1. Black History Month
Black Women in American Culture and History
The Kendall Campus Story
February 2012

2. Black Women in American Culture and History
The 2012 Annual Black History Theme
From the American Revolution to the present, African American women have played a myriad of
critical roles in the making of our nation. Their labor and leadership, their motherhood and
patriotism, and their intellect and artistic expression have all enriched both the African American
community and the nation at large. In slavery and freedom, their struggles have been at the
heart of the human experience, and their triumphs over racism and sexism are a testimonial to
our common human spirit.
In American culture today, many know of the accomplishments of a few prominent figures. From
Phillis Wheatley, the unlikely American patriot during the Revolutionary War, to Harriet Tubman,
the leader of the Underground Railroad from slavery, to Ida B. Wells, the unyielding opponent of
lynching, to Rosa Parks, the mother of the modern Civil Rights Movement, black women have
been notable for standing against oppression. From Gwendolyn Brooks to Toni Morrison to Rita
Dove, they have distinguished themselves in American letters, and in recent years they have
been recognized as actors and recording artists with Academy Awards and Grammys.
The accomplishments of these exceptional women are the expressions of a vibrant culture in
which African American women play a singular role. The labors, struggles, organization, and
sacrifices of common women have made possible the prominence of heralded individuals. In
churches, community groups, literary societies, sororities, and advocacy organizations, African
American women have been the core of organized black life, but here their strivings have often
escaped the gaze of the public and hence their history is too little known.

3. Their story is unique in the annals of American history. Black women were held as slaves and
middle-class black women labored while their counterparts were housewives. Subjected to a
long history of stereotypes about their sexuality, morality, spirituality, and intellect, African
American women have never succumbed to victimhood and have pressed forward to uplift
themselves, their families, and their community.
To gain an understanding of the history of African American women is to broaden our
understanding of a people and the American nation. The Association for the Study of African
American Life and History dedicates the 2012 Annual Black History Theme to exploring
African American women’s roles in and contributions to the making of America.
This pictorial presentation serves to highlight some of the Black Women at Kendall
Campus of Miami Dade College. Their contributions to the college, departments, and all
students is priceless. Their dedication and desire to help has transformed the lives of
many at the college and in the community.
To all of them, THANK YOU!

4. Ms. Shirly Ferguson
Shirly has been an academic
advisor for many years at
Kendall Campus. She also
teaches workshops to
students about
Professionalism, Dress
Codes, Job Interview and
Resume, etc.

5. Ms. Merlene Purkiss
Merlene is an Associate Professor, Sr. She
has been an employee at the Kendall
Campus for 38 years. After graduating
with an A. S. degree in Secretarial Science,
she landed her first part-time job in
Continuing Education. She worked in
various departments part time for two
years. In the meantime, she continued her
education. Finally, in 1976, she became a
full-time employee in the Dean’s office. In
1995, after obtaining a Master’s degree in
English Education, she was hired full time
in the College Prep Department. Merlene
did not stop there. She became certified
in Reading, and she has written three
English textbooks!

6. Ms. Karen Hawkins
Professor in the School of Business
Education: B.S., M.B.A., Business, Florida
State University ; Ph. D., University of
Miami .
Work history includes experience as a
small business consultant for Southern
Bell Management. The College awarded
Karen Hawkins with "The Friends of
Kendall Campus School of Business"
Endowed Teaching Chair in 2001.

7. Ms. Joy-Ann Perard
She began working at MDC over 24
years ago as a student employee for
the Social Sciences Dept. After
completing her degree at Trinity
International University, she started
working in the Advisement and
Career Services Dept. at Kendall as
an Intervention Specialist. In this
role, Joy-Ann teaches Student Life
Skills classes as well as provides
student academic advisement. She
has also taught Dance for the last ten
years for the School of Continuing
Ed. & Professional Development. In
addition, she teaches workshops on
Professionalism, Customer
Service, Career Explorations, etc.

