As a leading professional in the mental health field, Dr. LaNail R. Plummer is committed to improving the lifestyles of others through the aspects of mental health and character development. A United States Military Veteran and the CEO and Clinical Director of Onyx Therapy Group -- an organization she founded in 2013 -- Dr. Plummer has over 15 years of experience working with a multitude of clients, and specializing in the care of young women; the Black community; and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Grounded in the values of integrity and awareness, Dr. Plummer believes that emotional, spiritual, and cultural healing is attainable for all.

Sharif El-Mekki​ is the Founder and CEO of the ​Center for BlackEducator Development​. The Center exists to ensure there will be equity in the recruiting, training, hiring, and retention of quality educators that reflect the cultural backgrounds and share common socio-political interests of the students they serve. The Center is developing a nationally relevant model to measurably increase teacher diversity and support Black educators through four pillars: Professional Learning​, ​Pipeline​, ​Policies​, and ​Pedagogy​. So far, the Center has developed ongoing and direct professional learning, mentoring, and coaching opportunities for Black teachers and other educators serving students of color.

MARISOL RERUCHA
Chief of Strategy and Partnerships, National Parents Union

Marisol Quevedo Rerucha, author of Beyond the Surface of Restorative Practices: Building an Organizational Culture of Equity, Connection and Healing is a proven leader who doesn't just talk about healing, equity, social justice, and disrupting generational trauma; she has both lived experience and a proven record of doing this work while leading change in education and non-profit systems. As a former teacher, principal, district leader and non-profit leader she uses her voice to challenge systems of oppression and more importantly amplifies the voices of others. The impact of her passion, experience, work, and voice is felt beyond her own community as she serves in the following ways as: Chief of Strategy and Partnerships for the National Parents Union; Director of Culture and Community for DBC Inc; Chair ofUnidosUS National Institute for Latino School Leaders alumni council; Board Member of Youth Empowerments Finest; and as a partner with organizations (nonprofit and for profit business) to provide comprehensive strategic action planning and restorative practices.

We selected five leaders to profile and feature on a special panel during the summit. Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll share their profiles with gems that show why leaders of color in education are key to the success of California’s Black and Latinx students.

There are many Black and Latinx leaders across the state and these leaders represent a small number of leaders achieving incredible results. We look forward to highlighting other exemplary leaders in the future.

JUAN MATEOS

Director of Schools
Rocketship Fuerza Community Prep
San Jose, CA

VALERIE HATCHER

Principal
University Preparatory
Victor Valley Union High District

ESAU BERUMEN

Principal
Hawthorne Math & Science Academy
Hawthorne, CA

The Charting the Course to Equity Coalition is a powerful network of organizations that see school administrators’ racial diversity and cultural competence as critical levers in creating successful school environments that yield positive student outcomes. We believe that through combined, coordinated, and aligned efforts, the Coalition will effect systems change.