angelou Schools want to ensure that you have accurate information directly from our organization.

Monday morning during our regular screening process at the entrance of the Young Adult Learning Center, one of our staff detected and confiscated a firearm from a student. The Metropolitan Police were called onsite, which is our safety protocol for all weapons. MPD officers arrived, interviewed and subsequently detained the student without incident. At no time were our staff or students in any danger. 

Separately, at approximately 1:30pm that day, a non-related shooting occurred along the 57th Place NE block near the school. An undetermined number of shots were fired. The entire Maya Angelou Learning Center was immediately put on lockdown until further investigation and clearance by MPD.  Additionally, MPD remained in the area to assist with safe departure and passage from the area during dismissal. Parents and guardians received information and updates about these incidents via our Alert Now system and will be kept abreast of any new pertinent information.  The wellbeing of our students and staff at the Maya Angelou Learning Center are of utmost importance. We will continue to work with MPD and other city agencies to ensure the safety of every student, staff and faculty member under the charge of Maya Angelou Schools. 

We are proud of the diligence, professionalism and strict adherence to protocol exhibited by our staff and school administrators.  Because of them, our students, staff and community members remained safe and there was minimal interruption to campus operations. As a school, we were able to maintain our teaching and learning and focus on the core of our mission.  It is, therefore, crucial to remind the entire DC community that Maya Angelou PCS and the YALC provide a safe, caring, and supportive environment to all. We will continue to do our utmost to create a space where learning and community building can take place daily.

In addition to the above, and based on our scholar-centric and holistic approach, we are doing the following:

  • Providing classroom, group, and individual counseling through our Clinical Counseling Team to those students who may be experiencing anxiety, having difficulty concentrating or acting indifferent because of Monday’s incidents. 
  • Working with MPD Student Resource Officers to ensure safety during the arrival and dismissal times of the school day.
  • Continuing to keep an open and honest dialogue going between the school and parents/guardians toward a strong partnership of supporting our scholars.
  • Conducting a school-wide Town Hall Meeting to address concerns, answer questions and determine additional ways in which supports are needed for our students and staff.

This update is meant to communicate factual information to our Maya Family. While the events of Monday were addressed and our campus remained safe, the ongoing violence significantly impacts our young people, Ward 7, , and the broader ecosystem of charter, DCPS and independent schools here in the District. It is imperative that we all continue to work together to address the ongoing challenge of violence in our community. Please know that Maya remains committed to doing so.

– See Forever Foundation & Maya Angelou Public Schools

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Thrive with Maya Recruitment this Thursday!

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New Year, new job? 👔📊
Interested in teaching career opportunities? Come #ThrivewithMaya! Join us this Thursday evening at the YALC for a recruitment event focused on our progressive teaching style, 21st century learning environments and positive approach to alternative/corrections education – all honed daily at the Maya Schools 5 locations. All current and rising teachers and administrators are welcome to attend.

🎯Speak directly with Maya recruiters and current employees
🎓Circulate your résumé and certifications
🧭Learn about the charter education and the hiring process
🌄Learn about our schools, professional development programs and on-boarding process
🚪Engage in informational or one-on-one interviews
🍎Get hired!

This event will connect candidates with hiring managers and encourage attendees to participate in interviews and discuss their career goals within our schools. Free to job seekers – RSVP via email today! 📤

MAPS Principal Appreciation Month!

Throughout the country National Principals Month is celebrated every October. recognizes the vitally important role that principals play in making a school great, a community close and a neighborhood safe. Principalship, school administration and campus management roles are among the hardest working, yet some of the most unsung professions of our time. However we at Maya Angelou Public Schools would like to say thank you!

Thank you for all you do, Maya School Leaders. You make a difference in the lives of students every day. As we enter the last days of Principal Appreciation Month, let’s remember all that our Principals are people – click, scroll or swipe to get to know each Maya School Leader just a little bit better than you did before.

Want to put the MORE in MAYA? View our handy and low-cost tips for how to appreciate that special principal or teacher, past or present in your life – no matter what day, month or year it is!

[Emoji] Maya Angelou Public Charter School
[Emoji] 5600 E Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20019
[Emoiji] Getting to Know: Asa Daniels, Principal

What college or university did you attend? “I attended Virginia Union University for undergrad; American University for graduate school in Education and Trinity University for Leadership and Administration.”

