Black Entrepreneur & Educator Transforming Lives

A Mission Born from Experience

Kenya Strickland’s journey began in the classrooms of Title I schools, where she has spent the last six years teaching U.S. History and African-American History to high school students. These schools, predominantly serving students of color, often face significant challenges, with many students underperforming academically. This stark reality ignited a fire within Kenya to create Strickland Educational Services, a nonprofit that aims to improve literacy rates and successful outcomes for youth in marginalized communities.

“Education is the key to changing your circumstances,” Kenya asserts with conviction. Her belief in the power of education to alter life trajectories is the cornerstone of her nonprofit’s mission. Through programs like the School to Purpose Pipeline, Kenya’s nonprofit offers mentorship to students, helping them understand the importance of education and its potential to transform not only their lives but also their communities.

 

Empowering Teachers: The Black Teachers Meet Initiative

Kenya’s commitment to education extends beyond her students. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by Black educators, she launched the Black Teachers Meet, a support group for Black teachers in Central Florida. This initiative is designed to offer a space for educators to connect, share experiences, and support each other in a profession that can often feel isolating.

“I wanted something like this for myself when I first started teaching,” Kenya explains. “When I couldn’t find it, I decided to create it.” Black Teachers Meet is more than just a networking event; it’s a lifeline for teachers who are passionate about making a difference in their communities but need the support to continue doing so. The program is also part of Kenya’s broader goal to retain more Black teachers in the field, a crucial component in ensuring that students have role models who reflect their own experiences.

 

Drawing Inspiration from the Past

Kenya’s passion for community empowerment is deeply rooted in her study of African-American history. She credits the Black Panther Party and their 10-point program as a significant influence on her mission. “I love the whole idea of grassroots organizing and pulling people together to put our power towards good,” she says. This philosophy is evident in every aspect of her work, from her nonprofit’s programs to her efforts to build a supportive community for Black educators.

 

Goals for the Future

As the year progresses, Kenya has her sights set on expanding the impact of Strickland Educational Services. One of her primary goals is to secure enough funding to sustain and grow the nonprofit’s programs. “Our goal is to raise at least $50,000 by the end of the year,” she shares. This funding is crucial for continuing the work that has already begun to make a tangible difference in the lives of students and teachers in her community.

Kenya is also keen to build partnerships with businesses that share her vision of community upliftment. While she dreams of collaborating with large corporations like Target or Walmart in the future, her immediate focus is on connecting with small businesses within the community. “It’s important for our students to see how we can come together to help ourselves,” she explains.

 

How the Community Can Get Involved

Kenya’s mission is not one that can be achieved alone. She is actively seeking volunteers to support the various programs under Strickland Educational Services. “We’re a very small team, so the more people we can have on board who are like-minded and want to see the mission through, the better,” Kenya says. For those looking to get involved, now is the time to lend a hand and be part of something transformative.

The Bigger Picture

Kenya Strickland’s work is a powerful reminder that change starts with individuals who are willing to take action. Her dedication to improving the lives of students and supporting teachers is a testament to the impact that one person can have on an entire community. Through her nonprofit, Kenya is not just educating students; she is building futures, one program at a time.

For those inspired by Kenya’s mission, the message is clear: There is no better time than now to engage with your personal mission and get involved in your community. Each small act contributes to the larger goal of creating a better, more equitable world for all.

As Kenya puts it, “Our mission is to uplift and transform marginalized communities through high-quality educational programming aimed at improving literacy, planning for successful futures, and fostering self-actualization.” It’s a mission that speaks to the power of education, the importance of community, and the belief that together, we can build a brighter future.