"Originally from Brooklyn, Theara moved to DC in 2009 to pursue her bachelor’s degree in English, which she earned from Howard University in 2013. While at Howard University she served as president of CASCADE (the Coalition of Activist Students Celebrating the Acceptance of Diversity and Equality), Howard University’s LGBTQIA Student Organization. It was here that her interest in grassroots activism for human rights issues was piqued.

Over the past few years she has had the opportunity to work for the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Stonewall Democrats, Organizing For America as the LGBT Operation Vote Fellow, the Russian American Foundation, and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. In May of 2013 she was awarded the Next Generation Award by the board of DC Black Pride."

As a member of the third graduating class of Beginning with Children Charter School, I can proudly say that the school was a second home, a place where I was pushed to my full potential and where I established long lasting friendships. The teachers and the administrative staff were looked upon both as authority figures and as family whom we respected. My kindergarten through 8th grade experience was memorable and something that I hope my own children may experience one day. It is a beautiful thing when one can remember how caring and nurturing your kindergarten teacher was and how 20 years later you are still close to the little person you met in that class. BwCCS taught me the importance of establishing relationships and how anything is possible as long as you try!

I am currently working as a Case Manager for the Queens Public Library-Single Stop Program. I assist individuals in obtaining social service benefits along with outside referrals for legal, employment and financial counseling. I also conduct workshops about our program and meet with community based organizations to establish partnerships. In addition to my full time job, I am in the process of establishing a not-for-profit organization with a graduate school colleague to provide school children in underprivileged countries with shoes and school supplies. I earned a B.A. in Political Science from Sienna College and in 2012 received my Masters in Public Administration –Sub Specialization in Social Policy from Long Island University.