About Shakira
A Passion for People. A Heart for Equity.
Shakira believes intentional community is the vehicle to substantial and lasting change. Whether in the realm of education, healthcare or business, she acknowledges the power of creating spaces where people can leverage a growth mindset to try new things and flourish in the context of community. Shakira values intergenerational relationships recognizing their ability to galvanize, empower and strengthen sense of self, belonging and critical citizenship.
Shakira serves as the Middle School Principal at the Denver School of the Arts. Denver School of the Arts serves students in grades 6-12 from diverse backgrounds, hailing from the Denver Metro Area and across the United States. There are 19 languages spoken at Denver School of the Arts and students can focus on one of eleven majors offered.
Prior to her work at Denver School of the Arts, Shakira served as the Founding Principal of Robert F. Smith STEAM Academy, the first High School in Denver Public Schools inspired by Historically Black Colleges and Universities. She has led the establishment of the instructional, operational, and cultural systems within the school. This includes the school's signature Enrichment Programming, which has partnered scholars with ten community partners during the school day to provide instruction and mentorship opportunties. These program partners include: The National Security Agency (Buckley Space Force Base), Denver CARES Mentoring, Girls, Inc., Young Men of Purpose, SCD Enrichment Program, Edify, 500 Women Scientists, Improv Alchemy, Code2College, and Youth on Record.
She envisions herself continuing to lead people-focused learning organizations that serve as training centers for scholars, educators and leaders alike. Shakira believes in placemaking grounded in advocacy, where humility, transparency and authentic relationships are established and fostered each day.
In October 2021, Shakira established Wisdom Consulting, Ltd. in order to support this work with leaders and change agents nationally and internationally.
EDUCATION
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
Tallahassee, Florida
Doctor of Philosophy, Educational Leadership,
Expected Graduation: 2025
University of Denver
Denver, Colorado
Ritchie Program for School Leaders, Cohort XIV
Certificate, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
Principal Licensure
Graduation: June 2017
Denver Teacher Residency, Cohort IV
Master of Arts, Curriculum and Instruction
Concentration: Urban Education
Graduation: August 2013
St. John's University
Queens, New York
Bachelor of Science, Biology
Minor: Africana Studies
Graduation: May 2011
Dean’s List 2010-11
CREDENTIALS
State of Colorado
Professional Principal (K-12) [246089]
Teacher, Secondary Science Education (7-12) [204831]
HONORS
Alpha Kappa Mu Honors Society
Bob Graham Center Future of Florida Summit 2020, Selected Participant
Miss Black New Jersey US Ambassador 2018
Miss Black Colorado US Ambassador 2017
EXPERTISE
· Assessment Development
· Blended Learning
· Collaborative Learning Strategies
· Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners
· Culturally Responsive and Relevant Pedagogy
· Curriculum Design and Planning
· Data Analysis and Learning Cycles
· Innovation Plan Development and Design
· Instructional Coaching
· Instructional Systems Design
· Professional Learning Facilitation
· Project Based Learning
· Registered Yoga Teacher (200 hour certification completed; 300 hour in progress)
· School Planning and Design
· Socioemotional Learning Facilitation
· Stakeholder Engagement
· Student-Led Learning
· Team and Culture Development
PRESENTATIONS
15th Annual Education Development Conference
March 2019
Bangkok, Thailand
The Intersection of Blackness, Womanhood and Critical Spirituality
Florida Department of Juvenile Justice
January & February 2020
Train the Trainer Session Facilitator
LGBTQI Youth in the Florida Juvenile System
Equality Florida: All Together Now Conference
February 2020
St. Petersburg, Florida
Speaker, Community Partners Panel
COMPLETED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
International Institute for Restorative Practices, Basic Restorative Practices
Advanced Placement Summer Institute: Biology
Cognitive Coaching
Relay Graduate School of Education, Observation Feedback
Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, Motivational Interviewing
Florida Department of Law Enforcement, General Instructor Techniques
Children's Defense Fund, Samuel DeWitt Proctor Institute:
Joshua and Deborah Generation Track
