Chief Academic Officer (CAO)

Dr. Jestine Mayberry is a dynamic leader, educator, and technology guru, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as an integral member of the administrative team at Mary McLeod Bethune Day Academy since April 2018 as the Instructional Technology Administrator and LEA Assessment Manager. Hailing from the vibrant state of Tennessee, Dr. Mayberry's academic journey has been marked by a commitment to advancing education through 21st-century learning skills with technology while empowering students, teachers, parents, and faculty to be data-driven in their educational journey.

Her academic achievements include a Doctor of Education degree from Trevecca Nazarene University, where her dissertation focused on fostering interest and confidence in STEM fields among young minority women. Before this, she earned a specialist and master's degree (Ed.S. and MBE) from Middle Tennessee State University in education and a bachelor's degree (B.S.) in business marketing from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

Dr. Mayberry's passion for educational equity and technology extends beyond the classroom. As a former nonprofit leader and state procurement director for underserved students in Middle Tennessee, she played a pivotal role in national STEM initiatives, collaborating with industry leaders such as Dell, Inc., and Techbridge. Her dedication to financial literacy was recognized when she was selected to attend and present at The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Throughout her career, Dr. Mayberry has garnered numerous accolades, including the DC Educator of the Year award from the National Council of Women in Technology, DC Advisor of the Year for the Future Business Leaders of America, and the WISE Gold Star Teacher for Financial Literacy. She is also an award recipient as a University of Tennessee Alumni and Tennessee 4-H Alumni as well as her sorority’s regional youth group Advisor of the Year award for 2024.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr. Mayberry remains deeply committed to her family and friends while also remaining engaged in her community. She volunteers with her church, the university’s alumni association, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Jack and Jill of America, and the Junior League of America by contributing to various philanthropic causes throughout the DMV and Tennessee area.

With her multifaceted background and unwavering commitment to education, Dr. Jestine Mayberry continues to make a profound impact on the lives of students and communities alike. She is excited about leading and collaborating with all of MMBDA’s stakeholders as we enter the 20th year of our school’s charter date.