LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Chimeria Evans was nominated by her colleague, Rita Carmichael.

Let's start at the beginning. Ms. Evans grew up in a housing project, but she did not allow her upbringing to dictate who she has become. She knows what it takes to take children from poverty to success. She is absolute proof of that!

Ms. Evans previously worked at a high school as a science teacher, where she realized there was more that she could do at a foundational level (elementary school). She became a principal at one of her district's elementary schools that held all pre-kindergarten classes. She has been promoted to an elementary school with a STEM (science, technology, engineering, & math) platform and now excels with her staff and students.

At the beginning of each day, Ms. Evans gets on the intercom to motivate her staff and students with self-affirmations and music that sets the day up for success. She never forgets to tell her students and staff to "have an amazing day, or not. The choice is yours."

Ms. Evans works with other members of the school system and community to ensure that all stakeholders, parents, and scholars are aware of changes in the system. She sends out surveys to asks for opinions from others.

"She believes that we have to work as a team in order to be successful, so she continues to motivate, inspire and prove that she is working for the good of our scholars and our community," said Carmichael.

Working with the community is part of her life. She works with her church to ensure that everyone has food. Her school holds a food drive each year to raise awareness about the importance of helping others, especially during the holidays. This year's food drive was an amazing success! Ms. Evans participated in several food drives with her church, as well as a toy and coat drive for students at her school. Because she has three children of her own, she knows how important it is for children to have toys at Christmas and a nice, warm coat to wear like other kids.

"Ms. Evans is such an important part of our school family, school district, and community. She helps to maintain success, and she makes sure that her teachers have high standards when working with our children. She has created such a positive atmosphere among our staff, parents, and Game Changers (our scholars)," said Carmichael. "As a staff, we look to Ms. Evans for guidance each day, and she certainly provides it! Our school mascot is a lion, and Ms. Evans roars perfection!"