The Digital Literacy Leadership Team
Bishop Frank A. White, CEO, Cedarmore Corporation, has 35 years of effective management in both the public and private sectors of capital securities, brokerages, record labels, insurance corporations, financial planning, real estate, hiring management, publicists and production firms. Proven record of service in overseeing and managing multi-million dollar budgets, projecting, constructing, executing quality assurance and improvement, team development, empowerment training, proactive problem solving at all levels. He earned his A.A. in Applied Music from Five Towns College of Music and B.S. in Business Administration from C.W. Post College. He has worked as a financial consultant/broker with First Investors, and was a principal partner – The Oxford Group, New York, NY. Bishop White leads a regional Diocese of 37 member churches, Pastors the Zion Cathedral Church in Freeport, and has served the 8.8 million member national Church of God In Christ as Financial Secretary since 2009.
Dr. Jacqueline Harris, retired school administrator, her notable work on disproportionality, access, and equity has been recognized locally, regionally, and nationally. Dr. Harris currently serves as Executive Director for Access 7 Services, Inc. where she is an integral part of the branding, coordination of services, recruitment, and daily operations of this agency that provides special education support and services across Long Island. She also uses her leadership skills to serve as the Program Director for the Cedarmore Corporation’s Youth Empowerment Series, coordinating the culturally relevant Girlz Talk and BoyzN2Men programs for underserved youth.
Dr. Erica D. Taylor has been an Assistant Principal for 13 years at a Middle School on Long Island and an educator for 21 years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Long Island University C.W. Post, Master of Science in Special Education from Adelphi University, and a Master of Arts in School Administration from The College of Saint Rose. Dr. Taylor received her Doctorate in Educational Administration, Supervision, and Instructional Leadership from St. John’s University. She has mentored many young educators and children along her journey. As an advocate for children and a “Servant Leader”, she has learned the power of PRAYER and GRIT. Dr. Taylor believes that it is better to give than to receive. She has a passion for growing people and is truly “In Service of Children”.
Stephen Fields is originally from Kansas where he graduated from the University of Kansas with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering with computer engineering emphasis. After graduating, Mr. Fields worked in the software industry as a software QA engineer for several years while owning his own computer business, Firstborn Technologies. At that time he also taught computer programming at a local community college. He currently works as a Sr. RF Engineer for At&t with over 20 years of experience optimizing and integrating the latest technologies in the cellular network here in New York. Mr. Fields has a passion for helping people through technology.
Travis Holloway is an experienced leader in education and Christian ministry. Currently supporting students. staff, and families in the important role of High School Principal, Travis has a heart for service. His passion is to educate, equip, train, and develop people into becoming relevant and effective leaders for their generation and those to come.
Dr. Sheila Lyle Maxwell is a lifelong educator currently serving as a school building leader in New York City Department of Education District 27. Sheila has been recognized as a turnaround administrator in 2017 at Challenge Charter Middle School for closing extensive achievement gaps in both English Language Arts and Math. Sheila has been recognized by Atlanta Public Schools for meeting 100% Student Achievement Targets. Sheila has served on the Science Technology Engineering Program Parent Advisory Board, College at Old Westbury since 2015, she also serves on the board of directors for the Cedarmore Corporation Inc. whose mission is to equip underserved African American and Latinx youth in the areas of digital literacy, and lifelong success.
Dr. Anthony Murray has been a school district administrator in the areas of Mathematics and Instructional Technology for 17 years and an educator for 27 years. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics & Statistics/Mathematics from Stony Brook University, Master of Arts in Mathematics Education from New York University, and a Specialist Diploma in School Administration & Supervision from CUNY Queens College. Dr. Murray received his Doctorate in Administrative & Instructional Leadership from St. John’s University. He has established himself as a quick learner, self-starter, and dedicated worker. His curriculum vitae reflects his leadership ability, commitment to equity, improving students’ academic achievement, and working with a diverse student population.
Ariyanna Simmons has served communities of color through research and practice. She currently serves as a Site Coordinator and College and Career advisor for the NY Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Program (G.E.A.R. U.P), a 7-year grant funded by the Department of Education that aims to increase high school graduation rates and enrollment in post-secondary education. Through culturally responsive mentorship, Ariyanna has been able to ensure that students are met with socioemotional and academic support throughout their academic journey. She has served as a researcher in a wide range of academic institutions, some of which include Adelphi University, New York University-Steinhardt, and Teachers College, Columbia University. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Adelphi University and has her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Richard Simmons: With decades of experience as a technologist, Richard has worked on projects that have included universities, corporations, and an array of school districts. As an experienced multimedia and marketing graphics specialist, Mr. Simmons is well versed in today’s design, video, and audio creation. He also has a history as an artist and youth mentor. Mr. Simmons has a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Art, Design, and Photography and a Master's degree in Learning and Emerging Technology.
Celisa Vanderberg, is a Nutrition Manager for the Education System. She provides healthy meals, nutritional education and programs to children, adults and organizations in impoverished areas. As a nutritional advocate, she critically thinks about the role of communities in fostering a positive and healthy development for the children who dwell within it. Her role as a Nutrition Manager has led her to think deeply about the role of schools in addressing nutritional deficiencies.
In addition to her service within the education system she also has been a part of community service projects for over 20 years. Celisa’s passion for the community, especially those in underserved areas has inspired her to pursue a Master’s degree in Social Work.
Diane Jackson is an Administrative Assistant with 12 years of experience working alongside the CEO of FAW Ministries, after retiring with 20 years of experience as a manager in Hospital Finance. Diane specializes in administrative technology and is responsible for administrative support for the BFOW Digital Literacy Center.
Dr. Juliet White has over 25 years of experience as an educator. She holds a Master of Education from Adelphi University and a Doctor of Divinity. Dr. White serves as the Director of Christian Education for Zion Cathedral COGIC. She is the loving wife of Bishop Frank Otha White.