#100- Introducing Kim Perez, Our New Family Empowerment Associate!

Help us welcome Kimberly Perez, who recently joined our team as the family empowerment associate. Kim is a native Charlottean and has experience working with families, especially those from migrant communities. We’re excited to expand our team. Please join us in welcoming Kim!

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Hello! My name is Kimberly Perez; I am a former inclusive preschool teacher, avid tree hugger, and painter. I was born and raised in North Carolina and have spent my time between Charlotte and central Mexico. I am a graduate of Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools and look forward to giving back. After graduating from Harding University High School, I attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where I completed my Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and Master’s in Urban Education. 

K-12 education was challenging for me, considering I had to help myself navigate it and was the interpreter for my parents. I was highly blessed to have outstanding educators who guided me in the IB programs from middle to high school; I would not be here if it were not for them.

My teaching career began at Charlotte Bilingual as an inclusive English teacher in a Reggio Emilia-inspired classroom, surrounded by outstanding educators who aided me with their knowledge and kindness. Serving and advocating for Charlotte’s incoming Spanish-speaking immigrant community was a fantastic experience that helped prepare me for what came next. I was then able to teach for Meck Pre-K under their universal preschool program, where the main focus was ensuring children were entering elementary school prepared and up to par with their classmates.

I kept active within the community while educating and advocating for families in my classrooms. When not at the school, you could find me at the local Greyhound station, in the community kitchen, or at a diaper drive serving the migrant community of Charlotte. None of the work I have participated in was charity work; all was mutual aid done in solidarity with the community. I was able to work alongside amazing grassroots organizations that equipped me with the knowledge of how to be a community member better. While serving the community, I learned to advocate for families and how to uplift them.

I am ecstatic about the opportunity to join SchermCo as a Family Empowerment Associate. The prospect of contributing to enhancing family-school partnerships resonates deeply with my passion for community engagement and educational empowerment.