AAMRL Advisory Council

Elsa Blanco-Bridgen is a philanthropy professional and community advocate with more than 17 years of experience in development, community engagement, events planning, and grantmaking. As Grants Manager at Quantum Foundation, she helps shape grantmaking systems and strategies that advance the foundation’s mission. Elsa brings a spirit of thoughtful stewardship and collaboration to her work, while being deeply committed to fostering strong relationships with grantee partners and stakeholders.

Previously, Elsa advanced donor engagement and fundraising at Kids In Distress, where she served as Special Events Manager and later Director of Events & Engagement, and chaired the organization’s Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) Committee. She has also held roles with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County and co-owned Simply Kismet Weddings & Events, blending leadership and creativity to deliver meaningful client and community experiences. Her career has spanned every facet of project design and implementation, giving her a strong understanding of how to turn vision into impact.

Her commitment to advancing equity and celebrating culture is reflected in her philanthropic involvement. She is a member of Philanthropy Southeast’s Janine Lee Learning & Leadership Collaborative (Class of 2025), ABFE: A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities, and the Norton Museum of Art, and serves on the advisory board of Art Prevails Project.

Elsa’s dedication to uplifting cultural narratives and building collaborative systems and spaces informs her professional work and reflects her belief in the power of community to drive lasting change.

Charlene Farrington manages and oversees the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum, Inc., (Spady Museum) a non-profit organization established to preserve and share black history. The Spady Museum is located in the West Settlers’ Historic District of Delray Beach, Florida and its mission is to preserve and share the rich cultural experience of Black Communities.

Under her leadership since 2012, the museum has implemented a consistently high-quality exhibition schedule, strengthened relationships with stakeholders in the government and private sectors, increased revenue and redefined its cultural programs and events.

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) is a non-profit organization established by Dr. Carter G. Woodson in 1925. Dr. Woodson is considered the father of Black History Month. The Spady Museum is a charter member of the local branch of ASALH South Florida and through museum exhibitions and programming, the Spady Museum is leading the way in charting a course to realize this mission of both the Spady Museum and ASALH South Florida with Charlene as current vice-president of the local branch.

As a result of her passion for her work that she pours into the operation of the museum, in 2014 the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum was awarded the prestigious Muse Award: Chair’s Choice, presented by the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County and the Florida Preservation Award for the “preservation of Florida’s rich history” presented by the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation.

Charlene believes in continuing education and is constantly seeking opportunities to increase her capacity as an organization leader. Charlene earned her Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Mercer University in Georgia in 1985. She continued her education in museum and non-profit management with the following courses:

• 2002 Measuring Program Outcomes from the Non-Profit Resource Institute
• 2005 Collections Management Training from the American Association of Museums
• 2010 Museum Management from the Florida African American Heritage Preservation Network
• 2010 Care of Manuscript Collections from the Society of American Archivists
• 2011 Museum Education 101 from the American Association for State and Local History
• 2018 Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship
• 2021 21st Century Innovative Leader Certification from Carolina Christian College

Memberships:

• Treasurer of the Delray Beach chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. 2022-Present
• Vice-President of South Florida Branch of Association for the Study of African American Life and History 2024-Present
• Member of the Palm Beach County Public Art Committee 2022-Present
• Member of the Florida Atlantic University History Department’s Advisory Board 2022-Present

Awards and Recognitions

• 2019 Women of Excellence Award for the Arts, Delta Foundation

• 2020 Judge James R. Knott Historical Contribution Award, Palm Beach County Historical Society

Charlene has two adult sons and is the daughter of Vera Farrington, former Palm Beach County educator and founder of the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum.

Kirra V. Kelly is a native of Palm Beach County whose roots in West Palm Beach have profoundly shaped her values and professional path. She holds a Master’s degree in Education and has built her career around designing and delivering curriculum that fosters critical thinking, strengthens communication, and inspires a lifelong love of learning. With a specialization in writing, she is passionate about guiding others in developing their voice and honoring the enduring power of storytelling.
Deeply connected to the history of her community, Kirra is committed to preserving and amplifying the narratives that define its cultural heritage. She served as an educator in the Palm Beach County School District, where she supported students’ academic and personal growth through innovative and purposeful instruction. Alongside her work in education, she is also an entrepreneur with experience in business planning, marketing, and customer service.

Brian Knowles is a speaker, writer, researcher, and educator, recognized twice by Legacy Magazine as one of South Florida’s top black educators (2018 and 2021). With over 17 years of experience, he has worked as a classroom teacher for 9 years and spent 8 years leading the Department of African, African American, Latino, and Holocaust Studies for the Palm Beach County School District. Brian has also served as an adjunct professor for the Watson Institute at Lynn University, where he taught social impact leadership.

A content expert for NPR and Everfi, Brian’s research and writings are featured in prestigious publications, including the Journal of Literacy Innovation, Art & Culture of Palm Beach County Magazine, and XanEdu Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives Blog. Brian holds a bachelor’s degree in history with a concentration in Africana Studies and a master’s degree in educational leadership. He is the founder of Power Builders Curriculum and Pedagogies, LLC, an educational consulting company that champions culturally affirming spaces in schools, community organizations, and education-focused nonprofits.

