My Story
A Black, Caribbean American woman, a wife, an educator, a daughter, a sister, a niece, an aunt, a cousin, and a friend.
Kenesma D. John, Ph.D. was born in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas USVI, descended from a Lucian mother and an Anguillian father. She was raised in Houston, Texas, and has always wanted to be a teacher since the age of 6. Her grandfather, Vivien A. Vanterpool was a teacher as well, so it is in her blood.
Kenesma earned a Ph.D.. in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Florida and a certificate in Women and Gender Studies. She is an experienced teacher with a demonstrated history of working in the primary education industry. Her research agenda is centered on Black Immigrants, Black Girlhood, and Black Education.
Kenesma’s work can be found on Google Scholar and in the online women's magazine Focus on Her which is “designed to inspire and empower women and girls to focus on the fundamental aspects of life and become the best versions of themselves.”
​