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She’s the former Director of Programs and Policy for the National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity (NAPE), a consortium of state and local agencies, corporations, and national organizations committed to providing national leadership for equity in education and workforce development. She worked with the NAPE CEO, staff, and member state representatives to implement the NAPE program of work that included the review and analysis of federal legislation, professional development activities, and technical assistance to state and local education agencies utilizing the best practices models for serving special populations students. Her formal education includes an Ed. D. degree in Career & Technical Education/Administration, Master of Science, and Bachelor of Science degrees in business from Oklahoma State University.

Fern retired from the Oklahoma Department of Career & Technology Education in Stillwater, Oklahoma. In that capacity, she administered state grants utilizing federal funds that serve the under-represented populations in career and technology education programs. She is currently serving as a consultant. Her entire career has been spent improving the achievement of students and special populations.

Fern serves on the Career and Technical Education Equity Council whose purpose is to promote and support career and technical education and to support equitable and full participation of all students and employees in technical education. They provide advocacy for equity issues within the larger career and technical education community. She also serves on the Stillwater Literacy Council. The council serves all who need their services, especially the Hispanic population.