Dr. Anntwanique Edwards was selected as the Chief of Equity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement in 2021. She has worked with the School Board of Alachua County for more than two decades. She has served as a teacher's aide, substitute teacher, middle and high school counselor, and school-based administrator. A native of Connecticut, Dr. Edwards moved to Gainesville after graduating high school and has attained several degrees from the University of Florida; Associate of Arts, Bachelors in Sociology, Masters and Specialist in Counselor Education and Mental Health Counseling, second Masters in Educational Leadership, and PhD in Educational Leadership. Most recently, she earned a certificate in Equitable Community Change from Cornell University. Dr. Edwards is a member of civic and community organizations where her role, leadership, and passion for helping youth and young adults remains evident. She believes that education is the door to opportunities and all students should have exposure to the best learning experiences. 

Jesely Alvarez joins our team as the Director of Educational Equity and Outreach. She has served the School Board of Alachua County since 2018 as a principal, assistant principal, and district chair for the Dual Language Immersion Committee. Jesely began her educational career on the West Coast in Seattle, Washington and California's Central Coast where she served as an ESOL instructor, curriculum coordinator, elementary and secondary teacher, assistant principal, and principal. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Multicultural Education from the University of Washington, Masters in Education from Antioch University, and Educational Leadership certifications from the Danforth Educational Leadership Program at the University of Washington. Jesely earned several accolades throughout her career including, U.S. Department of Education Fulbright Fellowship Grant Recipient in Chiapas, Mexico, Woman of the Year in California’s 35th Assembly District, and the Association of California School Administrators Regional Elementary Principal of the Year. As the daughter of immigrants from the Dominican Republic, she believes that education is the key to positive generational change and finds joy in helping students and families attain it.

Tina Folston-Hayes has served in the Gainesville and Ocala areas providing resources to help individuals identify and overcome barriers by offering critical support services. She brings community partnerships that increase quality of life, encourage economic empowerment and cultivate self-sufficiency. She is currently completing her Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice from Saint Leo University. She currently carries an AS in Human Services with studies from Rasmussen University. In her newest role as Parent Academy Specialist, she brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to engage parents and students. Mrs. Folston-Hayes believes being available and accessible to parents and students will help families achieve their dreams and goals. 

Desiree Stevenson started working for the Alachua County School Board in 2022 as an Administrative Secretary in the Curriculum Department and was recently promoted to Program Services Specialist in the Office of Educational Equity and Outreach. Previously, she spent eight years working in various roles at the Alachua County Library District. She has earned a Bachelor's degree in Health Services Administration from Santa Fe College. Desiree is excited to be in this role and strives to provide the best administrative work to support the District and community.