About Us

LITERACY & ACHIEVEMENT

We’re Restoring That Legacy Because Their Success IS Our Future

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Nurturing Leaders

Hi, I’m Bridgette. My father and I created the Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation (SPPF) alongside family members and close friends of my mom (especially Angela Collins and Gladys McNeil). We acted because my mom implored us to “DO SOMETHING” to help improve education outcomes for children in our community. South St. Petersburg is a “village community“ with a rich history and a legacy of nurturing leaders across many areas. Unfortunately, this legacy is at risk.

Peggy Peterman
Yvonne Clayton
Mary Bowers & Shirly Puller
Vyrle Davis
Archie Boston

In August 2015, the Tampa Bay Times published a Pulitzer Prize winning expose entitled “Failure Factories” in which they said — “these neighborhoods in southern Pinellas County are the most concentrated site of academic failure in all of Florida.” The article cited a few important statistics for the elementary schools in this community: 8 of 10 students failed Standardized Reading tests; 9 of 10 students failed math; 95% of black students tested are failing reading or math. Yet, we know this community is made of heroic parents and resourceful students, so these statistics clearly do not reflect the potential of our students. Click here to read the full article.

Working directly with students and advocating for literacy within the community.

SPPF works directly with students in two academic enrichment programs, the SPPF M.A.S.T.R. Kids® After-School Program and the SPPF M.A.S.T.R. Kids® Summer Camp. Both these programs are built round a “literacy plus STEAM” curriculum. Students build core skills in English and Math and practice these skills in fun and engaging activities, field trips and interesting exchanges with community leaders.

SPPF also works to advance literacy in the
community by participating in literacy events such as the Tampa Times Festival of Reading or the James Weldon Johnson Literacy Festival, throughout St. Petersburg providing free books to children.

Working directly with students and advocating for literacy within the community.

At SPPF, we are committed to recapture our legacy of literacy, achievement and success. We are committed to ensuring our students are achieving their academic potential. We will work with an ecosystem of students, parents, community leaders, partners and peer organizations to deliver this outcome!

Ways You Can Help

Donate

Sponsor a student for the summer $2000; pay for a writing class $50. Anything you can afford helps us close the achievement gap for students!

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Volunteer

Sponsor a student for the summer $2000; pay for a writing class $50. Anything you can afford helps us close the achievement gap for students!

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Become a Partner

Sponsor a student for the summer $2000; pay for a writing class $50. Anything you can afford helps us close the achievement gap for students!

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Pam Williams

Chief Operating Officer

As COO, Pam ensures the organization’s financial, data, fundraising, and HR infrastructure is strong today and ready for scale that multiplies impact in the years ahead. Pam’s 30+ years of nonprofit experience started with the turnaround of an organization in financial crisis, leading to the launch of a consultancy providing training, transition, and turnaround services to nonprofits and associations in the US and East Africa. In 2016, Pam became COO/CFO for the first women’s college in Rwanda, leading an international team across 3 continents and overseeing administration, finance and operations as the business grew from 50 students to over 400. Pam’s work consistently reflects a commitment to equity.

Darren Hammond

Site Operations Leader

Darren Hammond is currently serving as the Site Operations Leader for the Shirley Proctor Puller Foundation. He is a graduate of Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education. He also holds a Master of Science in Curriculum & Instruction, National Louis University, and an Education Specialist Degree (Ed. S) in Administration & Supervision, Nova Southeastern University. Darren spent 37 years with Pinellas County Schools transforming students to reach their ultimate learning potential using proven classroom strategies developed during his tenure in education. While working with Pinellas County Schools, he served as Teacher, Guidance counselor, Assistant Principal and as a Principal. Darren is a passionate educator who openly shares his love of learning with teachers, parents, and other educators! He was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Keisha Snead

Academic Leader

B.S. in Elementary Education,Cum Laude, FAMU 1996

I have served 24 years within the Elementary school setting in various instructional roles.  I have also served as the Mentor Coordinator for new and returning teachers. 


I have led professional development for faculty at several schools within Pinellas County.  I have coached colleagues in the understanding and delivery of the standards of reading and writing.  My love for learning is what drives my passion for teaching.  When I look into the eyes of a scholar who needs me, that is where I find my passion!