Carla began her career with Akron Public Schools twenty-nine years ago and has held four different positions over the course of her career including Family and Social Services Specialist, Special Projects Coordinator, Director of Community Relations/Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) before her current assignment as Chief Diversity Officer (CDO). As the district’s CDO, she supports diversity, equity and inclusion strategies in collaboration with all district divisions; develops and delivers training and professional development, and serves as an agent for systemic change.  A Leadership Akron, Class 25 graduate, Carla has dedicated her career to advocating for urban families and children.

Carla earned her Doctorate of Education degree from Kent State University in Interprofessional Leadership with a concentration in Cultural Foundations. She holds a number of certifications and advanced training including the following:

●      Certificate, Adult Training and Development, Kent State University

●      Certificate, Emotional Intelligence, Case Western Reserve University

●      Culturally Responsive Leadership, The Ohio State University

●      Facilitator, Deliberative and Circle Dialogues, the Kettering Foundation and Everyday Democracy

●      Outward Mindset and Outward Leadership, The Arbinger Institute

●      Trauma Responsive Education from the Trauma Responsive Education Program (TrEP), The University of Chicago

●      Qualified Administrator, Intercultural Development Inventory

She serves on several community boards and advisory councils, including the Akron Community Foundation, Alchemy, Inc., Habitat for Humanity, and the Cleveland Clinic/Akron General Board of Directors.

Carla has earned a number of awards including the 2022 Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio’s Lead Diversity Alumni Award. In 2023, St. Vincent-St. Mary High School retired Carla’s high school jersey (#34) to hang in the LeBron James Arena as the first female, in school history, to have a number retired.

Carla resides in Akron and remains close to her family and friends. She enjoys travel, music, good food and good books. She most cherishes trips to visit her daughter, Raina, who currently resides in another state.