Meet the Presenters 

Dr. Barbara Ganson is an ethnohistorian interested in the cultural change processes of Native peoples in Latin America, especially the Tupí-Guaraní of southern South America.  Aviation history is another field of specialization. She is also interested in gender inequalities related to the human experience in the U.S. and abroad.  Dr. Ganson received her Ph.D. in History from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Arts in Latin American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin.  She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree with Distinction in History from San José State University and completed a K-12 Bilingual Teaching Credential.   She has taught history at Florida Atlantic University since graduating from UT Austin in 1994.  She is an award-winning author and has published five scholarly books and several book chapters and essays in the fields of ethnohistory, Latin American history, and aviation history. 

Christina Chavarría is a Program Manager in the Levine Institute for Holocaust Education at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Christina currently runs the Community of Holocaust Education Centers (CHEC) program that includes 86 Holocaust organizations around the country. She helped oversee the implementation of the Never Again Education Act, federal legislation supporting Holocaust education in  the U.S. Christina advised country teams from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Mexico on teaching the Holocaust. She has represented the Museum across the United States and in Europe, Latin America, and Japan. Previously, Christina served as Director of Education at Holocaust Museum Houston. Prior to that, she was a high school English teacher for nine years in El Paso, Texas, her city of birth. 

Brian Edwards is the K–12 Financial Literacy Program Planner for the School District of Palm Beach County. He leads the development of professional development, curriculum resources, and districtwide initiatives aligned to Florida’s Financial Literacy standards. Brian works closely with educators and community partners to expand access to high-quality financial literacy instruction and to support both teacher and student financial capability.

Fernelize Henry is the Secondary Social Studies Program Planner for the SDPBC, following her role as an instructional specialist for Secondary Social Studies and Hispanic/Latino Studies at Palm Beach County School District. With 14 years of classroom teaching experience at Palm Beach Central High School, where she covered core social studies subjects, Latin American History, and AP Comparative Government and Politics, she brings a wealth of expertise to her current position. She has been involved in various educational initiatives, including Migrant education and Jumpstart programs, and served as an ESOL/GED Coordinator. Fernelize also authored the curriculum for Latin American History and participated in the Teaching American History program. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Florida Atlantic University and a Master’s Degree in Teaching English to Students of Other Languages (TESOL) from Nova Southeastern University, she is deeply committed to her Afro-Latina heritage and passionate about history.

Dr. Margarita Pinkos ’ career encompasses experiences as a teacher, special education coordinator, and administrator in all levels of education ranging from grades Pre-K through 12, as well as from the local to the federal level. Highlights of her career include her leadership in turning a failing school into an “A” rated high achieving school. She was the executive director of Multicultural Education in Florida’s 10th largest school district in the US for over ten years. 

In 2006, Dr. Pinkos served as principal adviser to Secretary Margaret Spellings in all matters related to the education of Multilingual Learners in her role as Assistant Deputy Secretary and Director of the Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA), at the Department of Education. 

She retired from her position of Assistant Superintendent of Global Education for the School District of Palm Beach County in 2021.

Dr. Pinkos has served in multiple community organizations. She was president of the 2018, 2019, and 2022 National Association of Bilingual Education (NABE) and is currently a member of the Board of Regents at the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, Florida.  

Dr. Luis Martínez-Fernández is a leading historian of Latin America and the Caribbean. He is Pegasus Professor of History at the University of Central Florida. His award-winning books include Revolutionary Cuba: A History, Key to the New World, and When the World Turned Upside Down: Politics, Culture, and the Unimaginable Events of 2019-2022.

Dr. Martínez-Fernández has demonstrated a life-long commitment to quality history education. He has published numerous lesson plans and classroom activities. He is frequently invited to create curricular materials, lead teachers’ workshops, and give keynote speeches. He has actively advocated for K-12 teachers and has served on the Board of Trustees of the College Board, the Board of the National Council for History Education, and on the boards of several other education and academic organizations.

If you have heard Dr. Jarrod D. Benjamin, you have heard F.I.R.E.—Funny, Informative, Relatable, and Engaging. Serving as the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Albany State University, Dr. Benjamin leads strategic initiatives that advance student success, institutional growth, and transformative educational experiences across the university community. As Principal Strategist of The L.E.A.D. Firm, he has consulted for more than 200 colleges and universities nationwide, specializing in leadership training, faculty development, pedagogy assessment for competency attainment, and student success strategies. A decorated military veteran and recipient of the United States President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr. Benjamin earned his Ph.D. in Urban Higher Education from Jackson State University, where his research focused on student engagement and first-year success. A proud graduate of researchdesignated institutions known for academic rigor and an unwavering commitment to student experience and satisfaction, his journey exemplifies how goal setting and perseverance can produce excellence from challenging beginnings. Dr. Benjamin’s expertise extends beyond higher education. As a leadership and community strategist for the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers, he has delivered transformative leadership development to professional staff, demonstrating his ability to connect with diverse audiences and foster organizational growth at every level. With his unique blend of experience, vision, and passion, Dr. Benjamin continues to champion innovation, student empowerment, and institutional effectiveness—producing workforce-ready subject matter experts prepared to lead in a rapidly evolving world. 

