Ourselves
To
You
Hey,
Let
Us
Introduce
Hey, Let Us Introduce Ourselves
Our Executive Team
Gloria Blevins, SHRM-CP
Founder / Executive
Director
Yvonne Cherell
Vice President
Lysette Arnold
Secretary
Crystal N. Williams, MBA
Communications Chair
Robin Brown
Board Chair
Staff
Robyn K. Gibson, M. Ed.
Managing Director, Program Strategy
Megan Smith
Social Media Manager
Crystal Hall
Community Engagement Officer
Jasmine Moses, Ed. D.
Policy Manager
Sa'Sha Augustine
Executive Administrative Assistant
Tonya Craig
Project Coordinator
Mission
Our mission is to improve and advance the quality of life for Ohio’s children and families by strengthening education, health, and community systems so every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Vision
We envision an Ohio where all children and families thrive through culturally responsive programming and transformative systems that create infinite possibilities.
The Black Child Development Institute – Ohio (BCDI Ohio) is a statewide affiliate of the National Black Child Development Institute, dedicated to advancing the well‐being of Black and Brown children and families through education, advocacy, and culturally grounded community engagement. Rooted in a commitment to equity and excellence, BCDI Ohio works to eliminate systemic barriers that impact children’s learning, development, and long‐term success. The organization partners with families, educators, early childhood providers, and community institutions to strengthen the ecosystems that shape a child’s earliest experiences and lifelong outcomes.
BCDI Ohio delivers programs and initiatives that promote early literacy, family engagement, culturally responsive teaching, and policy awareness. Through professional development, community partnerships, and evidence‐informed resources, the organization equips adults who serve Black children with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to create affirming, high‐quality learning environments.
BCDI Ohio also elevates community voice and collaborates with statewide partners to influence policies that improve educational access, early childhood systems, and family well‐being. Together, these efforts position BCDI Ohio as a trusted leader and advocate working to ensure that every child in Ohio has the opportunity to thrive.
Established in 2017, Black Child Development Institute-Ohio an affiliate of the National Black Child Development Institute is dedicated to achieving positive outcomes for vulnerable children who suffer from the dual legacies of poverty and racial discrimination.
BCDI-Ohio is dedicated to ensuring that Black and Brown children and their families are able to thrive throughout Ohio. It is our goal to empower children, teens, young adults, parents, and caregivers by shifting policy, linking resources, and building programming that will dismantle racial injustice, poverty, and racial disparities. Our comprehensive network of organizations and community stakeholders seek to cultivate and implement equitable systems to support positive outcomes for Black and Brown children.
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Communications
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Early Childhood Education
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Executive
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Fund Development
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Membership
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Policy
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Programs
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Ad Hoc
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If you believe you can contribute by joining our Board of Trustees, please contact us. Our board members are essential to the strategic planning and direction of our organization.
If you are interested in volunteering to assist with event planning, we definitely need your help. Please complete the form, and a member of our executive team will contact you.
OUR ADVISORY BOARD
Paul Hill
Founder,
National Rites of Passage
and Co-Editor of the
Black Child Journal
Al Grimes
Executive Director
Cuyahoga County
Fatherhood Initiative
Rhonda Davis Lovejoy
Headstart Consultant
& Consultant, CooperDenson, LLC
Rev. Larry L. Harris
Mt. OliveMissionary
BaptistChurch
Michelle Bledsoe
Consultant,
Non-profit Management-
Early Childhood
Prevention and Inclusion
Our Board
of Trustees
Robin Brown, Board Chair
Founder, CCOAL
Dr. Mittie Davis Jones
Education and Evaluation Consultant
Loryn Green
Doctoral Studies, Intervention Specialist
Sharon Calhoun
Professor, Early Childhood Dept, Cuyahoga Community College
Joan Spoerl
Director, Imagination Library / Literacy Cooperative
Kelsey Hopkins
MSW Student Success Partner, The Ohio State University
Kwaanza Brewer
Educator, Garfield Heights School District
Tierra Banks
Founder, Mended Relationships
Mended Inc. Foundation
Lania Crawford
Assistant Principal,
Heskett Middle School
Jamaal Hill
Associate Director, Cleveland Humanities Collaboratve Case Western Reserve University
Jowan Smith
Author, Educator, and Community Leader
Getting Our Babies to College 101 / 1000 Ties
Samantha Whatley
Senior Manager of HS/EHS
Business & Support for Step Forward