Gainesville Empowerment Zone
Family Learning Center
We Grow Greatness!
The Gainesville Empowerment Zone Family Learning Center seeks to enrich the lives of every student by providing them with a head start that empowers them to succeed both academically and socially. In doing so, we not only strengthen their hopes for educational success, but we also help build a stronger, more vibrant community.
Our Mission
Education
We aim to ensure all children are prepared for kindergarten through engaging and educational programming tailored to their needs.
Support
Our initiatives focus on strengthening family units by providing valuable resources to assist with housing, job training, and education.
Community
Collaboration with local partners is essential for creating a supportive environment for minority students and their families.
Empowerment
We strive to empower parents, helping them navigate challenges while promoting their children's academic success.
Inclusion
Fostering an inclusive community is at the heart of our mission—ensuring every child feels valued and supported.
Family Engagement
Family is at the core of what we believe in—ensuring that we provide a comforting environment where our families feel safe, heard, and seen is important to us.
Core Values
Empowerment
We believe in empowering families through education and resources that encourage self-sufficiency and growth.
Community
Our focus is to strengthen the community by fostering strong relationships among families, organizations, and local partners.
Inclusion
We embrace diversity and prioritize inclusivity, ensuring all voices are heard and represented.
Support
We provide unwavering support to families, helping them access the resources they need for a brighter future.
Collaboration
By collaborating with various partners, we enhance our impact and reach within the community.
Meet Our Team
Our staff are a group of passionate and integral caregivers who seek to enrich the lives of each student and member of the community that they serve.
Our Leadership Team
CEO/ President
James Lawrence
Executive Assistant
Mekilah Leslie
Executive Director
Elizebeth Woods
Family Engagement Specialist
Trish White
Our Teachers
Thanida Lattin
Infant Lead Teacher
Early Preschool Teacher
Shantel Davis
Infant Care Teacher
Rachel Nuyten
Dericashia Myers
Early Preschool Teacher
Toddler Lead Teacher
Alicia Mego
Toddler Teacher
Starr Dacosta
Supporting Roles
.jpg)
Grant Specialist
Sofiya Nazarov
Food Service Provider
Brittania Turk
Our Board Members
President
James Lawrence
Editor , Democrat and Chronicle
Founder, Gainesville For All
Charles Dziuban
Coordinator, Rosen Foundation Educational Initiative
Director, Research Initiative for Teaching Effectiveness
Secretary
Wendy Resnick
Former Executive Director, United Cerebral Palsy of Sarasota/ Manatee, Inc.
Vice President
Corey Harris
Senior Housing Strategist
Coldwell Banker M.M. Parrish Realtors
Marion Radson
Board Certified Attorney in City, County and Local Government Law. Local Government Law Fellow, IMLA
Treasurer
Geralyn Mackritis
Former Program Director, Caring Choices