The Christian Educators Diversity Alliance was created to help Christian schools create more equitable learning environments through understanding God's creation of diversity and His purpose with it.
Dr. Sonia Avilucea
Academic and College Counselor, Valley Christian Schools
Dr. Sonia Avilucea is an Academic and College Counselor and the DEI coordinator at Valley Christian High School in San Jose, California. An educator for over 20 years, she has held various positions, including English teacher and principal. She earned her doctoral degree from Lipscomb University where her dissertation explored the impact of change in underperforming schools.
Jenny Brady
Senior Director for Community Engagement, Legacy Christian
Jenny Brady, Senior Director of Community Engagement at Legacy Christian Academy, brings over two decades of expertise in Biblical diversity and unity work. Her extensive experience has helped empower Christian schools to conceive and execute programs fostering a community of belonging. Jenny's commitment to advancing the principles of Ephesians 4:1-6 stems from her upbringing in Honduras. With a diverse cultural background and a Master of Science in Sociology, Jenny comprehends both institutional structures and the imperative for cultural proficiency in our diverse global landscape. As a co-founder of the Christian Educators Diversity Alliance and a Center Fellow at Baylor University's Center for School Leadership, Jenny serves as an educator, speaker, writer, and facilitator. Her passion is to come alongside individuals' spiritual growth by deepening their understanding of imago Dei.
Dr. Ijeoma (EJ) Unegbu
Director of Community and Culture, Grace Community School
Dr. Unegbu serves as Director of Community and Culture at Grace Community School in Tyler, Texas. She has over 15 years’ experience in education, namely a decade in higher education as a previous college professor, but most recently devoting her passion in her current role at Grace to highlight and further the beauty of God’s image in all people.
David Robinson
Seventh & Eight Principal, Grace Community School
David Robinson is the new 7th & 8th Grade Principal at Grace Community School in Tyler, Texas. David returns to Grace after a tenure as Head of School at Washington Christian Academy in Olney, Maryland. Before his appointment at Washington Christian Academy, David served as the Director of Equity and Inclusion for Grace Community School. David holds a BS in Bible and an MA in Organizational Leadership from Clarks Summit University and has spent his entire professional career working in Christian education. This has helped shape his passion for cultivating an environment where all students have access to a Christ-centered education while feeling appreciated and celebrated. David helped found the Christian Educators Diversity Alliance. The organization’s work centers on assisting Christian schools navigate the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion through a biblical lens. It regularly organizes the Christian Educators Diversity Symposium, where Christian educators gather to share best practices, foster fellowship, offer encouragement and provide support. Additionally, the alliance collaborates with other organizations to host various events to promote unity within the Christian communities.
Dr. Joel Hazard
Head of Academic Collaboration and Culture, Fellowship Christian School
With nearly two decades of experience in Christian education, Dr. Joel Hazard currently serves as the Head of Academic Collaboration and Culture at Fellowship Christian School (FCS) in Roswell, Georgia. In his role, Joel assist in coordinating strategic academic initiatives, programming professional development, and accreditation across the school. Additionally, Joel leads FCS's initiative to foster a more diverse and biblically inclusive community, one that truly reflects the diverse body of Christ. Joel is a Boston College alum who holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Kennesaw State University. Joel is also a co-founder of the Christian Educators Diversity Alliance and serves as a Baylor Fellow within Baylor University’s Center for School Leadership.
Dr. Steven J. McGriff
Director of Biblical Unity,
Valley Christian Schools, San Jose, CA
Dr. Steven J. McGriff is Valley Christian Schools (VCS) inaugural Director of Biblical Unity. As a senior leader, Dr. McGriff is primarily responsible for providing biblically sound leadership, direction, and spiritual care to develop a richly diverse, thriving community that loves God and all His children of every race and nationality. He joins the VCS community after a thirty-year career as a leader in educational technology consulting with K-12 school districts, colleges, universities, nonprofits, and businesses in California, the United States, El Salvador, and the Philippines. Previously, he was an assistant professor in the graduate program in instructional technology at San Jose State University (2002-2009). He earned a doctorate in instructional systems from The Pennsylvania State University, a master's degree in instructional technology from San Jose State University, and an undergraduate degree in art design from Stanford University.
Shaun Satterfield
Director of Institutional Equity, Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill
Shaun is a graduate of North Carolina Central University, where she obtained her degree in English Literature. She entered the field of education as an instructional assistant and earned her teaching certification to become a lead elementary school teacher. She taught in the public school system for ten years before accepting a job at Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill as a fourth-grade teacher. During her time at Trinity, she earned a master's degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University and is currently serving as the Director of Institutional Equity at Trinity. Shaun's vision for this work is to remain Christ-centered, with a heart for service to the greater Durham community.
Dr. Jennifer Pinkett Smith
Director of Diversity, Wesleyan School
Dr. Pinkett Smith has been an educator for over 18 years and has served as a middle school English teacher, Dean of Students, and is now an administrator. Her passion for cultivating the whole child, and seeing students grow into strong leaders and advocates for unity, speaks to the work she currently does in diversity, equity, and belonging. Jennifer serves as the Director of Diversity at Wesleyan School, where she leads teachers in professional development, supports students, and families with the intent of creating and sustaining a community where all feel welcomed and valued. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Morris Brown College; a Masters in Healthcare Administration from Central Michigan University; a Specialist in Ed. Leadership and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Georgia State University.
Jennifer desires to create spaces where conversations around our unique differences help us all embrace the beauty of God’s creation and learn how to treat and love one another well. Philippians 1:27 says: “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.”
Shelby Hooper
HS Principal at Southside Christian School
Shelby Hooper has a decade of experience in Christian education, serving as a classroom teacher, coach, and administrator. She earned her B.S. in Social Studies Education and M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Houston Christian University (formerly Houston Baptist University) and an M.A. in School Leadership from Baylor University. Currently, Shelby serves as the HS Principal at Southside Christian School in Simpsonville, South Carolina. She is passionate about fostering a Rev 7:9 community, celebrating diversity, and promoting a sense of belonging for all students, parents, and teachers in alignment with their pursuit of Christ.
Sheronda Holmes
Dean of Students | Director of Diversity and Inclusion | Cheer Sponsor
Sheronda Holmes has been at Harding for eleven years and currently serves as the Dean of Students, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Head Cheer Coach, and African American History co-teacher. She is looking forward to the ways God will continue to use this committee to bring awareness of diversity to the Harding family. Through celebrating our differences, we will be stronger together.
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