Global Toast, Int.
About Deardra Whigham, PhD.
Dr. Deardra Hayes-Whigham has worked in Education for 38 years, including 4 years as a teacher, twenty-six years as a campus principal, and eight years in the central office as Executive Director. As a campus principal of several elementary, middle schools and high schools, she has received several awards for school transformation and student academic improvement.
Deardra attended Coppin State University in Baltimore majoring in Special Education. In 1989, she received a M.Ed. in Education Leadership. She was one of thirteen principals selected to participate in a doctoral program at the University of Texas at Dallas majoring in Public Affairs in 2002. While studying at UT Dallas, her research focused on public policy, social issues, and organizational management, and her dissertation, No Homeless Child Left Behind: The McKinney-Vento Assistance Improvement Act in Dallas, thoroughly investigated whether or not the Dallas ISD implemented the McKinney Act as prescribed.
Dr. Hayes-Whigham is the founder and CEO of the Women's Advocacy Center of Dallas, working with women suffering from chronic illness, depression, and homelessness. Deardra has extensive knowledge in organizational change, human resource management, budget planning, development and implementation, professional development, program development and implementation, coordination of volunteers and partnerships, and conflict resolution. She has imparted knowledge to several organizations via national, state, and local presentations including the American Educators Research Association, National Alliance of Black School Educators, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and TBEK.
She serves on several boards, including the Dallas Children's Theater and The Steeple Alliance of Mental Health - African American Museum. She is actively involved with many civic and service organizations
She has provided leadership in several organizations such as president of the Greater Denton County Chapter of the Links, Inc., Dallas School Administrators Association, president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Omicron Mu Omega Chapter, 1st Vice President of the Dallas Regional National Alliance of Black School Educators and several local organizations.
Deardra has received many honors and awards including the Legacy Award from the Greater Denton County (TX) Chapter of the Links, Inc., Texas Association of School Administrators Bravo Award, National Association Negro Business and Professional Women, Bridge Builder Award; Dallas Junior Chamber of Commerce; Outstanding DISD Administrator of the Year; Outstanding Achievement in Education, Texas Education Agency; Excellence in Education Awards; Principals Awards; and Outstanding Educational Leadership Awards.
She has many interests but no real hobbies because she attempts most things for personal experience and exposure for her children. She is an avid reader, and serves as an adjunct professor at Abilene Christian University and Concordia University.
About Carrington Whigham.
Carrington Whigham is a recent graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) with communications, marketing, political, entertainment, legislative, public affairs, and entertainment experience. Carrington is currently studying in London, at the London School of Economics and Political Science, in the number one Global Media and Digital Communications program in the world.
At just 22 years old, Carrington has worked with companies such as AT&T, Paramount, CBS Sports, the United States Congress, The Athena Advisors, and U.T Southwestern Academic Medical Center.
She is equipped with leadership beyond her years and is excited to share her keys of success with you!
