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Voices of Black Leadership

“I Am Black History”

Los Angeles Education Partnership (LAEP)

At LAEP, Black History Month is not a look back at a closed chapter; it is an active, breathing acknowledgement of the leaders who shape our halls today. This year, we centered our reflection on four words that sparked a movement in our office: “I Am Black History.”

What does it mean to embody history while you are still making it? Our leaders shared their stories of resilience, reclamation, and the “wildest dreams” of those who came before them.

The Power of the Narrative

For Danielle Watson, being Black history is a “full circle moment.” Standing on the shoulders of ancestors who were denied the very literacy she now uses to lead, Danielle views her work as an act of preservation. Drawing inspiration from the Harlem Renaissance, she reminds us that Black stories are not just expressions of identity—they are acts of brilliance.

“I am Black history because I carry forward the dreams of those who came before me—and I work daily to make space for those who will come after.”

Unbought and Unbossed

LaCora Stephens frames her place in history through the lens of relentless perseverance. For her, history isn’t just about admiring the past; it’s about speaking truth to power in the present. Channeling the spirit of Shirley Chisholm, LaCora isn’t looking for a seat at a pre-existing table—she is busy building new ones.

“I refuse to settle for anything less than what’s right… I am dedicated to building tables and leaving an indelible mark on education and storytelling.”

Our Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams

The theme took on a personal resonance for our HR Director, Tia Fishback, during a quiet moment with her daughter. When asked what her “I Am Black History” shirt meant, Tia realized she was living the answer. With “letters behind her name,” a home to her call, and a team to lead, she is the physical manifestation of a legacy that refused to be broken.

“I am my ancestors’ wildest dreams… I embody the legacy of resilience, perseverance, and achievement that defines the Black experience.”

Representation and the Power Balance

For Austin Williams, M.Ed., being Black history means acknowledging the weight of a legacy that was built against its will, yet still found its way to the cultural forefront. As the first in his family to earn a Master’s degree, Austin sees his role as a Black male educator—representing just 2% of the teaching population—as a vital tool for liberation.

“Our reality today is what happened yesterday. My history will be something that someone else has the opportunity to build upon… It’s about helping students expand their critical consciousness and helping them make sense of the power balance.”

A Living Mandate for Action

Finally, we hear from Paul Simpson, MBA, LAEP Board Member and CFO of LifeMoves. To Paul, “I Am Black History” is a dynamic mandate for the present. He views his daily work in supportive housing and educational advocacy as a direct tribute to the generations who fought for the opportunities we hold today.

“Our work is the living breath of Black History. Find one tangible way to step into the arena and help your community solve a challenge it is currently facing. Whether it is designing equitable frameworks or volunteering your time—take action.”

More Than a Month

At LAEP, we don’t just study history; we work alongside it. To our leaders: thank you for being the resilience, the brilliance, and the foundation upon which the next generation will build.

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Melissa Peña

Chief Program Officer

Melissa Peña serves as the Chief Program Officer at the Los Angeles Education Partnership (LAEP), bringing more than two decades of experience advancing educational equity, youth development, and community-centered systems change. A mission-driven and strategic leader, she has dedicated her career to eliminating barriers to learning and seeking equitable outcomes for historically underserved youth. Prior to joining LAEP, Melissa spent over 14 years at Green Dot Public Schools where she launched and scaled high-impact initiatives that reduced chronic absenteeism by 27%, expanded access to wellness services, and built network-wide support systems for more than 600 homeless and foster youth across 18 schools. Her leadership is rooted in both entrepreneurial vision and disciplined execution—designing programs, teams, and infrastructure that strengthen outcomes for students while supporting the adults who serve them. 

Melissa’s commitment to equity has shaped her work across roles in education, youth development, and human services, including senior leadership positions at The Door in New York City and national diversity recruitment efforts at Teach For America. She began her career as a fourth-grade teacher in Newark, New Jersey, a formative experience that continues to ground her belief that the key to ensuring every young person meets their full potential lies in the power of family–school–community partnerships. At LAEP, Melissa leads program strategy with empathy, clarity, and a deep belief that children thrive when systems work together from “diapers to diplomas.” She holds a Master’s in Education from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a B.A. in Sociology from UC Santa Barbara. Outside of work, she enjoys researching her family history, exploring nature, and family movie nights with her husband and two children. 

LaCora Stephens

Marketing and Communications

LaCora is a seasoned communications professional with a passion for using multimedia storytelling to empower movements for social justice and equality. For over 13 years, she has honed her skills as a versatile multimedia director, overseeing media operations across diverse organizations, including the NAACP Beverly Hills-Hollywood Branch and The Shirley Chisholm Education Foundation. Her deep understanding of the education and equity landscape fuels her creative vision, allowing her to craft impactful narratives that resonate with audiences.

With strategic communication​ and collaboration, LaCora excels in developing and executing compelling​ multimedia campaigns that not only raise​ awareness of critical issues but also​ inspire action and drive meaningful change. Her proficiency in concept​ development, production execution, and​ team leadership ensures projects are​ delivered with exceptional quality. Furthermore, LaCora fosters strong​ relationships with internal and external​ stakeholders, cultivating partnerships​ that maximize campaign reach and impact.

LaCora's educational foundation began with a Bachelor of Science in Theatre Education from Florida A&M University. She then pursued a master’s degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from Alliant University of San Diego. This passion for storytelling, fueled by her background in education, translates to her belief in the power of shared narratives. Her work in this area was recognized through her selection as a Women in Film Mentee and film director for Viola Davis’ sponsored film showcase, Diversity in Cannes. Now, LaCora leverages her love of storytelling and commitment to educational equity in her role leading marketing and communications for Los Angeles Education Partnership, while also serving on the board of the Pasadena African American Film Foundation.

Eric Barela, Ph.D.

Senior Consultant, Raya Cooper Impact Consulting

Dr. Eric Barela has worked as a measurement & evaluation professional for over 2 decades, helping organizations to better understand and act on their social impact. He’s currently a Senior Consultant with Raya Cooper Impact Consulting and previously worked at Salesforce, where he led efforts to measure the social impact of the company’s work with nonprofits and educational institutions across the globe. He began his career working with the Los Angeles Unified School District and with the nonprofit, Partners in School Innovation. Eric previously served on the Board of the American Evaluation Association and currently serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of the American Journal of Evaluation.

Eric grew up in East LA and was educated in the Montebello Unified School District. He holds a Ph.D. in education from UCLA. He loves a good road trip, with his husband serving as trusty navigator.