June 2020 Guest Speaker:  Dr. Dedra Mahone

Dr. Mahone is founder and Executive Director of the Mahone Education Empowerment Fund and Foundation, LLC., which offers professional advocacy and education to private, public and corporate organizations in the core areas of capacity building, strategic planning, team development and financial and entrepreneurial awareness for the adult and student learner. Core capabilities of the foundation include the creation of personalized training and awareness modules for students and adults seeking to acquire and enhance learning, literacy and life skills: 21st Century Skills (e.g. critical thinking, collaboration, communication, information and social skills).   Dr. Mahone was awarded the Excellence in Education Award by the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation for her 30 years of contribution to quality education for all children. Upon her retirement from Prince George’s County Public Schools she founded the Mahone Education Empowerment Fund, and endowed its first contribution to a high poverty school for instructional, personal and cultural enhancements for students living in circumstances of poverty.

Dr. Mahone is an active member of her community and sits on the board of The Greater Washington Community Foundation of Prince George’s County, where she has served as co-chair of its Community Leadership Awards program for two consecutive years.  The Community Leadership Awards program recognizes the invaluable contributions of individuals who have been a model of good citizenship and civic participation. Dr. Mahone also co-chaired the Washington D.C. UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball for two consecutive years.  In 2019 Dr. Mahone was recognized  by Bowie State University for her philanthropic contributions and personal commitment to education and civic responsibility; including showcasing and exposing students to the arts, advancing education for disenfranchised youth and providing equity and access to learning and life skills for both adult and student learners.  As a member of a national organization, The Society, Incorporated, Supporting the Arts, Dr. Mahone devotes her personal time to advancing its mission and goals by exposing students to local and national art and artists, providing opportunities to engage in cultural activities and by sponsoring scholarships to students pursuing degrees and careers in the arts.

As a highly skilled educational leader experienced in school reform, program and leadership development, curriculum and technology integration, Dr. Mahone has held diverse positions in Prince George’s County MD, including executive leadership, school administration, supervision and talent development.  Prior to her retirement from Prince George’s County Public Schools, Dr. Mahone was successful in implementing the largest one to one, iPad deployments in the nation. While promoting student engagement and teacher practice, this initial deployment continues to provide access to instructional technology for hundreds of students in high poverty schools in Prince George’s County.  Among her other professional careers, she has served as an adjunct professor at Howard University and George Washington University and has been a middle and high school principal, as well as a program coordinator and instructional specialist in several elementary, middle and high schools.  Dr. Mahone continues to consult with independent organizations, private and public schools and school districts across the country as an advocate for access, equity and opportunity in education.