What is a saying you live by? “The objective in life is not to make the same mistake twice!”

When did you begin your journey with Maya? “I began in July 2022.”

Why did you decide to become an educator? “I believed that I could make a difference in the life of children by giving them my time and energy.”

What are your guiding principles? “Keep things simple and practical.”

Where’s your Hometown? “I’m originally from Hampton, VA, but grew up in Southern Maryland.”

Who was your biggest inspiration in high school? “My biggest inspiration in high school was my AP History teacher Ms. Marie Grouby.”

[Emoji] Maya Angelou Public Charter School
[Emoji] 5600 E Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20019
[Emoiji] Getting to Know: Shantelle Wright-Cunningham, Principal

What college or university did you attend? “Bowie State University (B.S. in Biology), University of Maryland University College (B.S. in Criminal Justice), Trinity Washington University (Masters in Educational Administration).”

What is a saying you live by? “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. -Dr. Maya Angelou”

When did you begin your journey with Maya? “I started at MAPCS in 2005 as a Science teacher. Over the past 17 years, I have been a teacher, instructional coach and assistant principal.

Why did you decide to become an educator? “When I graduated college I had no idea that I would be an educator. However, within a short amount of time, I realized I had found my calling. I enjoy seeing students grow academically and challenge themselves to be great. I also enjoy mentoring and providing support to teachers.”

What are your guiding principles? “I believe that all students have the right to a high-quality education. I also believe schools should be safe places where they can be appropriately challenged and pushed so they can be the best versions of themselves.”

Where’s your Hometown? “I am from Washington, DC.”

🏫 Maya Angelou PCS
📍 5600 E Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20019
🍎 Getting to Know: Peter Smith, Assistant Principal of Culture 

What college or university did you attend? “Tennessee State University (Undergraduate) and Trinity University (Graduate).”

What is a saying you live by? “To whom much is given much is required!”

When did you begin your journey with Maya? “Tuesday, August 23, 2022.”

Why did you decide to become an educator? “I love sharing information, showing people how to do things and being a servant to others.”

What are your guiding principles? “Love, faith, diligence and unselfishness.”

Where’s your Hometown? “Washington, DC.”

Who was your biggest inspiration in high school? “My Mama!”

[Emoji] Young Adult Learning Center
[Emoji] 5600 E Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20019
[Emoiji] Getting to Know: Dr. Sean B. Yisrael, Director of YALC

What college or university did you attend? “Miami University (Oxford, Ohio).”

What is a saying you live by? “Trust in Yah with all thy heart and lean not to thy own understanding; in all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy path.”

When did you begin your journey with Maya? “August 2016.”

Why did you decide to become an educator? “I wanted to give back to the youth and my community in a positive way.”

What are your guiding principles? “All students deserve a quality education.”

Where’s your Hometown? “Cincinnati, Ohio.”

[Emoji] Maya Angelou Academy @ DC Jail
[Emoji] 1901 D Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
[Emoiji] Getting to Know: Russell Waller, Director [Need photo]

What college or university did you attend? “Christopher Newport University.”

What is a saying you live by? “Hard work beats talent every time. There may be people that have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do.”

When did you begin your journey with Maya? “August 29th 2016.”

Why did you decide to become an educator? “To motivate and inspire the youth.”

What are your guiding principles? “Faith, hope and love.”

Where’s your Hometown? “Woodbridge, VA.”

Who was your biggest inspiration in high school? “Coach Custard.”

[Emoji] Maya Angelou Academy @ DC Jail
[Emoji] 1901 D Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
[Emoiji] Getting to Know: Shanon Redman, Deputy Director [Check Title] [No photo]

What college or university did you attend? “West Virginia University.”

What is a saying you live by? “Grant to us the serenity of mind to accept that which cannot be changed; courage to change that which can be changed, and wisdom to know the one from the other, through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

When did you begin your journey with Maya? “November 4, 2021.”

What are your guiding principles? “Positive mindset, reflection, acceptance.”

Where’s your Hometown? “Keyser, WV.”

Who was your biggest inspiration in high school? “Ms. Diaz.”

[Emoji] Maya Angelou @ New Beginnings Youth Development Center
[Emoji] 8400 River Road, Laurel, MD 20724
[Emoiji] Getting to Know: Maurice Milline, Principal

What college or university did you attend? “Bowie State University (Undergrad), Trinity University (Graduate), Harvard University (Postgraduate Certificate).”