8. Ms. Leslie Wilson
Leslie is the Director of Student Life at MDC
Kendall. She has worked in higher education
for the past 10 years. Her educational
experiences include working in public and
private universities. She attended Historically
Black College/University during her studies.
She received a Bachelor’s degree in Speech
from Georgia State University and a Master’s
degree in Student Affairs Administration from
Michigan State University. (Go Spartans!)
A pageant enthusiast, Leslie held the first
ever title of Ms. Black Continental US in 2002.
She has been an active volunteer with the
Miss America program as a
contestant, judge, and pageant producer, and
local franchise director. Leslie has been
involved in the arts from a young age as a
tap dancer, theatre actress, and now enjoys
singing as a stress reliever. The most
adventurous thing she’s ever done was jump
into the Detroit River in 18 degree weather
to raise funds for Special Olympics!

9. Ms. Rita Fernandez-Sterling
She has worked at MDC, Kendall Campus for
almost 12 years and began as a reading and
writing instructor in the GED Lab and adjunct
professor for both the English and College
Prep. departments. During this time, she was
finishing her MA at Barry University. In 2003,
she became faculty in the College Prep.
department's writing division. In addition to
teaching developmental writing, she has
assisted in many campus and college wide
committees. She has been the co-chair for
several years of the Annual Arts and Letters
Day committees. Furthermore, periodically
she facilitates CT&D workshops. She has been
fortunate to have found a career that is both
fulfilling and rewarding. However, her most
fulfilling and rewarding role is being a mother
to her two wonderful boys ages 9 and 15.
Although her life is very busy at work and at
home, she still finds time to enjoy reading,
dancing, and traveling.

10. Ms. Patricia Freeman
She is the proud grandmother of
two boys, Jaylen and Jordan. In
1974, Patricia was employed at
Miami Dade College. She currently
works in the School of Continuing
Education and Professional
Development. Over the past thirty
five years, she has assisted
students in their pursuit of higher
education. Her experience at
Miami Dade College has inspired
her to further her own educational
dreams. Patricia truly believes that
she can achieve her goals with God
at her side.

11. Ms. Ginger Parker
Ginger teaches at Kendall Campus School of
Business. This is her 33rd year at MDC –
Kendall, teaching Accounting and
Economics. She has been awarded two
Endowed Teaching Chairs and the NISOD
Award for Faculty Excellence from the
University of Texas at Austin. Last year, she
was selected to be an Oxford University
Scholar. Several of her students have
nominated her to be in Who’s Who Among
American Colleges and Universities. She has
served MDC in many capacities, including
former President of the Faculty Senate and
founding member of United Faculty of Miami
Dade College and on the faculty team that
over a period of two and one half years
negotiated the first union contract with the
College. She recently completed eight years
as Connectional Treasurer of the International
Women’s Missionary Society and a founding
member of the WMS Foundation that
provides educational and economic
opportunities and health care services to
women and children in developing countries.

12. Ms. Regina Ferguson
Regina has over 31 years of experience in higher
education at MDC and has held several positions
in student services. She is currently the Director
of Financial Aid at the Kendall Campus. When it
comes down to business, she is a very dedicated
and hardworking administrator; taking care of
business with a smile makes her an amazing
professional and she always looks forward to
making every year successful!
Ms. Ferguson was raised in Miami, Fl. She is
married with three children and a proud graduate
of University of Miami and an active officer on
the Board of the Cultural Pearls of Excellence,
Inc., a nonprofit organization committed to
providing quality services that nurture the
academic and personal growth of special needs
and at-risk females.
She is also active in her church and devotes time
in her community mentoring high school
students who are preparing to attend college. A
few other things that she loves doing is spending
time with her family, attending church affiliated
functions, dancing, traveling, shopping,
watching basketball and football games and just
having fun!

13. Ms. Andrea Nicholson
Andrea has worked at MDC for 9 years, 6
of them as a full-time Financial Aid
Advisor. She earned her Associate in Arts
in Biology from MDC and went on to
Barry University to complete both her
Bachelors and Masters degrees within 3
years.
What is most interesting about her is that
she became a Certified Nursing Assistant
at the age of 17 and actually worked in
the Ryder Trauma Center.
Working in the Financial Aid office at
Kendall has made her shift her focus
professionally and now she is in love with
education and feels passionate about
assisting students with their educational
goals.

14. Ms. Toyia Brown
Toyia, has been an Information
Specialist at MDC for the last 2 years.
While seeking the opportunity to be
of help to our community, she found
a thirst for the medical field and
earned an Associate in Science
degree in Radiology from Keiser
University.
Her educational pursuits then led her
to become certified in Medical
Assisting, EKG operation, and in
Phlebotomy. She is currently
working in Financial Aid and enjoying
meeting new people while helping
students receive the necessary aid to
pursue their educational goals.

