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 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 ten community organizations during the school day to provide instruction and mentorship to scholars.
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.
EDUCATION
Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
Tallahassee, Florida
Doctor of Philosophy, Educational Leadership,
Expected Graduation: May 2021
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
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
· Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners
· Blended Learning
· Project Based Learning
· Instructional Coaching
· Collaborative Learning Strategies
· Student-Led Learning
· Team and Culture Development
· Assessment Development
· Culturally Responsive and Relevant Pedagogy
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
