OUR LEADERS
DEDICATED, PASSIONATE, SUPPORTIVE
Our leadership team comprises dedicated and passionate professionals who are committed to our mission of promoting excellence, equity, and the advancement of education for students of color. Each member brings a wealth of experience, expertise, and a shared vision for creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment.
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Our leaders work collaboratively to develop and implement initiatives that empower Black educators, advocate for equitable educational policies, and support the academic success of Black students. Through their tireless efforts and unwavering dedication, INABSE continues to be a leading voice in the fight for educational equity and excellence.
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Meet our leadership team and learn more about the individuals driving our mission forward. Together, we are making a significant impact on the education system and fostering a brighter future for our students and communities.
BIO
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Visionary leader, Dr. Yvonne Stokes is a student centered, results driven educator who has committed her professional career to enhancing the lives of students in several urban, suburban and rural communities. Dr. Stokes supports strategic partnerships and enhanced collaboration that benefits awareness about the needs of black students.
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Gary Community Schools
website: www.garycsc.k12.in.us
President
Dr. Yvonne Stokes
Gary Community Schools
website: www.garycsc.k12.in.us
BIO​
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Debra Faye Williams-Robbins is Deputy Superintendent with Fort Wayne Community Schools. Throughout her career, she has also served as a classroom teacher, Dean/Counselor, Principal, Assistant Superintendent and was appointed as Deputy Superintendent in 2021. Faye has received numerous awards for her work in education and the community, including United Front Humanity Award and Fort Wayne United Excellence Award, Channel ABC’s 21
Women in Leadership, American Health Education Center Network’s Partnerships Matter, NAACP’s Excellence in Education, ITT Indiana Technical Institute’s Believe in Yourself, Achieve Your Goals, and Inspire Others; and the Delta Sigma Theta’s Educational Development Award.
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Fort Wayne Community School
Vice President
Dr. Debra Williams-Robbins
Fort Wayne Community School
Treasurer
Dr. David McGuire
BIO
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Dr. David McGuire serves as the Treasurer of INABSE. He is responsible for managing the organization's financial affairs, including budgeting, reporting, and ensuring the proper allocation of funds. Dr. McGuire believes INABSE is essential in creating a dedicated space for Black educators to foster community through support, advocacy, and shared experiences.
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Rooted School Indianapolis
website: www.rootedschoolindy.org
Rooted School Indianapolis
website: www.rootedschoolindy.org
Corresponding Secretary
Dr. Bridgette Y. Robinson
BIO
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Dr. Robinson has 18 years of experience at IPS in the Federal and Special Programs department, where she specializes in budget management, internal controls, compliance, monitoring, reporting, risk assessment, and federal grant management. She oversees and manages an estimate of $26 million of federal funds each year, in addition to $219 million of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds.
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Indianapolis Public Schools
website: www.myips.org
Indianapolis Public Schools
website: www.myips.org
Financial Secretary
Dr. Justin Hunter
BIO
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​​Dr. Justin Hunter is an experienced and dedicated educational collaborator, currently the Director of Human Resources for MSD of Pike Township School Corporation in Indianapolis, Indiana.
With over 26 years of experience in public education, Dr. Hunter is fortunate to have held several leadership positions throughout central and south-central Indiana, including Director of Human Resources, Director of Elementary Education, Director of Retention and Reclamation, Turnaround Principal of 4 urban elementary Schools, and an elementary teacher.
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MSD of Pike Township School Corp.
website: www.pike.k12.in.us
MSD of Pike Township School Corp.
website: www.pike.k12.in.us
Recording Secretary
BIO
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Tonia Brewer is the Executive Director of Exceptional Learners for South Bend Community School Corporation. She has worked in the Special Education field since 2003, when she started her career as a special education paraprofessional.
Ms. Brewer became a special education teacher in various settings, a building administrator, and an assistant director of student support and accessibility at the Indiana Department of
Education. She holds an Ed.S. from National Louis University and also completes doctoral work there.
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So. Bend Community School Corp.
website: www.sobendschools.org
Tonia Brewer
So. Bend Community School Corp.
website: www.sobendschools.org
Co-Historian
BIO
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Dr. Cathi Cornelius immediately joined NABSE in the 1980's upon graduating with her BS education degree and teaching license. She has proudly remained a lifetime NABSE member serving in various local chapter officer positions including committee chair, historian, former INABSE president, and co-chair of the NABSE conference volunteer committee.
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Marian University
website: www.marian.edu
Dr. Cathi Cornelius
Marian University
website: www.marian.edu
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Co-Historian
BIO
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Patricia (Pat) Payne is an Indianapolis native who began her employment with the Indianapolis Public Schools in 1962 following graduation from Indiana University, Bloomington. She taught primary students until 1987 when she was appointed to design and direct the IPS Crispus Attucks Center which comprised the Office of Multicultural Education and the Crispus Attucks Museum of African/ African American History. Presently, Pat directs the IPS Office of Racial Equity and Inclusion and the Crispus Attucks Museum. She has served IPS for over 62 years. She graduated from Shortridge High School.​
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Indianapolis Public Schools
website: www.myips.org
Dr. Patricia Payne
Indianapolis Public Schools
website: www.myips.org
Superintendent’s Commission, Chair
BIO
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Dr. Smith is not only committed to educating students, he has served on several community Boards. American Heart Association, Communities in Schools, Connor Prairie, YMCA Ft. Benjamin Harrison and The Northeast Indianapolis Rotary Club. Currently, he is the President of the Indiana Urban Schools Association. He also served as President of the Indiana University School of Education Alumni Board from 2009 to 2011 and sat on the Indiana University-Purdue University of Indianapolis Library Board. Dr. Smith is an Indiana University Tobias Fellow and member of the Tobias Leadership Network and a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.​​​
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MSD Lawrence Township
website: www.ltschools.org
Dr. Shawn Smith
MSD Lawrence Township
website: www.ltschools.org