Ty’Sheka (pronounced Ty-she-ka) currently serves as the Community Engagement Organizer at GeorgiaCAN. Originally from Augusta, she currently resides in Smyrna, Georgia. Ty’Sheka takes great pride in her roots and values her connection to her hometown. Education is a significant aspect of Ty’Sheka’s life, as she is a proud graduate of The University of Alabama. Her academic journey led her to pursue a Doctorate of Philosophy in Developmental Psychology. As she continues her professional career, she is concurrently working on her dissertation, focusing on a subject within the field of developmental psychology.
Ty’Sheka’s professional background showcases her commitment to education and community service. She brings a wealth of experience from her previous work with charter schools and non-profit organizations in Memphis, Tennessee, and the greater Atlanta area. In her role as the field coordinator at GeorgiaCAN, Ty’Sheka is responsible for coordinating various initiatives and programs aimed at improving education and advocating for children and families throughout Greater Atlanta and Georgia. She takes great pleasure in serving the community and working directly with children and their families, helping them navigate the education system and empowering them to achieve their full potential.
I aspire to be like my mother (Allison) & grandfather (Allen). Here’s why:
Both my mother and grandfather have been such an inspiration to me.
My mother has been my guiding light since the moment I entered this world. Her unwavering love and selflessness have been the pillars of strength in my life. Her constant support and encouragement have given me the confidence to pursue my dreams and overcome every obstacle that has come my way. Her resilience, hard work, and determination have shown me what it means to never give up, even in the face of adversity. She has taught me the value of empathy, kindness, and compassion, and those lessons have become the moral compass by which I navigate my life. Her sacrifices and unconditional love have inspired me to always strive for greatness and to make a positive difference in the world.
My grandfather has embodied much wisdom and grace. His stories of resilience and triumph have fascinated me from a young age. His unwavering belief in me, even when I doubted myself, has been a source of strength. His wisdom and experience has provided me with invaluable guidance and taught me the importance of patience, perseverance, and humility. His passion for learning and his thirst for knowledge has ignited a flame within me to always seek growth and to never stop expanding my horizons. His steadfast commitment to your family and your unwavering moral compass have shown me the significance of integrity and honor.
Both of them, together, have created an environment of love, support, and encouragement that has nurtured my dreams and ambitions. Their unwavering belief in my potential has given me the courage to step outside my comfort zone and strive for excellence. They have instilled in me the values of hard work, determination, and resilience, which have become the foundation upon which I build my life.
Why I love my job:
There are several reasons why you may love advocating for students and families and working in the community. Here are a few possible reasons:
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- Making a positive impact: Advocating for students and families allows you to make a tangible and positive impact on their lives. By working to improve educational opportunities, access to resources, and support systems, you can help create a better future for the community.
- Empowering others: Advocacy work often involves empowering individuals and communities to voice their needs and concerns. By helping them find their voice and supporting them in navigating systems and processes, you can empower them to advocate for themselves and effect change.
- Building relationships: Working in the community and advocating for students and families enables you to build meaningful relationships with diverse individuals and groups. Collaborating with community members, educators, parents, and other stakeholders can create a sense of connection and shared purpose.
- Fostering social justice: Advocacy work often intersects with issues of social justice and equity. By advocating for marginalized or underserved populations,
- Creating systemic change: Through advocacy, you can work towards systemic change in education and community services. By identifying and addressing systemic issues, you have the potential to bring about long-lasting improvements that benefit generations to come.
My connection to public schools:
My connection to public schools is unique. Growing up, I was afforded the opportunity to attend private and magnet schools. However, after working in the Shelby County School District (Memphis, TN) and working with charter schools in the Greater Atlanta area, I have grown a greater appreciation and connections to students and families in this space. Public and charter schools serve a wide range of students from different backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. This diversity can provide educators with opportunities to work with a variety of students and develop their skills in fostering inclusivity and cultural understanding. As I am advocating for parents and students in this space, I am learning along the way and that is the beauty of this work!
What I’m bad at:
I am bad at self-recognition. I am often the silent/driven force in many situations, I never give myself the credit I deserve. Or sometimes when others do, I do not know how to receive it. I am working on it for sure!
This image represents why I work at 50CAN:
Equity over equality represents why I work at 50CAN. Equity in education is important because it recognizes that not all students start from the same place or have the same needs, and it aims to provide them with the necessary support and resources to ensure equal opportunities for success. While equality focuses on treating everyone the same, regardless of their circumstances or background, equity acknowledges and addresses the inherent disparities that exist in society. Here are a few reasons why equity is important in education: Addressing systemic inequalities, meeting diverse needs, closing the achievement gap, promoting social mobility, and fostering diversity and inclusion. Equity does not mean disregarding excellence or lowering standards. It means providing the necessary support, resources, and opportunities to ensure that every student can reach their full potential and succeed. By prioritizing equity, we can create a more just and inclusive educational system that benefits all students and society as a whole.