Leadership

Dr. Blidi S. Stemn, Executive Director and Founder

Dr. Blidi Stemn is the Founder and Executive Director of Education First, Inc. and Education First Academy in Harper, Liberia. He is also an Associate Professor of Mathematics Education at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Old Westbury. With more than 30 years of experience in K-12 and post-secondary education across Liberia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, Dr. Stemn has dedicated his career to improving educational opportunities and advancing excellence in mathematics education.

Dr. Stemn has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and has presented his research at numerous national and international conferences. He previously served for six years as Chair of the Childhood Education and Literacy Department at SUNY Old Westbury. He has also secured approximately $7 million in federal and state grants to expand educational opportunities and support students from historically underrepresented communities.

Dr. T. Edwin Freeman, Development Director

Dr. T. Edwin Freeman is Development Director at Education First. He is currently a Technical R&D Fellow at Mars, Inc., where he is responsible for leading the research and development of sustainable materials and driving the company’s commitments to circularity. Edwin is a results-oriented and enthusiastic technical leader with a proven record of successfully leading global cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration at all levels, and driving strategic R&D initiatives and sustainable practices at a number of Global Companies.

Under the auspices of UNESCO and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), he has provided volunteer services as Visiting Scientist at Tubman University in Liberia, where he conducted lectures and seminars on low cost, environmentally sustainable technologies. Edwin earned his PhD in Polymer Science from The University of Akron, Ohio and he holds over 30 US Patents for various inventions over his career.

Dr. Jacqueline Grennon-Brooks, Member

Dr. Jacqueline Grennon Brooks is Professor Emerita in the Department of Teaching, Literacy and Leadership at Hofstra University. She is a co-founder of the Long Island Explorium, a children’s museum of science and engineering in Port Jefferson, NY. She served as the founding director of the Biotechnology Teaching Lab and the Discover Lab at Stony Brook University and directed its Science Teacher Preparation Program. At Hofstra University, she directed the Institute for the Development of Education in the Advanced Sciences, the Science Education Program, and STEM Studio, a clinical practice site for new teachers.

Grennon Brooks has been recognized by the American Educational Research Journal for Outstanding Service in Publications, by Hofstra University with the Distinguished Teacher of the Year award, by Girls, Inc with its Strong Smart Bold Award, by the National Science Teachers Association for creation of Discover Lab, and by United University Professions with its Nuala McGann Drescher Award.

Mrs. Rheba Jules, Administrative Volunteer

Mrs. Rheba Jules is the Administrative Assistant volunteer of the Board of Directors of Education First, Inc. and a sponsor of a student at Education First Academy. She is the Director of Academic Services & Outreach, School of Education, State University of New York at Old Westbury.

Ms. Josephine Jlogbor, Principal, Education First Academy

Ms. Josephine Jlogbor is currently the principal of Education First Academy. She rose from the ranks of classroom assistant and later served as the registrar of the school for 4 years. Ms. Jlogbor holds a Bachelor of Science degree in early childhood education from Tubman University in Harper, Liberia.

Education First Academy (EFA)

Knowledge. Character. Leadership

CONTACT INFO

US (516) 974.3009, Liberia 231.886709692

39 Golden Ave, Suite D-7, Deer Park, NY

info@edufirstinc.org

BUILDING THE FUTURE

Guided by the belief that every child deserves access to a quality education, EFA is committed to nurturing learners, empowering communities, and preparing the next generation of leader.

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