Meet the Organizers 

Ethel Kennedy serves as the Manager of African, African American, Latino, Holocaust, and Jewish Studies for the School District of Palm Beach County. A former social studies teacher and instructional leader, she has spent the past decade building programs that connect rigorous instruction, cultural literacy, student voice, and community engagement.

Throughout her career, Ethel has led districtwide professional learning, curriculum initiatives, student leadership development, and academic support programs focused on expanding opportunity and strengthening outcomes for diverse learners. Her work is rooted in the belief that education should not only inform students, but help them see themselves, understand others, and recognize their ability to shape the world around them.

Whether leading professional learning, supporting schools, or building community partnerships, Ethel believes the most powerful learning happens when people feel seen, valued, and connected.

Email: ethel.kennedy@palmbschools.org

Allyson Berríos de Gacharná serves as the K–12 Hispanic/Latino Studies Program Planner for the School District of Palm Beach County. A veteran educator with more than 20 years of experience, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Florida International University, as well as a Master of Arts in TESOL and Bilingual Education and an Education Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Multicultural Education from Florida Atlantic University.

In higher education, Berríos de Gacharná has served as an Adjunct Professor at both Florida Atlantic University and Palm Beach Atlantic University, where she taught undergraduate and graduate courses in TESOL, bilingual education, cultural dimensions of ESOL, and curriculum and assessment practices for multilingual learners. In addition, she brings more than a decade of experience teaching in Bilingual and Dual Language programs within the School District of Palm Beach County and previously served as the district’s ESOL Professional Development and Instructional Support Specialist. 

Her work is grounded in the belief that culturally and linguistically responsive education empowers students to see their identities, languages, and lived experiences as strengths that enrich both learning and community.

Email: Allyson.BerriosDeGacharna@palmbeachschools.org 

Karen Jefferson is a veteran educator with over 16 years of experience. She earned a B.A. in Political Science with a certificate in Ethnic Studies from Florida Atlantic University and completed her graduate studies at Lynn University.  

Karen is the Instructional Specialist for the Office of African, African American, Latino, Holocaust, and Social Studies in Palm Beach County School District. In this capacity, her work entails designing culturally responsive curriculum and professional development, focusing on pedagogical strategies for Black student engagement. A critical aspect of her work is ensuring that schools provide environments that reflect, validate, and normalize the perspectives of all students.

Email: Karen.Jefferson@palmbeachschools.org