Meet the Team

VEE BYRD ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR Vee Byrd is the Associate Director of Diversity & Social Change within Student Engagement at FSCJ. She is a native of Paducah, Kentucky and received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky in Social Work. She has worked in Higher Education for over 15 years and has worked at Vanderbilt University, University of Kentucky, Western Kentucky University, and most recently the University of Florida as the Director of Black Affairs. Mrs. Byrd is also a board member for the National Assoc. of Black Culture Centers, and a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority among other memberships and affiliations. She is currently writing a book called The Blueprint for CLASS which is a guide for first generation Black students on how to navigate the collegiate environment.

ASHLIE BARKER-EMPLEO VOLUNTEER SERVICE SPECIALIST Ashlie is a born and raised Texan and she graduated with her Bachelors of Science in Psychology at the great Texas A&M University and earned her Masters of Science in Psychology at Angelo State University. Ashlie has a background working with At-Risk Youth and their families and case management in mental health. She is thrilled to be an advisor at FSCJ and have the opportunity to teach, learn, and grow from our next generation. Ashlie oversees the volunteer program and the H.O.P.E. Food Pantry where both community and student needs are addressed and met through the love of volunteering and donating time and resources. FSCJ has given Ashlie reward after reward in working with students on their professional and personal growth journeys.

MICHAEL BERKSHIRE COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Michael Berkshire is a FSCJ alum, having earned an Associate of Science degree in Digital Media technology in 2017. He’s currently continuing his education as he pursues his Bachelor’s degree. Michael has a freelance background in graphic design, photography and multimedia production. In addition to his design experience, Michael has also been a dedicated volunteer with grassroots organizations such as the Greater Community AIDS Project and for the Central Illinois LGBT advocacy group, the 85% Coalition. Since 2017, Michael has served as the Communications Coordinator for Student Engagement teams, designing and developing its visual comunications strategy. He also serves as a member of the Allyship Taskforce.

KEIRA MARTIN RETENTION & DIVERSITY SPECIALIST Keira is a Louisville, Kentucky native with a master’s degree in Education from Western Kentucky University. Keira top priorities as an educator is to promote self-efficacy through mentorship and leadership opportunities for students. Currently serving FSCJ, Keira continues to develop mentoring, retention, and diversity initiatives.

CYNTHIA MORENO CULTURAL INCLUSION & ALLYSHIP SPECIALIST Cynthia Moreno has worked with FSCJ creating educational opportunities and promote inclusive environments since 2015. Cynthia holds a degree in Sociology with a minor in Social Welfare from the University of North Florida. Her passion is in social change by addressing and raising awareness of sexual violence, child abuse and social justice issues. She spent 3 years as a social worker for the Child Abuse Prevention Program and is an advocate for several non-profits in the Jacksonville area. Cynthia currently oversees ally development and cultural inclusive programming.