Brian’s expertise spans policy development, curriculum design, research, and professional development. Throughout Florida, he has fostered inclusive educational environments and created policies that address and dismantle systemic barriers. His innovative secondary-level courses, such as “The African American Experience in the 20th Century through Music and Visual Arts” and “Exploring Hip-Hop as Literature,” highlight the rich contributions and experiences of African Diasporic communities.

Annie Ruth Nelson is a lifelong resident of West Palm Beach, FL. She attended the Public Schools of Palm Beach County and graduated from the Historic Roosevelt High School Class of 1960.

She graduated Cum Laude from Temple University in Philadelphia with a B.S. in Marketing and Distribution Education. She obtained a Master’s Degree in Administration and Supervision from Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, FL.

Retired from the Palm Beach County School District after 30 years as Teacher Coordinator of Diversified Cooperative Training, Business, Retail Merchandising, and Job Placement programs. Her professional experience and accomplishments are many: School Department Head, Facilitator, Classroom Teachers Association Representative and Board member, President Westboro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, President African American Research Library And Cultural Center of Palm Beach County, Inc., President of Roosevelt Estates and Northwood Hill Neighborhood Associations Owner of Black Goddess Cosmetics, Philadelphia, PA, Ann’s Subs and Ice Cream,
Riviera Beach, FL and Blue Front Bar-Barbecue Sauce manufacturing in West Palm Beach, FL.

She is a dedicated activist in her community. Her community Service includes: Past Board member of the Urban League of PBC Board, ACLU Vice Chair, President of Westboro Business & Professional Women’s Clubs of PBC and Vicinity, Advisory Committee member of West Palm Beach Parks and Recreation where she advocated and provided documentation for the naming of the Mary V. Wilson Community Center at Gaines Park, WPB Education and Advisory Committee member, Artist Showcase of the Palm Beaches Board member, President Northwood Hill Neighborhood Association, President Roosevelt Estates Neighborhood Association, President Roosevelt High School Class of 1960. Current: President African American Research Library and Cultural Center of the Palm Beach County, Inc. (AARLCC), People Engaged in Active Community Efforts (PEACE) Board member, supported Civil Citations for juvenile first offenders instead of a criminal record. As a Notary, she offers notary service for free to residents and assist them in filling out documents.

She has received many awards and honors: The William T. Dwyer Excellence in Vocational Education award, Community Service from MLK Coordinating Committee, Black Educators Caucus, Las Novia’s Society Unsung Hero, National Association of Business & Professional Women’s Clubs, Artist Showcase of the Palm Beaches, City of West Palm Beach Black History Month Heritage Honoree, Black Chamber of Commerce Women’s History Honoree, Inlet Grove Community High School My Teacher My Hero honoree, Macedonia Baptist Church Faithful Community Servant, American Legion Post 199 2024 President Joe Biden Lifetime Achievement Award, 2025 JM Family Black Achiever Award.

A member of Tabernacle Baptist Church for over 60 years, she served as a Trustee for 10 years, currently President of the Senor Usher Board, December Month Ministry, and Social Justice Ministry Team Member. I enjoy being active and serving in my community helping others, reading, cooking, shopping and traveling.

Motto: All that you do for others is worth doing, so your living will not be in vain

Cora Studstill-Perry is a long-time resident of Palm Beach County. She resided in Pleasant City for several years prior to relocating to the Westward Expansion with her parents and siblings. She now resides in Riviera Beach.

She attended public schools, Pleasant City Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary and the Historic Roosevelt High School, graduating in 1965. She furthered her studies at Palm Beach Junior College, graduating with an AA degree, now Palm Beach State College. Continuing her education at Florida Atlantic University, she earned a BA degree in Social Work.

Studstill-Perry was employed with the Department of Children and Families, retiring after 30 years of service. Since retirement she has continued to work in the community, becoming a foster parent, volunteering as a teacher’s helper at Dr. Mary Bethune Elementary School and recruiting families to adopt or foster children who are in foster care through the One Church One Child of Florida Program, where she also serves on the Board of Directors.

After graduating from Roosevelt High School, her graduating class, like others, has annual celebrations. She is also honored to be the president of Industrial and Roosevelt national Alumni Association.  

Finally, Studstill-Perry serves the community at Greater Antioch Missionary Baptist Church as a Missionary.

Debbye G. R. Raing is a well-known educational consultant, teacher, researcher, writer, trainer and presenter who shares her insights and beliefs on the African Diaspora, African American History, cultural diversity and areas of social justice.

