From Student to Scholar

DeShawn Chapman is Manager of the Parramore Education and Innovation District Education Programs in the Center for Higher Education Innovation at the University of Central Florida, USA. Chapman is also Director of First Star Central Florida Academy, a postsecondary and career preparation program for youth in foster care. Chapman is a Holmes Scholar Alumna and Vice Chair of the Urban Education Topical Action Group with the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE). Chapman’s practical work and research focus on cultivating equitable learning environments for learners impacted by poverty, trauma, and/or foster care. Amanda Wilkerson is Assistant Professor of Urban Education in the College of Community Innovation and Education at the University of Central Florida, USA. She also serves as affiliated faculty and visiting scholar with the Center for Minority Serving Institutions at Rutgers University, USA. Wilkerson is a Holmes Scholar Alumna andChair of the Urban Education Topical Action Group with the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE). Wilkerson has written educational materials and coordinated forums on significant social, educational, and community matters. Her Twitter handle is @DrAVWilkerson.