The Journey
Raised by Faith, Family, and Resilience
I was born in Fresno and raised in West Fresno. My parents were teenagers when they had me, and soon welcomed three more children. Like many young families, they did their best, but life presented challenges beyond their control.
When I was seven years old, my siblings and I entered foster care. After several placements, I was blessed to be placed with my paternal grandmother, Hester Hensley, through kinship care. She raised eight grandchildren on her own and became one of the most influential figures in my life.
In her home, I learned the value of education, faith, family, discipline, and hard work which are values that continue to guide me today. I was actively involved at Saint Rest Baptist Church, serving as an usher, singing in the Rose Bud and youth choirs, and later becoming the youth president for ushers within the Saint John Baptist District Association. Those early experiences instilled leadership, confidence, and a strong sense of purpose.
Finding My Voice Through Education and Athletics
I attended Lincoln Elementary, Bethune Elementary, Edison Computech, and Edison High School. I was a studious child who loved learning and being challenged.
My athletic journey began in third grade when I started playing basketball at Bethune Elementary. I briefly tried track (quickly realizing running wasn’t for me) and later explored softball and volleyball, but basketball captured my heart.
At Edison High School, I became a dual-sport athlete, playing both basketball and volleyball. My dedication and discipline paid off. I went on to have a historic basketball career at Edison and remain the highest-scoring female basketball player in Edison High School history, including the highest single-season scoring record for girls’ basketball.
Sports taught me teamwork, perseverance, and how to lead under pressure, lessons that extend far beyond the court.
Growth, Purpose, and Perseverance
I continued my education and athletic career at Merced Community College, where I played basketball and received numerous academic and athletic awards. I later earned a full-ride scholarship to Alderson Broaddus College in West Virginia.
While my time there was brief, it was formative. The unaddressed impacts of childhood trauma made continuing difficult, and I made the courageous decision to return home and regroup.
Shortly after, I became a mother. While my dream of playing in the WNBA came to an end, my son became my greatest motivation and my why. Becoming his mother strengthened my resolve to build a life of purpose, stability, and service.
I enrolled at California State University, Fresno, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (2010) and my Master’s degree in Social Work (2012), along with a counseling credential emphasizing child welfare.
I began my career as a county social worker, serving children and families during times of crisis. While that work was meaningful, I knew my calling was broader. I brought my skills and heart for service to Fresno Unified School District, where I served as a Restorative Practices School Counselor, supporting students, families, and school communities.
Knowing I could do even more, I returned to school and earned my Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Brandman University in 2018. My love for learning continued with a Master’s Degree in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University in 2023, and I am currently completing a Master’s in Educational Administration with a Preliminary Administrative Credential.
Through every season, my goal has remained the same: to be someone that children, especially those in Area ,1 can see, trust, and believe in.
Leading With Purpose
After more than a decade working in Fresno Unified and serving the West Fresno community, I reached a clear conclusion: there is more work to be done.
Our students deserve the best education, meaningful opportunities, and learning environments where they feel supported, challenged, and valued. That belief is what led me to run for Fresno Unified School District Board Trustee, Area 1.
I am deeply committed to the growth and development of children, families, and communities in Area 1, and to ensuring that this area is not overlooked—but fully valued and invested in.
This work cannot be done alone. I need the partnership and support of the community to make this vision a reality.
Together, we can build schools that reflect the brilliance, resilience, and promise of our students.
CONNECT WITH COMMUNITY
Empowering Learning Experiences
Extend Support Beyond the Classroom
Student Achievement Celebration
Unite in Academic Success
Our mission is to provide every child with the tools they need to excel in a modern world.
Midweek Mentorship
Cross-functional Team
Building a support network that ensures no student is left behind in their journey.
Future Leaders Night
Lift the Next Generation
Investing in the skills that will build a stronger community for years to come.
Family-Focused Education
Success Across Generations
We believe that education starts at home and flourishes in our schools.
Student Support Services
Experience Academic Restoration
Closing the achievement gap through dedicated one-on-one support and funding.
Exceptional Community Satisfaction
The Educational Blueprint
Whether you need online resources or in-person guidance, our school programs adapt to the needs of every student.
Encounter Excellence
Our diverse range of programs caters to the varied educational needs of our district.
A TAPESTRY OF SUPPORT FOR EVERY STUDENT
Diverse Paths to Success
At the Dr. Ricks Foundation, our programs are crafted to resonate with the diversity of every student's journey. Join us in mentorship, volunteering, and advocacy as we offer a range of initiatives that cater to various learning styles and stages of life. Each donation is a unique opportunity to connect with the future of our youth and build a stronger district.
Embark on an educational journey with our array of student services, each designed to resonate with the diversity of our community. Whether you seek foundational literacy programs or contemporary STEM-focused learning, you'll find an empowering space here to connect, learn, and grow. Explore the richness of our academic experiences where every program is a unique expression of potential and unity.
Seasonal School Events
From back-to-school drives to end-of-year award ceremonies, we host events that celebrate student milestones and bring our community together to support education.
Support Services
We provide dedicated spaces for student counseling, peer tutoring, and academic workshops to ensure every child has the emotional and mental support they need to thrive.
Morning Mentorship
Empowering Students at the Start of the Day
Technology Access
Ensuring Digital Equity for Every Child
Student Success Gala
Celebrating Academic Excellence and Harmony
Full Potential
Witness the Impact of Quality Education
EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY STARTS HERE
A World of Possibilities
Join us in this vibrant tapestry of educational programs, where every contribution is an invitation to deepen your impact on a student's future.
Community Impact Chronicles
Every resource and initiative has been selected with care and consideration to ensure the highest standards for our schools.
Student Success Stories
A world of possibilities and a treasure trove of carefully curated programs designed to empower the next generation.
Get in Touch
+1 561 842 6141
Reach out to us today
Have questions, feedback, or want to learn how to volunteer? Don't hesitate to reach out to us; your communication is vital to our mission of improving Area 1 schools.
Reach out to us today
Have questions, feedback, or want to learn how to volunteer? Don't hesitate to reach out to us; your communication is vital to our mission of improving Area 1 schools.
JOURNEYING TOGETHER
Latest District & Community News
Exploring student success, sharing educational perspectives, and igniting conversations on the path to academic excellence.
Latest Posts
Inspirations for Today
Reflecting on Life's Sacred Moments and daily Sparks of Spiritual Wisdom