Jamela M. Smith-Folds was born and raised in Alabama. She is graduate of Auburn University with a double major in English and Social Science and she holds a credential to teach. She is a veteran teacher with West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD) and has been in the education field for over 15 years. Prior to moving to Hercules, she lived and worked in Richmond. She credits Gompers Continuation High School with providing her with the motivation to always be at the decision-making table when it comes to issues around education. She has been a resident of Hercules for a decade. She finds purpose and fulfillment in serving the students and families of Hercules. She is a long-standing parent volunteer and advocate for parents and teachers inside and outside her community. She is a married mother of three school aged daughters. In Hercules, she has held positions on School Site Council (SSC), Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), Parent Teacher Association (PTA), African American Parent Advisory Council (AAPAC), and School Climate Team. She has been the Equal Opportunity Schools (EOS) Coordinator for Hercules High School. She is a member of community organizations PHREED and HARP. She is a founding member of the community organization PEACH. She is a member of the Black Educator Network (BEN). She is an assistant volleyball, soccer, and girls’ basketball coach for Hercules Middle School. She is the Mafanikio Black History Teacher. She has held the position of Black Student Union (BSU) teacher advisor. She was also the Leadership teacher and Activity Director for Hercules High School 2019-2020. She has been recognized as Parent Volunteer of the Year twice. Jamela finds value in making sure others have good experiences. She believes, “Life is short and it should not also be hard.”
