From now until the November election, CLPA will feature profiles of candidates running for office. These profiles provide information gathered from each candidate’s campaign website or public statements to help the community become more informed about their positions and backgrounds.
Let’s kick things off with a look at the candidates for the Prince George’s County Board of Education race in District 5.
Candidate Profile: Robin Brown
Campaign site: www.robinbrown4pgcps.com
Robin Brown is a dedicated advocate for education and community well-being, committed to enhancing the learning environment within Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS). As a candidate for the Board of Education in District 5, Robin brings a diverse background in education, public service, and policy analysis.
Education and Professional Background
Robin holds a Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling with a concentration in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Liberty University’s Helms School of Government. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling with a concentration in Traumatology from Liberty University.
Her professional experience includes her current role as a Program and Policy Analyst at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), where she manages and coordinates various policy and program initiatives. Prior to FEMA, she served as the Congressional Lead for the U.S. Census Bureau in Maryland, working with members of the Congressional delegation and a wide network of stakeholders to drive participation and policy outcomes related to the Census. The Maryland Department of Planning recognized her efforts and contributions to the 2020 Census.
Community and Educational Involvement
Robin has been actively engaged in the Prince George’s County educational system, serving as a PTA and PTSO member, a substitute teacher, and a strong advocate for students and families. As a parent of two PGCPS honor students attending Bowie High School and Charles H. Flowers High School, she has firsthand experience with the county’s educational landscape. Her children also attended elementary and middle schools within the district, further grounding her connection to the school community.
Beyond her involvement in PGCPS, sheis a mentor with College Bound, a program supporting public and charter school students in the D.C. metropolitan area as they prepare for college and career success. She has participated in many community outreach efforts through her church and has worked with the Ambassador of Haiti to encourage participation in the Census among the Haitian-American community.
Advocacy and Leadership
Her background in public policy includes significant advocacy work. She contributed to policy discussions surrounding the Flint Water Crisis by developing and presenting recommendations to members of Congress. She has also volunteered in various capacities, including as a lead volunteer for a gubernatorial campaign and as a member of social action committees within her community. Robin has served on the board of Unshackled Ministries, an organization supporting returning citizens, and has been involved in organizing events and community outreach through her church.
Vision for District 5
As a candidate for the Board of Education in District 5, Robin is focused on ensuring that all students in the district have access to a safe, equitable, and high-quality education. Key areas of focus in her platform include:
Empowering parents to advocate for education equity.
Enhancing cybersecurity protections for students using school-provided devices.
Strengthening school safety while advancing District 5’s standing in terms of educational performance and competitiveness.
Advocating for families with children with disabilities to ensure appropriate resources and support.
Building partnerships with local businesses to create opportunities for students to gain job skills and apprenticeships.
Commitment to Education
Her diverse experiences in education, public service, and advocacy provide her with a comprehensive understanding of the needs and challenges facing District 5. Her focus on community engagement, student success, and policy improvement reflects her commitment to supporting the educational growth and safety of students, teachers, and staff across the district.
Candidate Profile: Dr. Zipporah Miller
Campaign site:www.zipporahmiller.com
Dr. Zipporah Miller currently represents District 5 on the Prince George’s County Board of Education. She is an experienced educator and advocate for equitable educational opportunities with a 30+ year career in education. She has held leadership roles at both the K-12 and higher education levels and national education organizations.
Background and Experience
Born in Nairobi, Kenya, Dr. Miller’s upbringing was shaped by her parents, Ambassador Alfred Machayo and Mrs. Florence Machayo, who instilled in her a deep appreciation for education. She later moved to the United States, where she earned a Doctoral Degree in School System Leadership from the University of Maryland, College Park. Her international experiences—having lived in cities like Rome and Lagos—have broadened her global perspective on education.
Dr. Miller has held teaching and leadership roles in Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) and Anne Arundel County Public Schools, giving her firsthand insight into the needs of students, educators, and families. She also served in national leadership with the National Science Teachers Association, where she managed professional development programs during challenging economic times. In addition to her work in the public school system, Dr. Miller has contributed to higher education at Towson University and led major curriculum initiatives, serving as a lead author for two K-8 science programs with Savvas Learning.
Advocacy and Priorities
As a school board member, Dr. Miller focuses on key areas to improve the quality of education in her district. Her priorities include:
Creating and maintaining safe learning environments: Dr. Miller advocates for policies that ensure students and staff feel secure in their schools.
Investing in mental wellness: Recognizing the importance of mental health for academic success, Dr. Miller supports programs and resources to address the mental wellness of both students and educators.
Recruiting and retaining top teachers: Dr. Miller is committed to policies that attract and retain highly qualified teachers, ensuring students receive the best possible education.
Access to transformative learning experiences: Dr. Miller promotes innovative learning opportunities for all students, regardless of their backgrounds.
Strengthening family and community engagement: She seeks to build stronger connections between schools, families, and communities to create a supportive environment for students.
Community and Personal Life
Dr. Miller is active in the community as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Annapolis Chapter of The Links, where she works on scholarship initiatives and educational programs. She has also served as a mentor and leader in community-based educational programs like Jack and Jill of America, Inc., enhancing leadership and financial literacy skills for young students. Dr. Miller and her husband, Peter Charles Miller, are both lifelong educators. Together, they have raised two sons, David and Daniel, who reflect the family’s strong commitment to education and community service.
Leadership and Accomplishments
Dr. Miller has had many accomplishments in her career, including a pivotal role in saving Pointer Ridge Elementary School and bringing a STEM program to Bowie. Her contributions to curriculum development through her work with Savvas have impacted classrooms across the U.S. and internationally.
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