Former PGCPS CEO Monica Goldson to Lead Junior Achievement Greater Washington
Dr. Monica Goldson, former CEO of the Prince George’s County Public Schools, was unanimously selected to lead the Junior Achievement Greater Washington (JAGW), beginning on Dec. 2 of this year. She will be the first Black woman to lead this organization.
“In my new role as CEO and president of JAGW, my plans will revolve around driving strategic growth, expanding outreach, and deepening partnerships with educational institutions and the business community. My deep knowledge of Prince George’s County and exposure to the District of Columbia and Virginia will be a critical asset,” Goldson told The Informer. “I understand the unique challenges and opportunities in the Greater Washington area, which will enable us to support our students in an impactful and relevant way.”
Goldson began as a math teacher at Suitland High School before rising to the leadership of PGCPS, where she was noted for raising performance on Advanced Placement exams and expanding enrollment in dual credit programs. She also serves on the State Board of Education and was appointed to the Board of Advisors on HBCUs by President Joe Biden (D) in late March 2022.
“My existing relationships within Prince George’s County can help us quickly mobilize support and create a lasting, positive influence for JAGW,” she explained.
Greater Washington Junior Achievement Board of Directors Chair Kevin P. Smithson shared why Goldson is suited to lead the organization.
“Dr. Goldson is no stranger to Junior Achievement, and her distinguished career, spanning the highest levels of educational leadership, makes her the ideal choice to guide JA into its next phase of growth,” said Smithson. “Her extensive experience, combined with her visionary approach, will elevate our organization to new levels of success, expanding our reach and deepening our impact with the students and communities we serve.”
We have previously covered Dr. Goldson; read more here and here.
Public Officials, Advocates Planning Upcoming Health, Expungement Clinics
To help ensure residents can get health access in their own backyards, multiple local leaders are stepping up to organize free public events offering health and dental screenings, legal help, and more.
County Councilmember Calvin Hawkins (D- At Large) partnered with Delegate Kent Roberson (D- District 25) to host the Wellness Without Limits: Health Resource Fair & Expo on Oct. 5 at the North Forestville Community Center on Ritchie Road.
“Join us for a day filled with valuable health resources and information to help you live your best life,” Hawkins said in an invitation, welcoming guests to the event.
Former Laurel Councilmember Martin Mitchell is planning an expungement clinic in Laurel on Oct. 26 at the Laurel Branch Library on Seventh Street.
“This is the 10th expungement clinic that community partners and I hosted in the community. Since the first one over three years ago, we have tried to do one every three to four months. This one is extremely special because we add several components to make the event also a holistic health wellness fair as well as the traditional know-your-rights and record clearing clinic,” said Mitchell told The Informer.
Mitchell also said the event will include entertainment for all.
“There will be free food, snacks, drinks, and services for members of the community. All are welcome to attend,” he said.
District Heights Commissioner Anthony Tilghman, a photographer and social media director with The Washington Informer, recently organized a health and wellness expo in Capitol Heights and is unveiling plans for a comprehensive tour to offer health screenings, resources, and assistance to 1,000 residents in various communities across the county.
The tour will commence in Camp Springs at Beltway Church of Christ on Nov. 16, with an additional expo scheduled for Greenbelt’s Beltway Plaza on Jan. 16 of next year.
Health and research company Care Access is partnering with the City of District Heights to bring health screenings to the new Health and Research Center in the District Heights Senior Center.
The screenings will be offered as part of Care Access’s Future of Medicine program and will be provided at no cost to the city of District Heights or County residents
“As part of our ongoing mission to expand access to health and research services outside of traditional healthcare venues, Care Access is always looking to establish permanent presences in communities,” said Glenn Schatz, vice president of Community Engagement. We’ve found that setting up these screenings directly within community anchor institutions goes a long way towards making research easy to access and engage in.”
Schatz emphasized the importance of various screenings in order to address health care needs.
“Participating in health screenings and research can provide benefits for you, your family, and your community. We’re excited to partner with the City of District Heights and help its residents learn more about their health needs.”
“Our community has been traditionally under-represented in the research happening for new medicines, and that’s led to a real lack of medical research infrastructure for our city,” said District Heights Mayor Cynthia Miller. “We chose to partner with Care Access because of their team’s expertise, experience, and success in engaging with local communities, especially Black communities, on health and research initiatives. This makes Care Access the perfect fit for the community engagement needed to make our Senior Center a future hub for community health and innovation.”
Disclaimer: Anthony Tilghman is a photographer with The Washington Informer.