VALERIE SIMPSON
Site Director
Dr. Simpson is a native of Sunflower County. She received her undergraduate degree from Alcorn State University in English/Mass Communication, her master’s degree from Delta State University in English Education, and her doctorate from the University of Southern Mississippi in Curriculum and Instruction. During her career in education, Dr. Simpson has held the following positions: middle and high school English and gifted education teacher, collegiate English Education professor, and K-12 administrator. Dr. Simpson has always believed that education is the means by which individuals can shape their existence and develop the necessary knowledge/skills to survive and to thrive in their current and future environments. She is excited to continue her career in education with the Sunflower County Freedom Project and looks forwarding to working with SCFP Fellows as they develop into tomorrow’s leaders.
Sarah Riback
Director of Literacy Programming
Ms. Riback is originally from Baltimore, Maryland. She attended the University of Maryland, College Park where she studied sociology & English. Ms. Riback is grateful for her first encounters with the Freedom Project, first as a young student visiting Sunflower, and then as a returning teacher-advisor with the Rosedale Freedom Project. She most recently taught English in Clarksdale, MS at W.A. Higgins Middle School. She is so excited to work with Freedom Fellows to grow, build community, take risks, and ask questions.
sHIRLENCIA smITH
Americorps VISTA Member
Ms. Smith is a Sunflower County Freedom Project Alumni. She is a resident in Sunflower County. She is excited to be an AmeriCorps VISTA Member and is motivated to do his part to alleviate and defeat poverty in the United States. She is also excited to continue her journey with the SCFP, grow the community, and contribute to more community involvement.