Provided by Pink Space Theory
Pink Space Theory, a Washington, D.C., area nonprofit, announces the addition of two board members and one advisory council member to its roster of volunteers, educational institutions and businesses that supports the organization’s mission to foster the love of learning through educational programs focused on science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM).
The Pink Space Theory board welcomes new board members Gail Charnick and Dr. Afra Ahmed Hersi, and advisory council member Dr. Melissa M. Edmonds. “Gail, Afra and Melissa bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to their roles and I look forward to our working together to inspire, train and transform today’s underrepresented and underserved youth to become the next generation of leaders in STEAM,” said Monica Nichols, the founder, president and chief executive officer of Pink Space Theory.
Gail Charnick
Gail Charnick has held several positions with Pink Space Theory prior to her new board appointment. She was president of the organization’s Community Leadership Advisory Council from 2022 to June 2025 and Make Tech Pink Program Developer and Facilitator at Swans Creek Elementary School in Dumfries from 2020 to 2022. She is currently an instructional technology coach for Prince William County Schools, a position she has held since 2004. In this role, she facilitates division-wide professional development in support of innovative, student-centered digital learning strategies. She earned a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction specializing in Integration of Technology in Schools from George Mason University. Most recently she earned an Education Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision from Old Dominion University.
Dr. Afra Ahmed Hersi
Dr. Afra Ahmed Hersi is currently Dean of the School of Education at Loyola University Maryland, Baltimore, a position she has held since 2023, having served as interim dean from 2021 to 2023. Prior to her position as interim dean, she served as Professor of Teacher Education at Loyola University from 2017 to 2021. She earned a Ph.D. in Curriculum Instruction: Language, Literacy and Learning from Boston College, where she also earned a Master of Education degree in Curriculum Instruction: Urban Education and Reform. Earlier in her career, she was a Social Studies teacher in Massachusetts public schools and a World History teacher at a Fairfax County public school.
Dr. Melissa M. Edmonds
Dr. Melissa M. Edmonds is a dedicated educator, having spent much of her career focusing on gifted and advanced placement programs throughout the Virginia public school system. She is currently an administrative coordinator for gifted education and talent development for Prince William County Public Schools, a position she has held since 2022. In this role, she coordinates the gifted identification process, guides program design and implementation, and provides teacher support and professional development. She earned a Doctor of Education degree in K-12 School Leadership from Regent University and a Master of Education degree in Education Psychology: Gifted Education from the University of Virginia.
