VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, January 28, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Cheryl Ann Poe, MA, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Ms. Poe is an esteemed professional in special education advocacy who has dedicated her career to championing the rights of students with disabilities. As the founder and executive director of Advocating 4 Kids Inc. since 2015, she has been instrumental in providing expert testimony in due process hearings and advocating for equitable educational opportunities. Her expertise in special education advocacy is widely recognized, and her significant contributions to the field have left a lasting impression.
Before launching her nonprofit organization, Ms. Poe was an in-home counselor at Family Determination from 2010 to 2021. In this capacity, she provided essential support to families, helping them navigate complex educational systems and ensuring their children received appropriate services. Additionally, she worked with KND Personal Care for several years.
Ms. Poe's academic background has been pivotal in shaping her career. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in therapeutic recreation from Virginia Wesleyan College in Virginia Beach, Virginia, in 1991 and a Master of Arts in urban education and counseling from Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia, in 2001. These academic achievements have equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to advocate effectively for students with disabilities.
Besides her education, Ms. Poe's commitment to her profession is reflected in her active involvement with several industry-related organizations. Her leadership roles, such as serving on the board of directors for the Mid-Atlantic Group Psychotherapy Society and as a member of the Council of Advocates and Attorneys, inspire others in the field. Ms. Poe's leadership extends to her role as co-chair of the Social Justice and Racial Equity Committee for COPPA and as a parent leader with the National Association of Education of African American Children with Learning Disabilities. Furthermore, she founded the Black Collective Advocacy Network, demonstrating her dedication to creating inclusive and supportive communities.
Ms. Poe has made significant contributions through various publications and projects. She is one of the contributing authors of "Parenting at the Intersections: Raising Neurodivergent Children of Color." This 2024 insightful book, co-authored with Jaya Ramesh and Priya Saaral, addresses the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent children of color.Ms. Poe also collaborated with Dr. Katherine Riley from Howard University on a year-long research project titled "Advocating Law Plaque," which aimed to identify barriers hindering black families' access to special education services across Virginia. This project received a grant from the National Law Center for Youth, underscoring its significance.
Ms. Poe's advocacy efforts have also led to systemic changes within educational institutions. She filed a systemic complaint with the U.S. Department of Education against the Virginia Department of Education regarding inadequate services during COVID-19, resulting in an investigation that marked a significant step forward. She also filed a systemic complaint against Virginia Beach City Public Schools for various violations.
In light of her success, Ms. Poe was recognized with a Jefferson Cup of Leadership from the Mid-Atlantic Group Psychotherapy Society. Omega Psi Phi also named him the Person of the Year in Virginia Beach.
Leveraging her personal experiences, which have profoundly influenced her professional journey, Ms. Poe's commitment to advocacy stems from her efforts to ensure her children's well-being and success within the public education system. This dedication is fueled by her belief that students with disabilities deserve respect and can thrive with proper support and resources.
As she prepares for the future, Ms. Poe aspires to replicate her research project nationwide, secure funding to collect data across all 50 states and engage with policymakers and experts to develop programs that drive positive change for black students with disabilities. She is also developing a training program to empower black parents and advocates working with black families facing similar challenges.
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