The Washington Literacy Center is closed until further notice to support emergency response
to COVID-19(Coronavirus). Click here for more updates, information, and assistance.
OUR TEAM
The Washington Literacy Center has assembled an accomplished team to carry out its mission. Our Board and staff consist of experienced professionals who bring years of experience in the areas of literacy and adult education. Our distinguished team brings passion for comprehensive change and a dedication to advocating on literacy issues, and developing and providing innovative programs to help solve those problems.
Upcoming Events
All Classes and Activities Suspended Indefinitely Due to Coronavirus(COVID-19)
Use these resources, tips, and platforms to help you during this time of crisis and uncertainty.
PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

JIMMIE WILLIAMS
I joined Washington Literacy Center in 2016 as Executive Director, after a distinguished career in external affairs and brand management for Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders such as McDonald’s, Freddie Mac and Bank of America. My goal is to solidify and expand Washington Literacy Center’s 50-year history of
empowering DC adults to achieve their education and employment goals by providing basic yet life-changing skills in literacy and technology.
I bring a seasoned business acumen with particular
strengths in strategic communications, revenue growth and operational efficiency. An ardent believer in collaboration and engagement, I have achieved success in convening and leading high-performing teams that have included federal and state agencies, Political Action Committees, trade associations, media and community groups.
I currently serve on the board of the Asian Pacific American Congressional Institute of Congressional Studies (APAICS) and am the immediate past president of the Penn Branch Citizens Civic Association. I am a graduate of Howard University and reside in Ward 7.
INSTRUCTORS & STAFF
ROBIN BARR, PH.D.
Senior Instructor
Reading for ESL Learners
Instructor
Reading
AMY FINGERHUT
Education Manager
TESA LEON
ROO WARREN-MARTIN
Instructor
Digital Literacy
KRISTEN HAGEN
Instructor
Reading
TEMP JOHNSON
Instructor
Math
YOLANDA JOHNSON
Senior Instructor
Reading
ROSE JOYNER
Operations Manager
CHRISTNA KEEN, LGSW
Director of Social Services
KEISHA KING
Instructor
Occupational Literacy
JEFF MOORE, PH.D.
Instructor
Math
PHILIP MOSLEY
Director of Finance and HR
MARTHA TANSEY
Senior Instructor
Reading
LISA WISHMAN
Instructor
Driver's Education
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
DANIEL HAYDEN
BOARD CHAIR
Managing Partner
Blue Green Ventures
LOUIS COSTANTINO
EVP/Managing Director
Government Relations
Managing Funds Assoc.
FRANCIS CREIGHTON
President & CEO
Consumer Data Industry
Association (CDIA)
CANDACE CUNNINGHAM
Workforce Development
Coordinator, Restaurant Opportunities Center
LAISHA DOUGHERTY
Community Relations
Coordinator
DC PLUG
TONY GITTENS
Founder and Director
Washington, DC International Film Festival
DELESE HARVEY
Deputy Director
Disabled Veterans
National Foundation
SARA KARRER
Senior Development Officer
Library of Congress
MICHELE LIEBER
President
Blue Point DC
MARY PANETTA
Director of Practice Operations
Winston & Strawn LLP
LIZ RYAN
President
Sapphire Enterprises
WENDELL FELDER - CHAIR
MARKUS BATCHELOR
AJAN BROWN
ASHLEY CARTER
MELVIN CLAYTON
MARIA IBAÑEZ
TRAVIS NEMBHARD
BRAKEYSHIA SAMM
ARTHUR SIDNEY, ESQ.
NAOMI SHELTON
SHASHRINA THOMAS
KAREN L. WILLIAMS
ADVISORY COUNCIL

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It is not true that we have only one life to live; if we can read, we can live as many more lives and as many kinds of lives as we wish.
- S.I. Hayakawa