About me
Dr. Monique Chanel Fordham-Jackson proudly hails from the Watts/Willowbrook, Compton, and South Central Los Angeles communities that shaped her commitment to educational equity and Black excellence. A product of both Los Angeles Unified and Compton Unified schools, she graduated with honors from Alain Leroy Locke High School where she served as captain of the dance and drill teams and held leadership roles in student government. Dr. Fordham-Jackson began serving her community at age 13 through the Keystone Club at the Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club, igniting a lifelong commitment to service. She later joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, where she advances scholarship, service, sisterhood, and social action. A lifelong learner, Dr. Fordham earned her Ph.D. in Educational Management from Hampton University. This educator has over thirty years of experience teaching and leading schools. Spending close to two decades at King/Drew Magnet High School of Medicine and Science, teaching English Language Arts, mentoring and coaching new teachers, developing culturally responsive programs, projects, and curriculum, and serving as dean of students. As a secondary principal, Dr. Fordham-Jackson transformed one of the most challenging high school campuses into a safe and successful institution during her tenure. She led with a teacher’s heart and a transformational leader’s spirit, and leveraged a culturally responsive, equity-centered approach to ensure every student thrives. Grounded in faith, family, community, and culture, Dr. Fordham-Jackson remains deeply committed to advancing educational opportunity and advocating for the brilliance of Black children. She loves God, her family and friends, her sorority, the arts, reading, learning, and streaming stories that inspire reflection and joy. Guided by a spirit of service and justice, she intends to continue educating, uplifting communities, and getting into what the late Congressman John Lewis called “good trouble” for the advancement of equity and excellence for generations to come.