Brian Knowles 

Brian Knowles is a speaker, writer, researcher, and educator recognized twice by Legacy Magazine as one of South Florida’s Top Black Educators (2018 and 2021). He has served as a classroom teacher, led the Office of African, African American, Latino, and Holocaust Studies for the Palm Beach County School District, and taught social impact leadership as an adjunct professor at the Watson Institute at Lynn University. A content expert for NPR and Everfi, his research and writing have been featured in the Journal of Literacy Innovation, Art & Culture of Palm Beach County Magazine, and the XanEdu Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives Blog. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history with a concentration in Africana Studies and a master’s degree in educational leadership. As the founder of Power Builders Curriculum and Pedagogies, LLC, Brian designs transformative, community-centered educational experiences that empower schools, organizations, and communities to build more inclusive and impactful learning environments.

Dr. Alisha Winn Dr. Alisha R. Winn is an applied cultural anthropologist and founder of Consider the Culture; a company focused on community outreach and cultural education. She teaches Intercultural Studies at Palm Beach Atlantic University and consults for the Community Transformation Center. Since 2016, Dr. Winn has worked with West Palm Beach’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) in the Historic Northwest District and surrounding neighborhoods. Her work includes consultation, impact evaluation, historic preservation, and the development of strategies for positive change.

Dr. Winn collaborates with organizations including the African American Research Library and Cultural Center, the Storm of 28 Memorial Park Coalition, and the Palm Beach County African Diaspora Historical and Cultural Society. She documents local history and preserves cultural heritage through oral history projects, restoring the Historic Sunset Lounge, and installing historical markers in neighborhoods. Dr. Winn also provides professional development for the Urban Land Institute. 

As a researcher and archivist, Dr. Winn has contributed to the Mary McLeod Bethune Home, the Herndon Home Museum, the Carter G. Woodson African American Museum, and the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum. She serves as a board member of the Talented Teen Club and advisor to the African American Museum and Research Library Advisory Committee.

Dr. Michael Woodward, Jr., a Miami native, is an educator and author dedicated to diverse representation in literature. A former elementary teacher and now a Barry University professor, he recently earned his PhD in Education while self-publishing 32 books. His feature a children’s novel, King Monte: Are You My P.E. Teacher? is a story of a talented young black child named Monte who struggles to find the right role models, conquer self-doubt, and change not just his own life, but the lives of the people he loves. 

Gbolade George  With a career spanning nearly three decades, Gbolade George is a cornerstone of the School District of Palm Beach County’s commitment to student success. As an Instructional Specialist

for the Johnson Scholars Program, Gbolade bridges the gap between high school ambition and

collegiate reality. Through a strategic partnership with Take Stock in Children, he orchestrates a

comprehensive support system—ranging from intensive test prep and college tours to career-

industry immersion—ensuring students don’t just reach the finish line, but cross it with

confidence.

Gbolade’s diverse pedagogical background includes tenures in Exceptional Student Education

(ESE), Social Studies, and Adult Education. Currently finalizing his Master’s in Educational

Leadership at the American College of Education, he remains a tireless advocate for students of

all abilities. For Gbolade, education isn't just about curriculum—it’s about building the

motivational scaffolding that allows every student to thrive.

Dr. Marlyn Henriquez, Ph.D. is a retired Spanish teacher who taught at Suncoast and FAU for many years. She holds a Ph.D. in Spanish, two Masters in Spanish, and is a National Board Certified Teacher. She has taught all levels of Spanish, including AP Spanish Language and Literature, IB Spanish V, and IB Language and Literature. 

Fernelize Henry is currently in her second year as the Secondary Social Studies Program Planner for the SDPBC, following her role as an instructional specialist for Secondary Social Studies and Hispanic/Latino Studies at Palm Beach County School District. With 14 years of classroom teaching experience at Palm Beach Central High School, where she covered core social studies subjects, Latin American History, and AP Comparative Government and Politics, she brings a wealth of expertise to her current position. She has been involved in various educational initiatives, including Migrant education and Jumpstart programs, and served as an ESOL/GED Coordinator. Fernelize also authored the curriculum for Latin American History and participated in the Teaching American History program. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Florida Atlantic University and a Master’s Degree in Teaching English to Students of Other Languages (TESOL) from Nova Southeastern University, she is deeply committed to her Afro-Latina heritage and passionate about history.

Akbar Watson is the owner/director of Pyramid Books, Inc. located in Boynton Beach, Florida. Pyramid Books is one of the largest African centered bookstores in the country. The store specializes in providing books and related materials that enhance knowledge of the African diaspora. Mr. Watson has been in business for over 22 years and has become a major source of information about the African and African American ethos. Watson also has secured book/material contracts with the U.S. Government, the State of Florida, numerous school districts, libraries, and others who vie for his services. 

Brian Edwards is the K–12 Financial Literacy Program Planner for the School District of Palm Beach County, where he leads districtwide initiatives to expand and support financial literacy education. Since joining the department in 2023 as the Financial Literacy Specialist, Brian has developed and implemented high-impact programming, teacher training, and strategic partnerships to strengthen financial education across grade levels

Karen Jefferson currently serves as the Instructional Specialist for the Office of African, African American, Latino, Holocaust and Jewish Studies within the School District of Palm Beach County. In this capacity, her work entails designing curriculum and professional development focused on effective instructional practices. A critical aspect of her work is ensuring that schools provide learning environments that reflect, validate, and support diverse student perspectives and experiences.