OUR STORY
Kimberly LeRoy Washington is the Founder and President of Single Mothers & STEM, Inc. She had her son at 17 and knows her life may have turned out differently had she not had that special village encamped around her.
Kimberly’s grandfather, the late James A. Lewis, Sr., was the one that planted the engineering occupation seed because she excelled in math and science. That seed was watered and cultivated with trips to the Naval Air Station in Pensacola to learn about what engineers did and visits to the library to read and understand that engineers were more than “train drivers.” From the age of 8, she was destined to be an engineer. Kimberly graduated from her high school in the Top 25 of her class, and her son was born in December of her senior year. She went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Florida A&M University and went to work in the chemical industry and then later for an electric utility.
Pursuing a career in engineering changed her life. The compensation enabled her to take care of her family easily, and the work fulfilled her sense of purpose while fanning the fire for continuous learning. If a single mother has this desire, Kimberly wants to be a part of their village of support and encouragement. As a result, Single Mothers & STEM, Inc. was born in 2021.
Our Board of Directors
Kimberly LeRoy Washington
Founder, President and CEO
Kimberly LeRoy Washington serves as the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Manager for Mississippi Power Company. She provides thought leadership, develops strategy and aligns initiatives to promote diversity, equity and inclusion to achieve business results. Washington has over 25 years working in the chemical and energy industries in engineering and leadership roles. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Florida A&M University and a Master’s in Business Administration from University of West Florida. Washington’s mission in life is to make a positive difference in the lives of those she encounters and to be the village of support to those in need.
Syretta L. Spears
Secretary
Syretta Spears is the Director of the University of Central Florida Simulation, Technology, Innovation and Modeling Center at the College of Nursing. She is one of the first formally trained female, non-clinical simulation specialists in the State of Florida. Today she leads a team that supports faculty with successful simulation-based experiences for pre-licensure learners and graduate nurses alike. Spears holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from Florida A&M University, two Master’s of Arts in Computer Resources & Information Management and Human Resources Management from Webster University and a Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Healthcare Simulation from the University of Central Florida. She also holds the designation of advanced simulation specialist, one of 25 in the world to achieve this designation.
Tracey LeRoy
Treasurer
Tracey LeRoy is a Delinquency Risk Specialist for Navy Federal Credit Union. Prior to joining Navy Federal, LeRoy spent over 20 years advocating for Florida’s abused, abandoned and neglected children with the Guardian ad Litem Program. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems from Florida A&M University and a Master’s of Public Administration from Florida State University.
Paula Green Brown
Director
Paula Green Brown is an education and training management professional with over 25 years of proven experience. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and Teaching and a Master’s of Education with emphasis in Educational Leadership from University of West Florida. Brown is a motivating pillar of support who seeks out the best in others.
Donya C. Charles
Director
Donya Lamar Charles serves as the Order Fulfillment Manager, Nylon-NASA for Ascend Performance Materials. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Florida A&M University and a Master’s of Management from Troy State University. Charles is very engaged and instrumental in the development of the youth in Escambia County.
Antonia L. Fornéy
Director
Antonia L. Fornéy serves as the Senior Director of Career Services for Fortis Colleges and Institutes with over a decade of experience in consulting and career management. Fornéy brings a comprehensive wealth of knowledge and practical expertise to career preparation. Her commitment and passion for her work becomes immediately evident as she partners with students to establish an honest and collaborative relationship that will serve as a strong foundation upon which to identify and achieve your professional goals. Throughout her time working in education, she has been recognized for outstanding achievements in career placement and development by her campus, as well as on the corporate level. Fornéy is a passionate advocate of lifelong learning and continuous improvement to meet and exceed personal and professional goals.
Tara Littlejohn Gonzales
Director
Tara L. Gonzales is an experienced Senior Director of Medical Affairs with a demonstrated history of working in the pharmaceuticals industry. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Spelman College and a Medical Doctor from Meharry Medical College. Gonzales holds a Medical License in the State of Florida and Board Certification in General Pediatrics. She is a strong healthcare services professional skilled in biotechnology, vaccines, pediatrics, pharmaceutical industry and infectious diseases.
Patricia D. Hartley
Director
Patricia D. Hartley is former healthcare and social work professional with more than 12 years of experience directly advocating and supporting young women and children. Whether working with women and youth in state-sponsored or private practice roles, she provided transformative and need-based care for every individual she came in contact with. Hartley is an active listener, critical thinker, and adept at cultivating authentic relationships with individuals of various backgrounds. Her wealth of knowledge in case management coupled with a systemized approach to cohesive care has served underrepresented youth, adolescents and teens throughout Pensacola and neighboring counties in Northwest Florida. Hartley has been an anchoring support for so many people throughout her life and career.
Lakia McNeal
Director
Lakia McNeal is an accounting professional specializing in analyzing government and non-profit financials. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Florida State University and a Master’s of Accountancy from University of West Florida. McNeal is also a certified public accountant (CPA).
Jamar A. Robinson
Director
Jamar Robinson is a Health and Well-Being Strategist for PlayHrd TrainHrd, LLC. He holds a Bachelor of Science and Master’s in Chemistry from Florida A&M University. Robinson specializes in strategic programming and research-based training and education designed to support mental health, reduce injury and make everyday activities easier.
Sandra L. Robinson
Director
Sandra Robinson is a retired educator with 47 years of service in the Escambia County School District. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Language Arts from Florida A&M University and a Master’s of Classroom Management from University of West Florida. Robinson has taught multiple generations and has made an impact in the lives of the students at Wedgewood School, Pensacola High School and Juvenile Justice in Pensacola, Florida. She was the first Black educator at Pensacola High School in the midst of integration.