Board Members
Our Board
Our board is made up of dedicated leaders with more than 20 years of combined experience in the fields of education and nursing. Each member brings both professional expertise and personal passion to the mission, shaped by lived experience as parents, siblings, and family members of individuals with disabilities. This unique combination of knowledge, compassion, and advocacy gives our board a deep understanding of the needs of children, families, and communities. Together, we are committed to creating inclusive, supportive, and empowering opportunities for all.
Meet our Team
Valenta J. Wade Founder and Board Member
Valenta J. Wade Founder and Board Member
Valenta J. Wade Founder and Board Member
Valenta Wade is the Founder and Executive Director of INclude First, a nonprofit devoted to early identification and inclusive support for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With more than two decades of experience in education leadership, testing, and parent advocacy, Valenta brings a unique blend of data-driven i
Valenta Wade is the Founder and Executive Director of INclude First, a nonprofit devoted to early identification and inclusive support for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. With more than two decades of experience in education leadership, testing, and parent advocacy, Valenta brings a unique blend of data-driven insight and heartfelt compassion. She is also the author of Love Leads the Way: The IEP Parent Companion and leads parent workshops that empower families to advocate with confidence.
Dr. Decardra Jackson Board Member
Valenta J. Wade Founder and Board Member
Valenta J. Wade Founder and Board Member
Decadra Jackson is an experienced educator and leader with a strong background in teaching, data, and school improvement. She began her career as a science teacher and later served as an assistant principal, where she championed instructional excellence and student engagement. Her leadership expanded to the district level as Director of
Decadra Jackson is an experienced educator and leader with a strong background in teaching, data, and school improvement. She began her career as a science teacher and later served as an assistant principal, where she championed instructional excellence and student engagement. Her leadership expanded to the district level as Director of Research and Data Literacy, guiding evidence-based practices to improve outcomes for all learners. She now serves as the Director of Student Accountability and School Improvement, where she continues to lead with a passion for equity, innovation, and measurable progress. Decadra’s expertise in educational data and continuous improvement strengthens INclude First’s commitment to informed, sustainable change.
Na-Kiesha White, BSN Board Member
Valenta J. Wade Founder and Board Member
Stacie Wiggins-Hunter Board Member
Na-Keisha White is a Registered Nurse, a dedicated leader in public health and education. She has served as a Division-wide Coordinator of Nursing for a large urban school district, where she advanced policies to improve student wellness and health equity. Currently, she serves as a Nurse Director with the Virginia Department of Education
Na-Keisha White is a Registered Nurse, a dedicated leader in public health and education. She has served as a Division-wide Coordinator of Nursing for a large urban school district, where she advanced policies to improve student wellness and health equity. Currently, she serves as a Nurse Director with the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), guiding statewide initiatives that strengthen school health programs and inclusive care practices. Her expertise in health leadership and advocacy helps INclude First integrate wellness, early identification, and equity into every layer of its mission.
Stacie Wiggins-Hunter Board Member
Darlisha Blackstone, BSN Board Member
Stacie Wiggins-Hunter Board Member
Stacie Wiggins-Hunter is a faith leader, educator, and longtime advocate for women and families. With more than twenty years of experience in early childhood education and ministry, she is passionate about helping churches and community organizations become truly inclusive spaces. As both a friend and founding supporter of INclude, Stacie
Stacie Wiggins-Hunter is a faith leader, educator, and longtime advocate for women and families. With more than twenty years of experience in early childhood education and ministry, she is passionate about helping churches and community organizations become truly inclusive spaces. As both a friend and founding supporter of INclude, Stacie provides spiritual grounding and practical insight that bridge the gap between faith and inclusion.
Darlisha Blackstone, BSN Board Member
Darlisha Blackstone, BSN Board Member
Darlisha Blackstone, BSN Board Member
Darlisha Blackstone, BSN Board Member
Darlisha Blackstone, BSN, RN, is a dedicated and compassionate healthcare professional with more than 20 years of experience in nursing. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to serving others across a variety of settings, bringing both clinical expertise and a heart for patien
Darlisha Blackstone, BSN Board Member
Darlisha Blackstone, BSN, RN, is a dedicated and compassionate healthcare professional with more than 20 years of experience in nursing. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to serving others across a variety of settings, bringing both clinical expertise and a heart for patient-centered care. Darlisha’s career reflects not only her clinical skill but also her unwavering commitment to caring for others with excellence, compassion, and purpose.
Tyra L. Harrison Board Member
Darlisha Blackstone, BSN Board Member
Darlisha Blackstone, BSN Board Member
Tyra L. Harrison is Founder and Chief Possibility Pilot of EdJustice Collective, a K–12 consultancy focused on MTSS systems, governance, and leadership development. With 35+ years in education, she has helped districts improve graduation rates, literacy outcomes, and dropout prevention efforts. Her literacy systems work has been recogniz
Tyra L. Harrison is Founder and Chief Possibility Pilot of EdJustice Collective, a K–12 consultancy focused on MTSS systems, governance, and leadership development. With 35+ years in education, she has helped districts improve graduation rates, literacy outcomes, and dropout prevention efforts. Her literacy systems work has been recognized by the New York Times and featured on The Extraordinary Districts podcast.
Today, Tyra focuses on helping educators navigate AI through an equity-centered lens, ensuring access and opportunity remain at the forefront of innovation. A military spouse of more than 30 years, she designs resources with mobility, inclusion, and community impact in mind.