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Karitsa was elected to the Hamilton County School Board on August 7, 2014, in her hometown of Chattanooga, TN. At the age of 33, she became the youngest member ever elected to the board at the time of her election and the first African American female to represent her district’s community in that capacity. She has brought new energy, innovative ideas, and committed / proven leadership to the Hamilton County School Board. In her first term, she has been a strong advocate for greater community engagement in schools; closing achievement gaps; more equitable and transparent budgeting decisions; fighting to improve the urban schools in her district; and has advocated for policies that help to attract and retain the most effective teachers to schools that need them the most. Karitsa is currently serving in her second term as the Vice Chairwoman of the Board and District 5 Representative. Youth, public education, and social disparities are Karitsa’s main focus efforts. She is a strong advocate on the Hamilton County School Board for students of color, despite her stances making her a target by other school board members and some citizens. She is also a part of The Sankofa Fund for Civic Engagement a giving circle committed to funding and supporting organizations, projects, and efforts that improve Chattanooga's Black community, which is celebrating $500,000 invested in Black Chattanooga. --Compiled by Zora McKissic
Carlyle Campbell Library
Meredith College
3800 Hillsborough St.
Raleigh, NC 27607
919-760-8532
