Women's History Month Features: Week 4
LaKeisha Strother | Principal, Kettering ES
“LaKeishia Strother is an exceptionally dedicated and inspiring principal who consistently goes above and beyond for KMSSI, leading her staff with grace and purpose. She excels in her role while creating lasting global connections, including the Crayola Celebrate Creative Freedom Contest unveiling and hosting El Salvador’s U.S. Ambassador in 2022. Her commitment is evident in the time she invests refining school operations and sharing a detailed weekly newsletter to keep the community informed. In under five years, her compassion, consistency, and drive for growth—including learning at the Ron Clark Academy—have set her apart. Principal Strother is a visionary leader, and PGCPS is fortunate to have her.”
Janna Robinson | Classroom Teacher, Greenbelt ES
“Janna was assigned a classroom with significant academic and behavioral needs, which she embraced as an opportunity to build a strong community. Using differentiated instruction, she met each student at their level, reducing frustration and disruption. Beyond her classroom, she provides hands-on mentorship to new teachers, helping them navigate lesson planning and administrative tasks. Drawing on her experience as Grade Level Chair, she fosters a supportive environment where teachers feel confident to ask questions and grow—ensuring not just their success in the first year, but long-term thriving.”
Dr. Miki Monroe-Smith | Assistant Principal, CMIT Academy North ES PCS
“Dr. Miki Monroe-Smith is so passionate about STEM education. She is in several programs to bridge the gap between our underrepresented youth and the STEM field. She has helped fund two makerspaces in our school, a book vending machine, built a library from a book drive, and organized our PBIS rewards system. She leads our STEM clubs and STEM Fair yearly. She leads our Green School initiatives. She is our school technology coordinator and runs our school social media accounts, and oversees our ClassDojo accounts. She is flexible, and always helps teachers develop technology skills. She is a superhero STEM Educator!”
Deidra Norman | Classroom Teacher, Fort Washington Forest ES
“Deidra has over 47 years of teaching experience across various areas at the elementary level. She is all things Science and Ecology when it comes to student engagement at our school, Fort Washington Forest. The science lab is an actively engaging environment for all the students who enter on a daily basis. Furthermore, the STEM fair she leads has children inquiring and asking deeper questions about natural phenomena and beyond. She also runs the garden club, and it is clear that students are excited about science and the world around them because of her influence.”
Kimberly Corprew | Principal, Fort Washington Forest ES
“Our Principal Kimberly Corprew, exemplifies the very qualities that we strive, as a school community, to instill in our Scholars. She skillfully balances a wide range of community school initiatives, while consistently encouraging and holding both scholars and educational professionals to high quality daily standards. At the same time she remains deeply connected to the school packed "Calendar of Events" , from Schoolwide programs, to PBIS initiatives, community Events, STEM Fairs and more. Her commitment and leadership are valued, appreciated and respected.”
Olukemi Adeniyi | Classroom Teacher, High Point HS
“Olukemi Adeniyi is a dedicated science educator and AI integration specialist with over 20 years of experience connecting biology and innovative technology. Beyond the classroom, she supports teacher success as a mentor and co-facilitator of the Technology Infused Innovative Instruction Hub (TIIIH). Whether leading the Envirotech Innovators STEM club or designing inclusive, research-based curricula, her mission is to inspire discovery and empower students as global change-makers. A doctoral student in instructional technology and National Board candidate, Olukemi remains a strong advocate for equitable science education.”
Sherilyn Reid-Williams | Principal, Imagine Foundations at Leeland PCS
“Sherilyn is amazing! She leads with grace, fairness and motivates her team and staff to do the same. The students, family, and staff love her. She celebrates her team every Friday encouraging them to bring their best into the classroom for our students. Sherilyn has a gift to develop leaders. Under her leadership, Imagine Leeland is one of the top charter schools in Prince George’s County!”
Shemica Warwell | Parent Engagement Assistant, Francis Scott Key ES
“Shemica Warwell deserves recognition for the dedication, integrity, and heart she brings to our school community each day. As Parent Engagement Assistant, she builds strong relationships between families and the school, ensuring parents feel welcomed, informed, and connected. She also supports students with patience and care, helping them feel seen and valued during challenging moments. Her professionalism, compassion, and commitment to serving others make a lasting impact on both families and scholars.”
Imari Rodriguez | Classroom Teacher, Capitol Heights ES
“Imari is the kind of educator every student hopes to have. She doesn’t simply teach lessons — she touches lives. Every day she creates a classroom filled with warmth, patience, and encouragement, where students feel seen, valued, and believed in. She has a remarkable gift for lifting students up, especially when they doubt themselves, and helping them discover their potential. But what makes Imari truly extraordinary is that her impact reaches far beyond her classroom. She is always ready to help, support, and uplift everyone around her — students, colleagues, and the school as a whole. Her kindness, positive spirit, and unwavering commitment make our school a better place every single day.”
Melinda Elder | Professional School Counselor, Gaywood ES
“Melinda Elder inspires students at Gaywood Elementary each and every day! In only her second year at Gaywood she has developed positive relationships with both students and staff. You will see her greeting students each morning as they enter Gaywood to start their day on a positive note. She provides affirmations to students throughout the day. At the end of the day, she makes sure students know she can't wait to see them again the following day.”
Catherine Toye | In School Suspension Room Monitor, Stephen Decatur MS
“Catherine Toye continues to inspire the staff, students, and community of Stephen Decatur Middle School. She has provided 34 years of service at Stephen Decatur Middle School as the Alternative Learning Center Coordinator. She motivates the students and inspires the staff towards greatness. When families come to the school, they always ask, "Is Ms. Toye still here?" We cannot imagine our school without Ms. Toye. It is truly a pleasure working with her.”
Dr. Jennifer Love | Language Access Office Director
“A champion for the PGCPS community, Dr. Love and her team are breaking down barriers through language access. They ensure every family gets reliable information in their native tongue, making it possible for parents to be true partners in their child’s education. Thank you, Dr. Love, for making sure every voice is heard!”
Thelma West | Classroom Teacher, Langley Park - McCormick ES
“Thelma West, ELD teacher at Langley Park McCormick Elementary, embodies the true spirit of this award through her positivity, generosity, and unwavering support for others. Her joyful energy—whether through warm greetings, celebrations, or uplifting moments—transforms the school environment. Always ready to help, she supports colleagues and students with care, often anticipating needs before they’re voiced. Her encouragement and optimism make others feel seen, valued, and capable. Thelma’s kindness and dedication inspire everyone around her and make our school a truly special place.”
Karina Pacheco | Community School Coordinator, Rosa L. Parks ES
“Karina consistently goes above and beyond to support families, build strong relationships between parents and the school community, and ensure that every family feels welcomed and valued. Through her dedication, compassion, and leadership, she helps empower parents to become active partners in their children’s education. Karina’s commitment to uplifting families and strengthening our school community truly reflects the spirit of Women’s History Month by highlighting the important impact women make every day. Her positive attitude, hard work, and genuine care for others make her an inspiring role model and a vital part of our school community.”