Community Teen Summit

Makella Moore Harris, Ed.S., is a native of Demopolis, Al. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Music Business from Alabama A&M University, Masters of Arts in Music Education from Alabama State University, Education Specialist in Instructional Leadership from the University of Montevallo, and is currently enrolled at Samford University to receive her Doctorate of Education in Educational and Organizational Leadership. She has been an educator with Birmingham City Schools for 16 years teaching band and an adjunct instructor at Lawson State Community College for eight years where she currently teaches humanities and music appreciation but has also taught music theory and art appreciation in the past. Other aspects of her career consist of musical theater performances and noteworthy performances such as guest vocalist with Brooklynn College Conservatory Choir at Carnegie Hall.

Tamara DeBolt is a native of Decatur, In. She attended Butler University, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics/Education. She taught high school math for ten years before attending Purdue University to attain a Mechanical Drafting & Design degree. She has been an actress for over 30 years. Tam has performed, directed, and designed for most of the theatres in Birmingham, Al. Currently, she is Executive Director of Terrific New Theatre (TNT). TNT was founded in 1986 and has a glorious history in Birmingham. Tam is also an original member of inTOTO Creative Arts Forum, an arts initiative for homeless guests of The Firehouse Shelter here in Birmingham.

Erica Jewel Littleton is a graduate of Samford University earning a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education and master's degree in Educational Leadership. A National Board Certified, she is currently a doctoral student at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. She has worked with Birmingham City Schools in several capacities as well as Midfield City Schools and even a private school. She founded Learning Little People where she helps Alabama's educators continue learning and provides tutoring and enrichment for youth in Birmingham. She has served as the Director o f Educational Advancement for the City of Birmingham in Mayor Randall Woodfin’s office. She volunteers her time as a member of Samford’s Board of Overseers and the Samford School of Education Dean’s Advisory Board.

Aisha Cooper resides in Montgomery, Al, with her husband Isaac Cooper and three children. A native of Forkland, Alabama and graduating high school from Demopolis, Al, she studied at Alabama State University receiving a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling at Alabama State University. She is currently working on her doctoral degree in Professional Counseling at Amridge University. She is a licensed counselor in the State of Alabama where she provides counseling services at her private practice. She also serves as the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of Stevens Home Healthcare Montgomery. She has worked in the mental health and disability field for over 10 years and served as chairperson of the Human Rights Committee with Progressive Healthcare.

Lydia is an artist, illustrator, and educator based in Birmingham, Alabama. She received a Bachelor's in Fine Arts from Georgia State University in 2006. Since then, she has exhibited at The Contemporary, Barbara Archer Gallery, and Marcia Wood Gallery in Atlanta, Georgia. Lydia started teaching 2017 in Birmingham City Schools. She has helped the district develop a curriculum map for elementary and middle school art programs. In addition, she has facilitated district-wide professional development. Lydia is currently finishing her Master's degree in Art Education at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and she teaches PreK-5th grade at Avondale Elementary School.

A native of Birmingham, AL, Shronda received her B.A. in Theater Arts from Alabama State University and currently teaches Theater Arts/Dance at Bush Hills Steam Academy. Her dance experience includes training in West African Dance with Nathifa Dance Co. and Quantum Leaps Dance Co., Jazz and Hip Hop from Alabama State University, and Hip Hop with Dance Trons. Her past and present theater credits range from performances with Birmingham Children’s Theater, Aldridge Theater Company,, Virginia Samford City Equity, Terrific New Theater, Red Mountain Theatre and Encore Gallery.