Sensational Sisters

We have Sensational Spelman sisters all around us. Now we have a way in which to recognize and celebrate their achievements on a regular basis through our website and newsletter. If you know of a Spelman sister who recently received a promotion, earned an advanced degree is a perceived leader, change maker, trailblazer, or SHEro in our community, take a moment to nominate her. Our objectives are to recognize those who are sensational in their field of work or have a sensational spirit. Self nominations are welcome and there are no age requirements so, consider women across generations.

Each month a select group of women will be provided a spotlight on our website and in our newsletter as a way of filling our chapter mission.

Click here to nominate a Sensational Sister.

Patrice Francis C'90

My road to education had nothing to do with a desire to be in the profession. It had everything to do with timing. It was a matter of answering the call and not calling myself. I thought that all of my education led to being a lawyer. However, as I matriculated through law school, I noticed that my peers analyzed everything through a lens that was accepted as the only lens. That format of thinking took me back to my earlier educational experiences. I quickly realized that students of color were never given the chance to analyze in a way that made their experiences relevant. Not once while I was at Spelman did I believe that my experience did not matter, therefore I knew that there needed to be a safe space where our children would matter.

I now serve as the Head of School of Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy, a school founded by my father, a Morehouse man. It is the only black owned, fully accredited, full service, infant through 12th grade, private institution in the city of Atlanta. “Mixing Faith with Learning while Training Up the Next Generation of Greatness” is not just our motto…it is our experience and THAT is an experience that matters!

Dr. Margul Retha Woolfolk

Margul Retha Woolfolk is the proud principal of the magnificent M. Agnes Jones Elementary School in the Atlanta Public Schools System. M. AGNES JONES is the FIRST and only GADOE STEM certified school in the Atlanta Public Schools System! AND NOW….the FIRST traditional GADOE STEAM certified school in the Atlanta Public Schools System!

She ensures high academic success for 580 Pre-K thru 5th grade urban students. Her mission is to provide a rigorous and high quality learning environment for students by affording scholars learning opportunities that promote critical thinking and the assurance of becoming college and career ready to successfully compete in a global society. She was awarded the Atlanta Public Schools Stellar Principal Award (May, 2016). Most recently, Dr. Woolfolk was recognized by the Georgia Department of Education for her visionary guidance and exceptional leadership in advancing STEM and STEAM education in Georgia Schools (October, 2018). Additionally, she serves on the board of directors for the Atlanta Girls on the Run.

Some of the initiatives Margul Retha has implemented while serving as the principal of M. Agnes Jones include:

Earning a Pre-K through fifth grade GADOE Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Certification as well as one in STE(A-arts)M for students who have traditionally been underserved and under exposed to the content areas and the arts in a practical and relevant way.
Earning several GADOE “Beating the Odds” awards for M. Agnes Jones.
Challenging Atlanta Public Schools’ nutrition department to have a salad bar to expose students to healthy eating. M. Agnes was the first elementary school to obtain a salad bar and other schools followed this initiative.
Encouraging an Alpha Kappa Alpha Nu Lambda Omega asthma prevention program to help students who have chronic asthma to recognize the triggers and find ways to prevent asthma attacks.
Mentoring not only students at M. Agnes Jones but mentoring and providing professional development to students attending schools in the Atlanta University Center, including Spelman, Morehouse and Clark Atlanta University as well as Georgia State University.
Working tirelessly with West End Community groups to provide support and assistance to students and families, i.e. Choice Neighborhood, Atlanta Housing Authority, United Way, Atlanta Food Bank.
Serving as a part-time instructor at Georgia State University where real-world connections are embedded in teaching Literacy in the Content Areas.

Margul Retha is married to Ralph McKinley Woolfolk III. She has three adult sons and two granddaughters.

Margul Retha is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Nu Lambda Omega Chapter.

Margul Retha graduated with a B. A. in Economics from Spelman College and earned both a Masters and Specialist of Education degree with honors from Georgia State University. Additionally, she earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Language and Literacy at Georgia State University.