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CONSULTING
MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKING / FACILITATION
Darlene V. Willis, Ph.D. is a distinguished educator, author, and community leader whose life's work exemplifies dedication to empowerment through education and social justice. As the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Concerned Parents Alliance and its educational arm, College Bound Academy Programs, Dr. Willis channels her extensive experience into creating positive change.
With over two decades of service as an administrator in nationally recognized public and private institutions, Dr. Willis has cultivated a deep understanding of education, equity, and cultural competence. Her comprehensive background includes collaborations with a diverse array of organizations, from employers and school districts to churches and universities, giving her a unique and valuable perspective.
A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Willis has earned impressive academic credentials. She holds a BA in Psychology from the University of California, Irvine, as well as an MA and Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. Further enhancing her expertise, she is an alumna of Harvard University's Management and Leadership Institute.
As an author, Dr. Willis has penned two impactful books: "REVEALED: True Testimonials and Lessons Learned on Covert and Blatant Racial Experiences" and "Empowering Parents: A Guide to Taking Back Control of Your Child's Educational Journey." She is currently working on her third book, "The National Educational Crisis is an ADULT ISSUE!" Her literary works reflect her commitment to addressing critical social and educational issues.
Dr. Willis is a sought-after motivational speaker and facilitator, known for her unique and interactive approach that integrates music, poetry, "reality statistics," and real-life solutions. She has created innovative initiatives such as "The Million Parent WAKE-UP Challenge" and "The 'Parenopoly' Series," aimed at empowering parents and responsible adults to take control of their children's educational journeys.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Willis' personal life has been marked by both joy and tragedy. She was married to her husband, Phillip, Jr., for 34 years before his untimely passing due to exposure to Agent Orange during his service in the Vietnam War. Their union blessed them with two sons, Phillip, III and James Cornelius.
Despite personal challenges, Dr. Willis has channeled her experiences into meaningful work. As a retired higher education administrator, she now dedicates her time to managing her non-profit organization and providing support to families navigating the complexities of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs system. She also extends her compassion to those battling Lupus.
A woman of faith and a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Dr. Willis continues to serve her community with unwavering dedication. Her goal remains steadfast: to reach, teach, and empower more responsible adults to effect positive change in the educational landscape. Through her multifaceted work, Dr. Darlene V. Willis continues to make a significant impact on families, veterans, and communities across the nation.
PARENT & FAMILY ENGAGEMENT SERIES
The achievement gap cannot be closed without addressing the parent and family engagement gap. We are currently facing a national educational crisis, and it will require all of us working together to effect change. It is CPA’s goal to further help parents and responsible adults regain control of their households while ensuring educational success for their children.
CPA/CBAP reaches families where they are, helping them understand that “children need our presence more than our presents.” It is our view that when we empower parents and responsible adults, we empower scholars.
CPA offers a family empowerment curriculum used in what we call “The College Bound Parenopoly Series.” This program helps parents and responsible adults understand the importance of navigating the educational system and the rules that will assist their scholars in graduating from high school and having the choice of attending college. We view the Parent and Family Engagement Series as an excellent way to establish rapport with parents and responsible adults, allowing them the opportunity to prioritize education or some form of post-secondary success within their households.
School districts across the country continue to work toward closing the academic achievement or opportunity gap, but it is becoming increasingly challenging to reach all parents and responsible adults due to extreme budget cuts and low staff morale.
Parents and responsible adults can play a significant role in ensuring educational success for their children as they learn to navigate the educational system. Students can become more empowered by taking ownership of their educational journey, while teachers recognize the importance of bridging the parent-school divide.
Dr. Willis, the CPA Co-Founder, believes that families can turn around this educational crisis in their homes today while collaborating with colleges, universities, school personnel, and other like-minded parents and responsible adults.
The College Bound Academy Programs have a successful track record of over 20 years in empowering scholars and their families, with the goal of transforming this data one household, school, congregation, or employer at a time.