15. Ms. Pamela Alexander
Pamela currently serves as
Secretary for the Campus
President. She has worked at
Miami Dade College, Kendall
Campus- yes, Kendall Campus-
for more than thirty
years, making her part of the
“permanent collection.” She
is filled with a wealth of
knowledge and experience
having served under a total of
eight Campus Presidents
during her tenure at
MDC, Kendall.

16. Ms. Dana Crawford
Dana was born in Jamaica and graduated
there with a BA in Chemistry. She has
been the manager of the College Prep
Math Lab since 1990. A firm believer in
community participation, Dana was an
original founder of the Jamaican
Movement for the Advancement of
Literacy. She is also a founding member
of the Florida Chapter of the SAOGA, and
past president of this association. In
addition, she is a board member of
Creative Adoptions, Inc.
Dana has 2 adult children and 2
grandchildren who live in N.Y. Although
she is not able to be with her
grandchildren as often as she would
like, she is most happy to be able to
“visit” with them weekly via Skype!

17. Ms. Tenecia Bradley
Tenecia currently serves as Assistant Dean
of Student Services at MDC, Kendall
Campus. She has been employed full-time
in the arena of higher education since
2002. She has participated in the
Leadership Development Institute hosted
by the National Council on Black American
Affairs, and has been awarded two
Presidential Excellence Awards. She also
received numerous additional
commendations. Tenecia is passionate for
the cause of underrepresented students
and staff. Additionally, she recently
received her doctorate in education from
the University of Florida. Her dissertation
was entitled Upward Journey: Exploring
the Experiences of Black Administrators at
Two-Year Hispanic-Serving Institutions.

18. Ms. Latrice Ross
Latrice is a Financial Aid Advisor at the
Kendall Campus. She has been with MDC
for 16 years working in different capacities
and departments. She attained her
Master’s Degree in Business Administration
from Nova Southeastern University, and a
Bachelor’s Degree in Business
Administration from FIU, and Associates of
Arts degree at Miami Dade College.
Over the years, she received various awards
from Support Staff to Service
Excellence. Latrice is a hardworking and
dedicated individual committed to helping
student’s educational goals and providing
assistance to her fellow colleagues. In her
spare time, she enjoys spending time with
family and friends, attending local cultural
events and traveling the world.

19. Ms. Denise Arias
Denise has been working for the
college since 2004 in various
capacities and campuses. At Kendall,
she is an Information Specialist for
the Financial Aid Department. She
has also worked in the past for South
Florida Workforce, Satterwhite
Academy, and the Sheriff’s Office.

20. Ms. Lavern Morgan
Lavern is new to the MDC family. She currently works
as an Information Specialist at Kendall Campus. Born
in Kingston, Jamaica; she became a native of South
Florida in 1976. The daughter of a renowned
Reggae/SKA singer Derrick Morgan, Lavern lives and
seeks to further her career and education while at
the same time inspiring others to follow their
dreams no matter how far they may seem. She
worked as a Patient Coordinator at Bascom Palmer
Eye Institute, and as a Medical Administrative
Assistant for the Miami Dade Correctional Institute
where she not only assisted with the day-to-day
work duties in her role, but also shared her love for
God with fellow employees and inmates.
In her spare time she enjoys the company of her
three wonderful children and a host of friends and
family. Her motivation in life is working hard to build
an even better self, family, community, and world by
reaching a wider audience; and encouraging them to
seek out the very dream that is beyond the stars.

21. Ms. Michelle Grant-Murray
Michelle has continued to bring forth a vast amount of
expertise, diversity and advanced curriculum to the
pedagogy of Dance at MDC/Kendall Campus. She has
served Dade County Public Schools, Pierce County Public
School, St. Johns Community College/Florida School of the
Arts, Bale de Mata, Instituto Oya as well as working within
the community with various churches and civic
organizations. She is also the Artistic Director of Olujimi
Dance Theatre and serves on the board of Brazz Dance
Theater.
Michelle has acquired great experience from working with
such companies and artist as Black Door Dance
Ensemble, Aluja Dance Theatre, Giovanni Luquini, Alvin
Ailey Dance Center, Dance Theatre of Harlem School, and
many others. She is the recipient of state and local grants
from the Pierce County Cultural Affairs Council, Tiger Tail
Productions and Metro-Dade Cultural Affairs Council.
Michelle has continued her studies in
Education, Dance, Choreography, Performance
Studies. She holds an M.F.A. degree in Choreography from
Jacksonville University and an M.A. degree from Florida
International University in Cultural Studies and Pedagogy.
Her primary research concentration incorporates the
human aesthetic of memory, movement fused with
African Diaspora movement forms and other technical
forms of dance as a formal foundation to the pedagogy of
dance.