What is a saying you live by? “A mistake is only a mistake if you make it twice.”

When did you begin your journey with Maya? “January 2008.”

Why did you decide to become an educator? “To ensure that our young people are given the same opportunities as their counterparts.”

What are your guiding principles? “Every scholar has the right to learn and be exposed to post-secondary options. Every scholar should have access to a safe learning environment that is engaging with rigorous instruction. MAA (Maya Angelou Academies) will consistently recognize and celebrate scholar growth and accomplishments.”

Where’s your Hometown? “Washington, DC.”

Who was your biggest inspiration in high school? “Marion Jay.”

[Emoji] Maya Angelou @ New Beginnings Youth Development Center
[Emoji] 8400 River Road, Laurel, MD 20724
[Emoiji] Getting to Know: Taihra M. Jones, Assistant Principal

What college or university did you attend? “LaSalle University (Undergraduate), College of Notre Dame of Maryland (Graduate).”

What is a saying you live by? “I can do all things through Jesus Christ, who strengthens me!”

When did you begin your journey with Maya? “September 2011.”

Why did you decide to become an educator? “Growing up I despised school! I couldn’t connect with my teachers or what was being taught. I promised myself that one day I would teach children that looked like me in fun and exciting ways so that the knowledge would stay with them for a lifetime.”

What are your guiding principles? “Integrity, forgiveness and perseverance.”

Where’s your Hometown? “Philadelphia, PA.”

Who was your biggest inspiration in high school? “My mother. She taught me about work ethic and how to stand up for myself. She would say, it’s not what you say, it’s how you say it.”

[Emoji] Maya Angelou @ Youth Service Center
[Emoji] 1000 Mt. Olivet Road NE, Washington, DC 20002
[Emoiji] Getting to Know: Dr. Darrlyn Harrison, Principal

What college or university did you attend? “I went to Western Michigan University, Eastern Michigan University and Wayne State University.”

What is a saying you live by? “On your worst day, you’re still some child’s best hope!” “The question isn’t who is going to let me – it’s who is going to stop me.” – Ayn Rand

When did you begin your journey with Maya? “August 2021.”

Why did you decide to become an educator? “I was always able to explain concepts in math to my peers in a way that they could understand, so it was natural for me to become a math teacher.”

What are your guiding principles? “My guiding principles are as follows:
a. Begin with the end in mind.
b. Lead with love and good intentions.
c. Add value to everything I touch.
d. Keep God first.
e. Pray about everything.”

Where’s your Hometown? “I am from Detroit.”

Who was your biggest inspiration in high school? “My inspirations came from home; my mother and my big sister were my role models.”

[Emoji] Maya Angelou @ Youth Service Center
[Emoji] 1000 Mt. Olivet Road NE, Washington, DC 20002
[Emoiji] Getting to Know: Adrian Dhanaraj, Assistant Principal

What college or university did you attend? “I attended New York University for undergrad and got my graduate degree at Columbia University.”

What is a saying you live by? “Dr. King’s ‘We shall overcome because the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends towards justice.'”

When did you begin your journey with Maya? “I began my journey with Maya Angelou Schools as an English Teacher at the Maya Angelou Academy at New Beginnings in 2018.”

Why did you decide to become an educator? “I had originally planned to be a lawyer who served justice-involved young people but wanted to get experience working with young people before going to law school; however, once I started teaching, I fell in love with this work.”

What are your guiding principles? “My guiding principles are equity, being a listener and anti-racism.”

Where’s your Hometown? “I grew up in Wheaton, Maryland – Mo’ County, where I moved back to in 2020.”

Who was your biggest inspiration in high school? “I don’t know if he was necessarily my biggest inspiration, but Barack Obama’s election during my senior year was really inspiring to me as a young man of color about to figure out my place in the world.”

Our School Leaders continue to engage, excite, and educate every dimension of students as they’ve done in years past. The challenges we face today may have been brought on by a new way of life since we’ve fully reopened our buildings but we know how much hard work Leaders put in, often without recognition, so we created have shared a few no-cost or low-cost suggestions to show educator and public service appreciation for what our Leaders do daily.

📣Maya Homecoming 2022!

