2018-2019 PTA Officers

As the newly elected PTA Executive Board, we would like to welcome all of you to the 2018-2019 school year at Dorothy J. Vaughan Academy of Technology.   The purpose of the PTA is to support the faculty, staff, parents and most importantly our scholars.  Your new PTA Executive Committee has been busy exploring programs, events and opportunities aimed at enhancing the educational environment for our students this year.  Some of our goals this year are to provide new books to the classrooms and media center, implement new technology within the school and to beautify the school grounds and building.  We also plan to support educational workshops for parents and fun, family-friendly events.
 
In order to be successful, Dorothy J. Vaughan needs the support and involvement of our families, faculty, staff and community business leaders.  Please show your support by becoming a member of the Dorothy J. Vaughan Academy PTA.
 
Another way to show your support is to participate in the many events and programs that we are planning for the year.  Your participation could be that of a committee member, volunteer or as an attendee.  Whatever level of participation you select, your time and involvement will certainly be appreciated.

We also hope that you will provide us with your comments regarding PTA efforts or suggestions for other potential PTA initiatives.
President
Walnore Johnson
Who is she?
Walnore was born in the Bahamas and is of Haitian descent. She moved to Charlotte 17 years ago. She is a mother to a 3rd grader, Masiah. She is also seasoned Project Manager at The Vanguard Group. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication with a concentration in Public Relations and an MBA. In her spare time she enjoys writing, traveling, and spending time with family. 

Why she is serving?
Last year Walnore served as a the PTA fundraising chair. This opportunity provided insight into the impact one person can have when they serve. She truly believes that one of the greatest gifts you can give to a child, is time. 

What she hopes to accomplish?
This year Walnore hopes to accomplish three things with the support of the PTA : 1) Support teachers and staff to ensure every student succeeds, 2) Collaborate with individuals and organizations to broaden and enhance our ability to advocate for children and families and 3) Foster a positive environment where diverse thought continues to drive conversations for the betterment of DJV Students, Staff, and the community. 
Vice-President
Danyall McDowell, MBA, CSPO, CSM
Who is she?​
Danyall, a native of Ninety Six, South Carolina, has resided in Charlotte for the past twenty years.  She is married with four daughters.  This year, her eight year old daughter will be entering the 3rd grade at DJV.  Danyall holds both a Masters degree and Bachelors  degree in Business Administration as well as several Agile certifications.  She is employed as a Digital Manager with Wells Fargo.  Last year, she served on the PTA as the co-chair of events and fundraising committee.  In her spare time, Danyall enjoys traveling, reading and spending time with her family.

Why she is serving?
Danyall believes that parental engagement is critical to the success of a child’s education.  Through volunteerism with the PTA and Dorothy J. Vaughan, she can have a positive impact, not only in her child’s education, but in the education of all of our scholars.  She believes that her volunteerism will teach her children the value of giving back to the community that invests in them daily.

 What she hopes to accomplish?
Her aspirations for this school year are to continue the great work that last’s years board started by focusing on:
  • Enhancing the administrative structure of the PTA
  • Improving communication between the board, school staff, and PTA 
  • Increasing fundraising efforts
  • Building relationships with the Charlotte community as part of our advocacy efforts
 Achieving these goals will allow the PTA to meet the many needs of the scholars and school.
Treasurer
Thomas L. Jacobs II
Who is he? 
Thomas is a Community Liaison/Care Coordinator, responsible for engaging with providers to help identify what is and isn't working within our local Veteran services network. You will also see him at a lot of community events that are provided to help Vets get the resources and help they need and deserve.

He served in the Army National Guard at the local Field Artillery unit here in Charlotte. After serving just over four years he decided to return to his previous career field in sales. Thomas joined the Veterans Bridge Home team in July where he can use his networking skills and knowledge of local human services providers to assist Vets find appropriate resources within the local communities.

Thomas is a Charlotte native and graduate of Independence High (Go Patriots!) who really loves and enjoys exploring his city with his family. He attended Livingstone College in Salisbury, NC where he studied Business Administration.
Secretary
Sharri Duell
Who is she? 
Sharri Duell was born and raised in Charlotte. Sharri has two children a son who is 7th grader at Ridge Road middle and a daughter who is a 1st grader at Dorothy J Vaughn. Sharri recently earned her masters from North Carolina A&T State University and is currently attending Tulane University to obtain her Social Work degree. Sharri stays busy by being the classroom parent for her daughters class as well as Girl Scout troop leader that meets at DJV and working helping patients at a large specialist medical office. She loves to read and shop in her spare time. 
Current Committees and Committee Chairs
Advocacy and Engagement – Danyall McDowell and Walnore Johnson
Audit – Robin Ardrey
Class Parents – Brandi Jones
Events and Fundraising – Nia McAdoo
Grant Writing – Betrice Gardner
Membership - TBD
Nomination - TBD
Spirit Rock Coordinator – TBD
Technology Committee – Bobbi Wilkinson and Carey Wilkinson
Volunteer Coordinator – Brandi Jones