22. Ms. Ashley Morning
Ashley is an Information Specialist at Kendall
Campus. She is a native of Miami, who enjoys the
climate and its multi-cultural atmosphere.
Currently, she is pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science
in Healthcare Administration with the goal of one
day making a major impact in hospital
administration and/or an institution
administration such as Miami Dade College. She
has worked at various departments at the college
and in various capacities for the last 5 years. In
her spare time, Ashley has worked as a Student
Missionary for the Florida Baptist Convention
teaching Vacation Bible School to local church
communities, is a Junior Chef for her families
personal chef /dining company “Angela’s Taste of
Heaven.” She also loves and lives the art of giving
back to her community. She is a volunteer for
Miami Dade County Public School System assisting
teachers in after school hours.

23. Ms. Susan Summons
A renowned Head Women’s Basketball Coach and
Professor, Sr. in the Biology Health and Wellness
Department at Miami Dade College-Kendall has been
named among the TOP 100 Most Influential Sports
Educators in America by the Institute for International
Sports. In addition, Susan has been twice honored with
the prestigious Endowed Teaching Chair Award. She also
received the Ambassador of Peace Award and an
invitation to join some of the nation’s high profile civic
leaders, politicians, educators at the United Nations.
Known also for her motivational speeches, talks and
voices that permeates throughout the classroom and
corridors on campus. Summons is an experienced
coach, teacher, recruiter, administrator and student
advocate both at the national and international level
boasting a 93% graduation and placement rate of her
student-athletes to the University level. Her
enthusiasm, dedication, energy, national notoriety and
experience have made her one of most recognized and
respected Women’s Basketball coaches, sports
educators and professors in the United States.

24. Ms. Shelly Wellington
Shelley Wellington joined
Miami Dade College in 2008 as
a Student Advisor and has over
10 years’ experience in
financial aid and overall 13
years of working with
students. Shelley earned her
Doctorate in Education during
2011 and was also an Adjunct
Professor for over 10 years
at Nova Southeastern
University in Fort Lauderdale.
Shelley loves to travel and is
dedicated to her family.

25. Ms. Deborah C. Powell
Deborah is a Full Professor in the Social
Sciences Dept./Psychology Discipline and
has been with the college for over 32
years. She is a proud alumnus of Clark
College (known now as Clark Atlanta
College) and Ohio State University. She
has served in other areas of the college as
director of Recruitment, Director of
Minority Services, etc. In addition, she
has been the faculty advisor for United
Black Students for 15 years. One of her
favorite contributions to the campus is
Black History Month’s Cotton Club.
Deborah has been the Co-Advisor for the
Psychology Student Association and the
Psi Beta Honor Society for Psych majors.
Her favorite quote comes from John
Dewey: “Education is not preparation for
life it is life itself.”

26. Ms. Veronica Nicoleau
Veronica is a Program
Leader in the Academic
Advisement Dept. of
Kendall Campus.

27. Ms. Vanya Albury
Vanya is the Director of
Student Development and
Retention at Kendall
Campus. She has worked
at the college for many
years.

28. Ms. Gwendolyn Broussard
Gwen is the Campus
Facilities Planner for
Kendall. She works at
MDC District.

29. Ms. Gilda Chang
Gilda is a Human
Resources Specialist II in
Operations. She works for
District at Kendall.

30. Ms. Ferne Creary
Ferne is an Associate
College Registrar working
for College-wide
Registration Services at
Kendall Campus.

