The Black Experience
February 15th, 2012
Speaker Bios
Patrick Banks is the director of alumni for Teach for America St. Louis. He grew up in St. Louis, graduating from Jennings High School, received his undergraduate degree from Wabash University, and his Masters in Public Service from the Clinton School of Public Service
Christiana Okoulatsongo comes to us from the Republic of Congo. She is the parent of a seventh grade student. She holds degrees from international universities, speaks several languages and has lived in several different countries. Christiana has a unique perspective of how various cultures and countries welcome, or don’t welcome, African immigrants and visitors.
Dr. Edward Johnson Jr. is an alumni of Ladue Horton Watkins High School and a former Ladue School District staff member. He is currently the assistant principal at Brentwood High School and serves as the athletic director for the Brentwood School District. His greatest accomplishment is, of course, being married to Dr. Tiffany Taylor-Johnson, Assistant Principal of Ladue Middle School.
Daniel Lester is an alumni of Ladue Horton Watkins High School. He currently serves as the Director of Diversity at De Smet Jesuit High School. He is the varsity assistant coach for the football team, and is the owner and CEO of a fast growing media production company.
Antionette Cousins is the Executive Director of Riverview West Florissant Development Corporation. This agency is undertaking community/economic development activities to improve the quality of life in nine neighborhoods and other communities in the City of St. Louis.
Evelyn Gilliam comes to us straight from Ladue Middle School. Evelyn has a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education and a Master of Arts in teaching and educational leadership. Evelyn Gilliam has been teaching for 17 years, and has been a leader in the area of diversity for the Ladue School District.
Dr. Derrick Wallace is an administrator for the Ladue School District. Dr. Wallace holds a Doctorate in Education from Maryville University and a Master’s of Education Administration from Lindenwood University. Dr. Wallace serves as the Director of Diversity, Equity and Safety for our district.
Detective Williams was on the St. Louis City Police force for over 20 years. He was a member of the Bomb and Arson Squad and attended national trainings for Homeland Security. Detective Williams helped to design the Bomb and Arson mobile unit currently used by the St. Louis Police Department.
Wanda Green has had a variety of aspirations and professions over her career. She currently works at Edward Jones and has participated in their "Give Respect, Get Respect" Diversity Awareness program.