LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Kimberly Cooper was nominated by a colleague who wishes to remain anonymous.

For over 20 years, Ms. Cooper has dedicated her life to serving families in the Far Rockaway community and New York City. She supports families by serving as their advocates and building relationships spanning over many generations. She has helped Dr. Lee, her principal, through the planning and the execution of a yearly out of state college tour for students in sixth through eighth grades. Students have traveled to over five states and visited over 25 colleges over the past nine years. Ms. Cooper has given these students exposure to college, which has resulted in many Village Academy graduates becoming the first in their families to attend college.

She often works to communicate with families when conflicts arise and serves as a calming presence. She also has a reputation for building relationships with some of the school's most challenging students, often visiting classrooms. Ms. Cooper has positive relationships with all members of the school community, from the custodians and school safety team to the cafeteria staff.

She also helped plan events for her school's Ladies with Purpose mentoring program which met each Friday. Ms. Cooper helped plan workshops to support female students in conflict resolution, goal setting and self-esteem.

She has a reputation among all staff as the "Go To" woman. She also supports staff in planning incentive trips for students, graduation, Honor Roll, Student of the Month assemblies, parent workshops, and community events.