“I am here to demonstrate to my children that we can overcome any obstacle.”

Kamellah Staten is a student at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in African American studies. After years of raising her children, Kamellah decided to return to school after the death of her mother. “Losing my mother to breast cancer was one of the most difficult experiences I’ve ever had to face,” Kamellah reflects. Kamellah received her GED in June 2020 and went on to earn her associate degree from Wayne County Community College, which was the first time she walked across the stage to receive a diploma. Despite the immense grief and challenges she faced, Kamellah is now just a few semesters away from completing her bachelor’s degree​. Kamellah’s academic success has been recognized with the Honor Scholar Award from the African American Studies department, and she is a member of the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Kamellah is the assistant director at Legacy Learning Center, where she oversees operations, recruitment, and retention initiatives. Her leadership in the early childhood education field has been marked by her ability to implement quality programming and expand care initiatives for infants and toddlers. Kamellah’s professional experience includes managing multiple teams and working with state agencies, childcare providers, and public and private entities to ensure effective policy implementation and operational improvements​.

Kamellah’s motivation comes from her children, and she is determined to show them that perseverance in the face of adversity is crucial. “I am here to demonstrate to my children that we can overcome any obstacle,” she shares​. As she moves closer to earning her degree, Kamellah is focused on making a lasting impact in her community by using her education and experience to advocate for equity, inclusivity, and social change.

CEW+ celebrates Kamellah as a role model and names her a Gail Allen Scholar.