FOUNDERS
Akiko-Ayalla Cooks’ journey and impactful work is an inspiring story of resilience and commitment.
Here’s a breakdown of her life, her journey, and her significant accomplishments:
Early Career and Wake-Up Call
Psychiatric Technician Training
Akiko’s journey begins in California, where she completes her training as a psychiatric technician.
Move to Las Vegas
She moves to Las Vegas, Nevada, and starts working in the field of behavioral treatment.
Unexpected Wake-Up Call
In 2019, a traumatic incident involving her son and eight other Black children, known as “Columbine Two,” shakes her to the core. The incident highlights the urgent need for change in her community.
Founding NO Racism in Schools #1865
Co-founding NO Racism in Schools #1865
Akiko takes action by co-founding NO Racism in Schools #1865, a community-driven organization aimed at addressing systemic racism in the school district.
Galvanizing the Community
Following the sentencing of the students responsible, Akiko continues to mobilize the community, maintaining pressure on local government to bring about change.
Expanding Impact
Akiko’s high visibility attracts the attention of various organizations seeking her expertise in equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.
She joins American University and the Southern Poverty Law Center as an administrator for their restorative justice program, based in Washington, D.C.
Continued Advocacy and Success
Co-founding NO Racism in Schools #1865
Akiko takes action by co-founding NO Racism in Schools #1865, a community-driven organization aimed at addressing systemic racism in the school district.
Galvanizing the Community
Following the sentencing of the students responsible, Akiko continues to mobilize the community, maintaining pressure on local government to bring about change.
Recognitions and
Public Speaking
Co-founding NO Racism in Schools #1865
Akiko takes action by co-founding NO Racism in Schools #1865, a community-driven organization aimed at addressing systemic racism in the school district.
Galvanizing the Community
Following the sentencing of the students responsible, Akiko continues to mobilize the community, maintaining pressure on local government to bring about change.
Parental Advocacy
and Leadership
Professional Background
Jshauntae Marshall is a highly sought-after Business Development Consultant with over twelve years of experience in business and relationship development. She previously served as the Chief Operating Officer in the healthcare sector, where she refined her expertise in strategic planning, operations management, and leadership. Jshauntae’s extensive background in business development has positioned her as a key player in fostering growth and innovation within organizations.
Parental Advocacy
and Leadership
Parental Advocate
Jshauntae’s journey into civil rights advocacy was profoundly influenced by her personal experiences as a parent. She has tirelessly fought against systemic racism in education, working to empower other parents and ensure equitable opportunities for all children. Her advocacy is deeply rooted in a commitment to justice and the belief that every child deserves a fair chance to succeed.
Servant Leader
As a servant leader, Jshauntae leads with humility and empathy. She is dedicated to fostering a culture of anti-racism within educational institutions nationwide. Her efforts include proactive advocacy, the development of inclusive policies, and the establishment of collaborative partnerships aimed at creating equitable opportunities and outcomes for all students. Her leadership style is characterized by a deep commitment to listening to and addressing the needs of the community.
Advocacy for School Safety and Equality
Co-Founder of 1865 No
Racism in Schools
In March 2019, a series of racist threats against African American students at Arbor View High School, including her son, prompted Jshauntae to take action. Alongside Akiko Cooks, she co-founded “1865 No Racism in Schools,” an organization dedicated to addressing and eliminating racism within educational institutions. This parental advocacy group was formed in response to a social media post that threatened a school shooting targeting Black students. The incident highlighted the urgent need for systemic change within the school district.
The organization focuses on closing gaps in policies, laws, and protocols that govern race-related matters in schools. Their advocacy efforts have been instrumental in pushing for the adoption of anti-racism policies within the Clark County School District (CCSD) and beyond (The Nevada Independent) (Las Vegas Sun).
Community Involvement
Despite safety concerns, detail how she continued to volunteer with CCSD Admin, Teachers, Staff, Local Elected Officials, Parents, and Students.
Vision for the Future
Jshauntae Marshall’s vision is centered on furthering parental advocacy for students, families, and educators district-wide. She aims to create a supportive and equitable educational environment, solidifying her role as a dedicated agent of change in the Las Vegas Valley. Her efforts are focused on ensuring a future where every child can thrive and learn in a safe, inclusive, and nurturing setting.
Through her extensive community recognition and unwavering commitment to social justice, Jshauntae continues to be a leading voice in the fight against systemic racism in education. Her work not only impacts the local community but also serves as a model for other districts across the nation.
For more detailed information on Jshauntae Marshall’s background and advocacy work, you can read her interview on VoyageLA and explore articles from The Nevada Independent and Las Vegas Sun.
IN THE NEWS
