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Lcovin@covin4daculture.org
404-735-8608
Dr. Lavina N. Covin is an educator, author, and visionary leader rooted in the advancement of African American children—academically, culturally, socially, emotionally, and mentally. Resilient on purpose and with passion, she earned her Doctoral degree in Early Childhood Education with a focus on social and emotional learning for children and individuals within her culture similar to her. Dr. Covin holds a Specialist, Master’s, and Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, along with a certificate in nonprofit management, equipping her to serve her community with both excellence and intention.
As the founder of Covin4DaCulture, Dr. Covin creates spaces where children are empowered to learn, grow, and show up unapologetically in who they are. Her work affirms the brilliance of African American children, strengthening their confidence, focus, and sense of identity while supporting the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. Through her authorship of How Did I Get Here, she continues to uplift stories of resilience, purpose, and cultural pride, inspiring the next generation to walk boldly in their culture and truth.
Tedwards@covin4daculture.org
404-465-2019
Tiffany Edwards serves as Vice President of the organization, bringing both professional expertise and a deep-rooted passion for community upliftment. Tiffany understands firsthand the importance of support, opportunity, and positive environments in shaping young lives.
She studied Criminal Justice at Darton College and is a certified transcriptionist and commissioned public notary. Tiffany currently works with one of the nation’s leading court reporting services, where she upholds the highest standards of accuracy, confidentiality, and professionalism.
At the heart of Tiffany’s work is a commitment to empowering children and strengthening communities. Through her leadership, she helps guide initiatives that promote socio-emotional growth, mental wellness, and resilience among underserved youth. Tiffany believes that by investing in the emotional and mental development of children, we can create lasting change that extends far beyond the individual to impact families and entire communities.
S.stephens@covin4daculture.org
Shaundra McCloud-Stephens currently serves as the Program Manager at Liberty House of Albany, Inc., where she has been a dedicated team member since 2017. She began her career in the nonprofit sector after graduating from Albany State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Her first professional role was with Open Arms, Inc., where she served in various capacities over a twelve-year tenure, ultimately advancing to the position of Transitional Living Program Director, supporting homeless and runaway youth.
Shaundra has a deep and longstanding passion for community service. For more than a decade, she, alongside her family and friends, selflessly prepared and served meals to individuals experiencing homelessness every Sunday morning. Her commitment to making a meaningful community impact continues through her active involvement with several boards and organizations. She currently serves on the boards of Albany-Dougherty CASA and Albany Family Literacy, and she is a core planning member of the Albany-Dougherty Homeless Coalition, where she contributes to major events and initiatives.
In addition to her professional and board service, Shaundra is an engaged member of several service organizations, including the Order of Eastern Star, Daughters of the Desert of Georgia, Golden Circle, and the Junior League of Albany. Her dedication to serving others extends beyond her career—it is truly her life’s passion and purpose.
J.covin@covin4daculture.org
Jalisa Covin, LMSW, serves as a Board Member of Covin4DACulture, where she is dedicated to advancing the organization’s mission of promoting social-emotional and mental wellness among underserved youth. With a strong foundation in social work, Jalisa is passionate about helping individuals and families build resilience, develop emotional awareness, and navigate life’s challenges with confidence.
Jalisa is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) currently working toward her Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential in the state of Georgia. She serves military families full-time through her work in the Military OneSource program and is also a proud member of the Air National Guard. Her professional background includes experience in domestic violence support, where she has worked closely with individuals and families to promote safety, healing, and empowerment. She is also pursuing certification in financial literacy to further equip families with tools for long-term stability and success.
As a board member, Jalisa brings compassion, insight, and a heart for service to support initiatives that empower youth and strengthen families. She is especially passionate about creating safe, supportive environments where children can grow, heal, and thrive.