Juanita was born and raised in Boligee Alabama. She attended Alabama A&M University where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics and later obtained her Master of Arts degree from Azusa Pacific University.
A natural leader, she has dedicated her life to her community and its needs. She is the embodiment of her alma mater’s motto, “Service is Sovereignty.” Her unquenchable enthusiasm, high ideals and effervescent personality made her the ideal selection of their Alumnus of the Year Award.
She has been a strong advocate, community leader, always committed to serving all aspects of her community. Juanita was the first married Home Demonstration Agent in the state of Alabama, and she was the dietician for the Birmingham City Schools. During the MLK movement she prepared and served meals to out of state protestors for the Civil Rights unrest in Birmingham. In 1966 Juanita and her husband Paul moved to California and once more continued their service to the community, this time in Pasadena.
Perhaps the best way to describe Juanita is to share her commitment to our youth. As a Home Economics teacher and Nutritionist, she has nurtured thousands of students with her unique ability to encourage and motivate students. She served as a teacher, advisor, volunteer, donor, and organizer for John Muir High School in Pasadena. Juanita has been an educator for 45 years dedicated to guiding the youth in her community.
Among her numerous awards are some of the following, Congressman Adam Schiffs Congressional District Woman of the Year, Channel 7 news Spotlight as, The Person Who Makes a Difference in Her Community, City of Pasadena Harry Sheldon Award, The Roy Campanella Humanitarian Award, Red Cross Teacher of the Year, NAACP Woman of the Year, Delta Sigma Theta Mother of the Year to name a few.
She is a wife, mother and proud grandmother. Her philosophy is, ”its not how much you have, but what you do with the little you do have.”
