The DCPS Communications and Engagement Office’s Community Action Team (CAT) is comprised of four individuals who serve communities based on DCPS Clusters.

Each CAT member is responsible for building and sustaining strategic relationships with key community stakeholders, including those who have been historically underrepresented in our decision-making process.

The CAT is also responsible for assisting DCPS stakeholders in accessing information and resources offered by DCPS and communicating external needs and trends back to DCPS.

Connect with us on Twitter @DCPS_Community

Call (202) 719-6613 or email [email protected].

See the chart below to connect with the CAT member who works with your school community.

 

CAT Members

Raquel Ortiz, Clusters 5, 6, and 8

Raquel is a native Washingtonian and DCPS alum. A proud Latina from an immigrant family. As an educator, community development worker, and parent she has experience working with diverse youth and families in the area. Raquel believes education is a catalyst for social change, and that all children and youth deserve access to high quality education that prepares them to be successful members of our global society. In this role, she looks forward to helping families and school communities improve, create, and sustain learning communities that support children’s academic and social emotional needs. She holds a master’s degree in Sustainable Development and Program Management. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, painting, and enjoys tackling DIY projects. Visit the Facebook page.

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 365-6391

 

Bijan Verli, Clusters 4 and 7

Bijan Verlin strongly believes in the power of communities and their voices. As the Community Action Team Specialist for Clusters 4 and 7, Bijan is excited to put students and parents at the forefront of the conversation. Bijan began his teaching career in his native Philadelphia. He eventually moved to San Francisco where he continued teaching high school chemistry and began coaching resident teachers. In San Francisco Bijan worked with parents to start a parent teacher organization which advocated for and won key reforms on behalf of students. After moving to Washington D.C. to work on education policy for U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, he felt the pull to return to serving students and their communities. Bijan holds a Bachelors in English Literature from Northwestern University, and a Masters in Secondary Education from the University of Pennsylvania. You might find him in his natural habitat biking around DC!Visit the Facebook page.

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 386-5055

 

Quintin Floyd, Clusters 2 and 3

Quintin is a 6th generation native Washingtonian who grew up in Ward 8. He attended The Naylor Road School, then attended St. Vincent Pallotti High School in Laurel, MD. He is currently a Ward 5 resident and father to Zola Floyd, future class of 2036. Quintin has served as an afterschool coordinator and most recently as a community outreach assistant in the Mayor’s office. He believes that all children deserve a quality education, equitable access to opportunities, and that all voices are needed to create change. Visit the Facebook page.

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 805-2908

 

Sharona Robinson, Clusters 1, 9, and 10

Sharona is a native Washingtonian who grew up in Wards 7 and 8. She attended Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School, Jefferson Junior High School, and Ballou High School. She is a Ward 7 resident and mother of two Ballou graduates, Class of 2015 and 2019, and two DCPS students who attend Ballou High School in Ward 8. Sharona currently serves as the PTSA President at Ballou High School and has served on a variety of education committees, including the Chancellor’s Parent Cabinet and the DC Advisory Committee on Student Assignment. She believes that all children deserve a quality education, no matter where they live. Sharona’s goal is to engage more families and community stakeholders East of the River.  Visit the Facebook page.

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (202) 423-5091