OUR TEAM
The Washington Literacy Center has assembled an accomplished team to carry out its mission. Our Board and staff consist of experienced professionals who bring years of experience in the areas of literacy and adult education. Our distinguished team brings passion for comprehensive change and a dedication to advocating on literacy issues, and developing and providing innovative programs to help solve those problems.
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JIMMIE WILLIAMS
I joined Washington Literacy Center in 2016 as Executive Director, after a distinguished career in external affairs and brand management for Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders such as McDonald’s, Freddie Mac and Bank of America. My goal is to solidify and expand Washington Literacy Center’s 50-year history of
empowering DC adults to achieve their education and employment goals by providing basic yet life-changing skills in literacy and technology.
I bring a seasoned business acumen with particular strengths in strategic communications, revenue growth and operational efficiency. An ardent believer in collaboration and engagement, I have achieved success in convening and leading high-performing teams that have included federal and state agencies, Political Action Committees, trade associations, media and community groups.
I currently serve on the board of the Asian Pacific American Congressional Institute of Congressional Studies (APAICS) and am the immediate past president of the Penn Branch Citizens Civic Association. I am a graduate of Howard University and reside in Ward 7.
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
INSTRUCTORS & STAFF
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Senior Instructor
Reading for ESL Learners
ROBIN BARR, PH.D.
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BRITTANY BATTLE
Case Manager
TANF/TEP Program
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AMY CHALLE, MSW
Case Manager
TANF/TEP Program
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JAMILAH AL-BARI
Instructor
JumpStart 2 Success
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CLIFFORD ANSAH
Instructor
Adult Mathematics
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Terrell Danley, Jr.
Senior Director
Programs
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GEORGE ELLIS
Instructor
Digital Foundations
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AMY FINGERHUT
Instructor
Reading
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BEN GERRARD
Volunteer Coordinator
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DIAMOND HASKINS
Outreach Specialist
TANF/TEP Program
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ANN HAWKINS
Sr. Case Manager
TANF/TEP Program
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RYAN KNIGHT
Business Operations/
Development Coordinator
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EVITA LEONARD SMEDLEY
Case Manager
TANF/TEP Program
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MICHELLE NICKENS, MDiv
Instructor
Life Skills
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JEMAHL NIXON
Instructor
JumpStart 2 Success
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MARILYN LOWRY
Instructor
Reading
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WM. PARKER RULISON
EOT Navigator
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VERNON WEMBERLEY
Chief Operations Officer
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TAMELA WILLIAMS
Program Manager
TANF/TEP
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