Student Spotlights

Gia H. Roberts, M.Ed., is a dedicated educator and transformative leader committed to advancing equity, school innovation, and student success. She is a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), where her research examines “The Historical Intersectionalities of Race and Gender and How they Influence Black Women Principals to Pursue Doctoral Degrees.” Her work adds to a growing body of scholarship that uplifts the leadership narratives of Black women in education while informing policy decisions related to equity and leadership pipelines.

Gia currently serves as an Assistant Principal at Boyd H. Anderson High School in Broward County, where she supports professional learning, data-driven instruction, and school initiatives such as Academic RESET (Restore.Engage.Support.Empower.Track), a school-based academic and behavior intervention program designed to expand access and learning opportunity for all learners. As the creator of the “Cobra Care” initiative, a school-based collaborative initiative that pairs academic progress with strong social-emotional and mental health services, Gia has collaborated closely with mental health providers and community partners to keep student well-being and belonging at the center of education. Guided by the belief that students cannot learn when facing hunger or mental health challenges, her work demonstrates a deeply rooted commitment to cultivating inclusive, culturally responsive school environments where every learner is supported and valued.

She is also representing FAU as the 2024-2026 UCEA Jackson Scholar, continually advancing her leadership through research and advocacy. Driven by a passion for empowering marginalized students and the educators who serve them, Gia strives to build schools where every learner is seen, supported, and expected to thrive.

Kelli Listermann, M.Ed., is a passionate learner and educator who has always dreamed of pursuing a doctoral degree. She is a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership – Higher Education at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). Her dissertation, titled “Mentorship Matters: Exploring Faculty's Experiences in Teaching, Research, and Service,” explores how faculty make meaning of their mentorship experiences in teaching, research, and service.

She is also a proud Inaugural Floyd Scholar who is committed to passing on the valuable mentorship she has received. Prior to attending FAU and obtaining a Masters of Education in Adult and Community Education in 2020, she received a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and East Asian Studies from Denison University in Granville, OH.

Her current role as Graduate Teaching Assistant in FAU’s Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology (ELRM) involves supporting faculty with developing and facilitating graduate courses and engaging in research activity. She is also Editorial Assistant for the Community College Journal of Research and Practice (CCJRP).

In addition to supporting faculty and assisting with a scholarly journal, she has also published several academic papers and a book review since beginning her doctoral journey.

Farrah A. Wilson, BBA, MBA, Ed.S, is an experienced educator with a passion for service and leadership. After a successful career in the corporate sector, Farrah felt called to serve a higher purpose and transitioned into the field of education. Dedicated to making a lasting impact, she earned a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at Florida Atlantic University (FAU).

Farrah has over 22 years of experience with Broward County Public Schools, where she has held various roles, including teacher, teacher leader, assistant principal, intern principal, and district administrator. These roles have enabled her to lead and influence high-quality instruction, positively impacting student achievement across the district.

Currently, Farrah serves as the Director of Marketing and Strategic Communications for Broward County Public Schools. In this role, she leverages her business acumen and educational expertise to develop innovative solutions, effectively manage processes, and lead collaborative efforts to address challenges and drive improvement.

Farrah Wilson’s research focuses on how school principals navigate systemic inequalities and restrictive political climates to equitably allocate supplemental funding in Title I schools. Her study examines the informal, strategic decision-making practices, known as the “hidden playbook,” that principals use to advocate for marginalized students, manage resources creatively, and advance educational equity despite bureaucratic and policy barriers. She was nominated by Dr. Patricia Maslin-Ostrowski and the FAU School Leaders Program faculty and was selected as a 2025 David E. Clark Scholar representing FAU.

A lifelong learner and visionary leader, Farrah is committed to personal and professional growth. Farrah Wilson has been happily married for 21 years to Paul V. Wilson, and together they are the proud parents of two talented sons, Triston and Trent Wilson. She continuously seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge, inspire others, and implement out-of-the-box solutions that foster positive change in education and beyond.

Shihab (Sunny) Siddique, MS, MEd, is an experienced educator with a passion for technology and leadership. He is a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership – Higher Education at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), where he will begin his dissertation in Spring 2026. His research, “Decision-Making in the Era of Generative AI: Higher Education Leaders’ Experience,” explores how academic leaders engage with Generative Artificial Intelligence in their decision-making processes.

As a Graduate Teaching Assistant in FAU’s Department of Educational Leadership and Research Methodology (ELRM), he supports faculty in developing graduate courses, teaches EDF 3430 - Educational Measurement and Evaluation, and participates in research initiatives.

He holds a Master of Science in Technology Management from Florida International University (FIU) and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership – Higher Education Leadership from FAU.

With extensive experience teaching computer science and technology courses at Miami Dade College (since 2005) and Broward College (2011–2023), he integrates digital innovation to enhance student learning. Dedicated to academic excellence and student success, he continuously explores new approaches to strengthen higher education leadership and learning outcomes.