Who We Are
About Us
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The Ari Advocacy Center is an independent, non-profit, family support organization. Our model provides a comprehensive range of support services for children, young adults, parents, family members, and caregivers of North Carolina’s school-aged children. We offer a suite of Family Impact Services, which are the direct result of the experiences of our team and the families we serve. Lived experience has shown us that wins for our children do not come in broad strokes or necessarily by traditional means. We know that a varied collection of supports and services may be needed to enhance a student’s education, for example, access to advanced coursework or studies, externship opportunities, or remediation. We also know that these services may transcend the walls of a school building. However, obtaining desired supports and services, in schools and in the community, can be a complex and difficult process to navigate. Authentic family engagement allows us to cultivate active and sustained participation from family and community members committed to advocating for the academic success of Black students.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
Our Leadership
Nicole Jimerson, EdS
Founding Director
Joy Banks, PhD
Advisor
C. Teka Dempson
Director
Samuel L. Radford, III
Advisor
Kathy Everett-Perry, Esq
Director
Joanna J. Barnes, Esq.
Advisor
Jesse Edmonds
Advisor
Q. Whitted-Miller, EdD
Director
Kaysha Griffin
Advisor
Lynn C. Jennings, PhD
Advisor
