Board of Directors
Southeast Children's Fund is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors providing strategic oversight, fiduciary stewardship, and policy guidance. Working in close partnership with executive leadership, the Board ensures accountability, responsible stewardship of public and private resources, and alignment between strategy, impact, and community needs.
Governance & Stewardship
Board members bring deep expertise across early childhood education, workforce development, education policy, nonprofit governance, finance, real estate, and community-centered economic development.
25+ years in customer experience, strategy, and business transformation across Fortune 500 companies and technology startups. Celika currently serves as Group Vice President and Head of Customer Experience Programs at Oracle, leading global initiatives for SaaS clients. Former senior leadership at AARP, FedEx, Citibank, Honeywell, and Deloitte Consulting. Deeply committed to expanding educational opportunities for underserved youth through nonprofit board service. Holds an MBA from Stanford University and a BS in Electrical Engineering from MIT.
25+ years as an educator, administrator, and policy influencer in early childhood education. Widely recognized as a credible and authoritative voice in early learning, advancing educator quality, family engagement, and equitable access to education.
Serves in a dual role — supporting governance processes, documentation, and strategic alignment between the Board and executive leadership as Secretary, while also serving as Interim Chief Executive Officer of Southeast Children's Fund.
20+ years in education, community outreach, development, and nonprofit leadership. Focused on advancing organizational missions through strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and community-centered approaches. Contributes expertise in board development and fundraising strategy.
Nationally recognized education leader with 30+ years in public and charter education. 2024 Building Hope Award recipient. Led school turnaround efforts in DC Public Schools and worked at the Harvard Graduate School of Education Principals' Center.
20+ years owning and operating multiple childcare facilities. Brings a practitioner's perspective grounded in firsthand experience serving families and communities. Has a deep, longstanding connection to SCF including previous work within the organization.
40+ years in early childhood education and workforce development. Closely connected to SCF since its early stages — providing institutional continuity, historical perspective, and wisdom in governance. Supports program development, workforce systems, and organizational capacity-building.
20+ years in real estate finance, development, construction management, and community economic development. Former VP in mortgage banking and career origin at HUD. Brings deep expertise in financial sustainability and community-centered development strategy.
Governance Grounded in Community
The Board of Directors is committed to ethical governance, transparency, and advancing equitable outcomes for children, families, and educators across Washington, DC. Board members uphold fiduciary responsibilities and support policies and practices that strengthen organizational accountability, sustainability, and long-term impact.
Working in close partnership with executive leadership, SCF's Board ensures that strategy, impact, and community needs remain aligned — guiding the organization through growth, accountability, and long-term sustainability.
"This breadth of experience ensures that SCF's strategy is informed by both systems-level insight and community-based practice."
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