31. Ms. Elizabeth Delancy
Elizabeth is a professor of
Dance at Kendall Campus.

32. Ms. Dana Dingle
Dana is an Information
Specialist for Admissions
and Registration at
Kendall Campus.

33. Ms. Alysia Dyer
In her 5th year at Miami Dade College, Alysia
Dyer, 28, serves as the Assistant Director of
Athletics for all five intercollegiate programs at
the college. Alysia helps to provide
administrative direction and oversight for all
intercollegiate athletics staff and over one
hundred student-athletes, while adhering to all
rules and regulations of the NJCAA and FCSAA.
Dyer acquired a Master of Science degree in
Sports Administration from St. Thomas
University in 2007, and a Bachelor of Science
in Exercise and Sports Science from the
University of Florida, 2005. Alysia has also
been working for the Miami HEAT, as a
member of the Stats Crew for the NBA for the
past 5 seasons. One thing you may not know
about Alysia, is that she was a member of the
Jazz and Concert bands throughout school and
has been playing the drums for over 12 years.

34. Ms. Lacie Fairweather
Lacie is a Human
Resources Coordinator for
District at Kendall
Campus.

35. Ms. Ireatha Fuller
Ireatha is an Accounts
Specialist III for the
Bursars Office at Kendall
Campus.

36. Ms. Candice Hunter
Candice is the new Chairperson for the Business
Department at Kendall. She comes to us with
over 15 years of professional experience which
includes a diverse mix of senior human
resources leadership, higher education
administration, faculty/staff development and
teaching. She most recently served at Broward
College as the District Director, Compensation
and HR Information Systems .
She earned her Master's in Business
Administration at FIU and her undergraduate
degree in Psychology from The George
Washington University. She also holds a Senior
Professional in Human Resources certification.
Candice is actively involved in the local
community and beyond. She is a certified
volunteer leader with Volunteer Broward and
the K-12 system. She was recently appointed to
the executive board of the George Washington
University’s Black Alumni Association as the
Membership Chair.

37. Ms. Latoya James
Latoya is a Dispatcher
working for Public Safety
at Kendall Campus.

38. Ms. Patrick Jones
I was quite familiar with the college, as I took
classes and worked in various temporary
positions around the campus before I
became a full time employee with the Miami
Dade College family in 1981. I’ve received
special awards, volunteered on
committees, as well as a mentor to some and
a mother to others. I take great pleasure in
my job as a front line employee for The
Honors College. It is a pleasure to work in
one of the largest multi-cultural institution in
the Nation.
I have a love for learning and I am currently
working towards a BA in Management, where
I hope to extend Service to South Florida as a
Banquet Hall owner in my next career.
I am a single mother of two, and a grand-
mother of three. I have worked 15 years as a
part-time employee for Baptist Hospital also
the “# 1” Hospital in the Nation.
I believe if we are all of one body, then we all
must work together in THAT body for the
same cause.

39. Ms. Rita McClure
Rita is a Secretary I for the
Financial Aid Department
at Kendall Campus.

40. Ms. Colleen McKenzie
Colleen is a Manager for
the Division of Human
Resources at
District, Kendall Campus.

41. Ms. Daniella Pierre
Daniella works for Human
Resources at District,
Kendall Campus.

42. Ms. Letitia Rackley
Letitia is a Manager for
the Division of Human
Resources at District,
Kendall Campus.

43. Ms. Jennis Ramsay
Jennis is an Administrative
Assistant III for the
Division of Human
Resources at District,
Kendall Campus.

44. Ms. Tekesha Serrano
Tekesha is an Information
Specialist for Admissions
and Registrations at
Kendall Campus.

45. Ms. Elaine Spence
Elaine is a Compensations
and Benefits Manager at
the Division of Human
Resources at
District, Kendall Campus.

46. Ms. Ali Stewart
Ali started at MDC in 1980
working in the foundation
department part-time to full-time
in the Graphics Services
department then on to the
Business Department totaling 31
years of service. She is in the
drop and when she completes
the drop sunny Miami and the
Keys will be her weekend get a
ways. She enjoys her 4 grand’s
when her day is done at MDC
which keeps her on her toes, she
also enjoys her commitment to
the Cotton Club with the Divas of
MDC, you know who you are.

47. Ms. Katrina Tillman
Katrina is a Student
Services Assistant I for
Admissions and
Registration at Kendall
Campus.

48. Ms. Mary Woodson
Mary is an Account
Specialist III for the
Bursars Office at Kendall
Campus.