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We are so excited to host our second Maya Schools Homecoming designed for our Maya Alumni and current SY 22-23 students to enjoy! From 12:00pm to 4:00pm there will be vendors, food, beverages and snacks, a staff versus students kickball game, as well as entertainment and music provided by party DJs and a swinging live band.

We have so much to celebrate, so much to catch up on, and so many laughs to be had – all dedicated to those who have made Maya so great over the last 25 years of service in the Ward 7 and larger DC community. Students, staff, and alumni, we’re looking forward to seeing you all next weekend. GET EXCITED REBELS! 🐺

Community Eats – Fri., Oct. 14

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Community Eats, hosted by the Maya Angelou Schools, is a weekly meal and grocery distribution effort that addresses Ward 7 community needs as a response to COVID-19 and local food insecurity. This effort was started by L’Tanya Holley, Director of Operations, and stemmed from the Maya Angelou Schools Monthly Community Pantry— a place where students and families gathered to get essential needs. Stephon Liggon, Director of Community and Family Engagement, now curates the program.

The next Community Eats event is Friday, October 14th, from 4:00pm-6:00pm in front of the YALC entrance. Come one, come all! All are welcome. If you know of someone in need, please encourage them to attend the Grab ‘N’ Go pick-up or collect the bagged items on their behalf. Grocery bags are generally filled with:

  • Collard greens
  • Corn
  • Grape tomatoes
  • Jelly
  • Kale
  • Lettuce
  • Onions
  • Pasta
  • Peanutbutter
  • Personal hygiene items
  • Poultry
  • Rice
  • Sauces
  • String beans
  • Tuna

If you have questions or would like to volunteer, contact sliggon@seeforever.org or 202-289-8898 x 1705. To support ongoing Community Eats and other programs, please visit seeforever.networkforgood.com or connect with Leah Lamb at llamb@seeforever.org for further ways to donate!

MAYA ANGELOU SCHOOLS RECEIVE CONTINUING ACCREDITATION FROM THE MIDDLE STATES ASSOCIATION

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Leah Lamb

 Email: llamb@seeforever.org

 Phone: 202.797.8950 ext 1005

MAYA ANGELOU SCHOOLS RECEIVE CONTINUING ACCREDITATION FROM THE MIDDLE STATES ASSOCIATION

WASHINGTON, DC (Wednesday, October 20, 2021)  — The Middle States Association  (MSA) Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools has awarded continuing accreditation to the Maya Angelou Schools.  The northeast DC-based charter school network comprises three educational programs that include Maya Angelou Public Charter High School, Maya Angelou Young Adult Learning Center, and the Maya Angelou Academy at the New Beginnings Youth Detention Center.

“It is a major undertaking to go through re-accreditation for one school.  We went through this intensive process for all three of our schools within a twelve-month period during a worldwide pandemic.  I am so proud that the work that we do – the collective efforts of our school leaders, staff, students, and parents –  continues to be validated through MSA”, said Dr. Clarisse Mendoza Davis, Chief Executive Officer of the Maya Angelou Schools and See Forever Foundation.

The network underwent a rigorous review process conducted by MSA commissioners beginning in early 2020 for the Maya Angelou Academy and completing the process for the Maya Angelou Public Charter School and the Maya Angelou Young Adult Learning Center in early 2021.  The MSA reviewers measured academics, student engagement, and operations focused on research-based school effectiveness and improvement standards. Reviewers noted that each school network exceeded the standards and expectations since the prior review process in 2013. Chief of Schools, Azalia Speight noted, “The visiting team was extremely impressed with the consistency of services and support that students receive. They commended teachers  for their relentless efforts to provide quality instruction and they praised support staff for building strong relationships and providing strong interventions.”