Debbye earned a B.S. in English and Education with a minor in Journalism from Savannah State University; a M.S. in Administration and Supervision from Nova University; and a M.Ed. in Multicultural Education and Educational Foundations from Florida Atlantic University. She did post graduate study in African American History at Florida A & M University. During her tenure with the School District of Palm Beach County, Debbye was a Teacher, Assistant Principal, Staff Development Program Planner, and the first Manager for the Office of African and African Studies. She co-wrote the African and African American Studies Curriculum. She also served as Adjunct Professor at Palm Beach Junior College and Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Debbye researched and co-authored with Ineria Hudnell A Timeline for African American Education in Palm Beach County for the 50th Commemoration for Brown vs Board of Education.

Debbye is quite active in community and public service including: President of the PBC African Diaspora Historical and Cultural Society; The African American Museum and Research Library Advisory Council in partnership with the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties; the Association for the Study of African American Life and History; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Vice President of The Delta Heritage Foundation; Docent for African American History Tours; Coalition for Black Student Achievement; Martin Luther King Coordinating Committee; NAACP; Northwest Community Center Advisory Council – Salvation Army; Planning Board – City of West Palm Beach; Bethune-Cookman University Alumni Association; American Legion Auxiliary Unit 199; Charter Member of National Museum of African American History and Culture; African American Research Library and Cultural Center of PBC; Industrial/Roosevelt Alumni Association.

Her heart is deeply invested in the renovation of the Historic Roosevelt High School that will be transformed into a world-class state-of-the art museum and library and rival other national cultural and educational centers.

Favorite Quote: Until the lions have their historians, the tale of the hunt will continue to glorify the hunter. African Proverb 

A native of West Palm Beach, FL, Jermaine Scott attended Suncoast Community High School where he, along with other students and community leaders, got an African American History elective to be offered for the first time in the school’s history.

Later, he received a B.A. in History at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) and a PhD in African American Studies from Northwestern University.

Dr. Scott also served as the Assistant Director for the Schomburg-Mellon Humanities Summer Institute from 2016-2020 at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, New York.

He is currently an Assistant Professor of History at Florida Atlantic University where he teaches courses on African American History, African Diaspora History, and Sports History.

His forthcoming manuscript to be published by Columbia University Press is titled, Black Soccer: Football and Politics in the African Diaspora, and is a racial history of soccer across the African Diaspora that reveals how Black footballers have historically used the game as a site of Black politics.

His writings have been included in the Journal of Sports History, the Journal of African American History, the African American Intellectual History Society’s Black Perspectives, and ESPN’s Andscape.

Sterling D’Von Shipp, a proud native of West Palm Beach, Florida, is a dynamic young leader committed to academic excellence, community empowerment, and personal growth. A 2023 graduate of the University of Florida, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Health Education & Behavior with a minor in Anthropology and is now pursuing a Master of Science Degree in Medical Sciences with a concentration in Forensic Medicine through UF’s College of Medicine, with aspirations of becoming a surgeon.

Sterling is the published author of My Firm Foundation: TRANSFORMATIVE Tips for the God-Seeking, College Ready Student, a powerful guide for young people preparing to excel in higher education and in life. Known for his inspiring voice, he has captivated audiences of community leaders, mayors, city commissioners, faith communities, and civic organizations across South Florida. In recognition of his leadership, Sterling was unanimously voted as the youngest member of the African American Museum & Research Library Advisory Council in West Palm Beach, FL.

Beyond the stage and classroom, Sterling is deeply passionate about mentoring youth, uplifting others through his creative design business One Sterling LLC, and pursuing bold goals as a future surgeon, real estate investor, world traveler, and philanthropist. With determination and vision, he represents the next generation of changemakers making a lasting impact in their communities and beyond.

A native of West Palm Beach, Ms. Taylor maintains close ties to her community and is actively engaged in various capacities. She has dedicated her life to teaching, uplifting, empowering, and advocating for children.

Ms. Taylor began her career as a Recreational Counselor with the Mental Health Center of West Palm Beach. Shortly thereafter, she began teaching, where her passion for elevating the lives of the underserved was ignited.  Her administrative career began as an Instructional Specialist with the Department of Elementary Education.

She later became a Grant Compliance Specialist, overseeing a $1M budget while working with Principals to address the educational needs of students of all instructional levels by maximizing their opportunities to excel, especially marginalized students whose innate potential was not being quickened.

She was later tapped to oversee the District’s Programs for Neglected and Delinquent Children, where she hired, trained and supervised teachers to provide life skills, tutorial, and social-emotional services for children in foster care and group homes, as well as adjudicated youths who were detained in detention centers, halfway houses and correctional facilities

Affiliations and Training:

• • Youth Director, St. John M.B. Church
  • Advisory Council, City of WPB Parks and Recreation Department
  • Charter Member, Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. WPB Chapter
  • Member, Coalition for Black Student Achievement
  • Vice President, Palm Beach County African Diaspora Historical and Cultural Society
  • Advisory Council, Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties
  • Certified Trainer, A Framework for Understanding Poverty (aha! Process, Inc., A Ruby Payne Company)

Education

• Master of Education Educational Leadership, Florida Atlantic University 
• Bachelor of Science Elementary Education , Florida Atlantic University 
• Bachelor of Arts Sociology , University of Florida