For more information about the Maya Angelou Schools re-accreditation status and organizational updates, visit the website at www.seeforever.org and contact Leah Lamb, Chief Institutional Advancement Officer, at llamb@seeforever.org. For more information regarding the Middle States Association Commission on Elementary and Secondary schools, visit https://www.msa-cess.org

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About Maya Angelou Schools and See Forever Foundation

The mission of the Maya Angelou Schools and See Forever Foundation is to create learning communities in lower-income urban areas where all students, particularly those who have not succeeded in traditional schools, can succeed academically and socially. Maya Angelou Schools has served opportunity youth in the District of Columbia for close to 25 years. At Maya Angelou, a network of alternative schools,  our students develop the academic, social, and employment skills they need to build rewarding lives and promote positive change. Maya Angelou Public Charter School, Young Adult Learning Center and Maya Angelou Academy at the New Beginnings Youth Development Center provide a comprehensive education in a non-traditional setting to all students including those who have not been successful in traditional educational settings. We achieve this through a demanding academic program, socio-emotional learning support, and tiered interventions that focus on the whole child. Our students leave us with a foundation to be successful in their educational and career pursuits.

For more information about the Maya Angelou Schools and See Forever Foundation, visit our website at www.seeforever.org.

Maya Angelou Schools and the See Forever Foundation Announces Dr. Clarisse Mendoza Davis as new Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maya Angelou Schools and the See Forever Foundation Announces Dr. Clarisse Mendoza Davis as new Chief Executive Officer

The Maya Angelou Schools and See Forever Foundation announced that Dr. Clarisse Mendoza Davis will serve as the new Chief Executive Officer, concluding a three-month-long search. The CEO will lead the organization’s network of schools with a primary focus on academic performance, long-term planning, and sustainability. 

Since 2016, Mendoza Davis has served as Chief of Schools for the Maya Angelou Schools network, leading the organization through many achievements, including the re-accreditation of the Maya Angelou Academy located at New Beginnings Youth Detention facility. Mendoza Davis has a wealth of experience in urban education, both as an educator and administrator. Before joining the team at Maya Angelou Schools, Mendoza Davis served in multiple roles within the District of Columbia Public Schools, as Principal of Tindley Renaissance Academy in Indianapolis, Indiana, and as Deputy Chief of Schools at the UNO Charter School Network (now the Acero Network of Schools) in Chicago, Illinois. In 2019, The Leadership Center for Excellence recognized Mendoza Davis in their “40 Under 40” 2019 Class for her demonstrating exceptional and impactful leadership.

Outside of her career, Mendoza Davis enjoys spending time with her husband, William, andtheir daughter Sophia. Some of her hobbies include baking, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, and reading.  Her cupcakes are often highly requested for staff-wide gatherings.  Read Mendoza Davis biography, here. 

Mendoza Davis provided insight into her role as the new CEO:

What theme defines the new CEO’s leadership style? 

Mendoza Davis defines her leadership style through this quote written by Dr. Maya Angelou, “Without courage we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.” 

According to Mendoza Davis, students, families and staff will come first. She states that the Maya Angelou School network is at a place of reflection. “We moved out of that survival space and can ask ourselves at this juncture– what else can we do that’s in line with our mission?” 

Internally, she’d like to review how the work will support scholars beyond the diploma? How does one implement the expertise that the organization has in serving opportunity youth? 

Externally, how can the story be told to truly represent the mission? How can the Maya Angelou Schools’ network lend resources to support the needs of vulnerable DC communities? 

“It is my job to find resources, fiscal or otherwise, that align with what school leaders, teachers, counselors, and staff are trying to do on a daily basis to support students,” Mendoza Davis said. 

What can the public look forward to from the new CEO? 

She shares, “This role is a shift from the Chief of Schools. I get to be much more of an external advocate for our students, families, and staff. Our mission to serve opportunity youth is really unique in this city, and it is my job to make sure that everyone understands what that experience is like and what we [Maya Angelou Schools] need to continue doing this exciting work.”  

Mendoza Davis officially began her role as CEO on Monday, April 13, 2020. Find out more information about our schools and practices at www.seeforever.org. Stay connected with us on Facebook @SeeForeverFoundation and @MayaSchools on Twitter and Instagram. 

Community Eats Wednesdays

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Community eats wednesdays

Community Eats Wednesdays, hosted by the Maya Angelou Schools, is a weekly meal and grocery distribution effort that addresses Ward 7 community needs as a response to COVID-19.  The effort was started by L’Tanya Holley, Director of Community and Family Engagement, and stemmed from the Maya Angelou Schools Monthly Community Pantry— a place where students and families gathered to get essential needs.

Recently Thomson Reuter visited and covered Community Eats Wednesday, which can be viewed here. To support ongoing Community Eats Wednesdays and other Maya Angelou community support programs, visit seeforever.networkforgood.com.

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