Driven by the belief that we have a collective duty to educate, expose, and empower young people, Leticia Watkins has dedicated her career to improving the lives of students. A native of Virginia, she graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University and began her career as a scientist. Away from the lab, she mentored youth and improved reading literacy in underserved public schools. 

In 2009, Leticia relocated to Birmingham to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham. After earning her Masters in Medical Science, she began training educators in technologies to increase student engagement in Birmingham City Schools.

Leticia is currently employed as the Director of Children & Youth at Sixth Avenue Baptist Church. In her role, she creates transformative youth programs, develops student leaders, and works alongside Birmingham City Schools. In response to the 2020-2021 pandemic, Leticia forged partnerships to provide over 40,000 meals to students, launched the Sixth Avenue Student Center for remote learners, and brought early literacy classes to families throughout her district. 

In the community, Leticia serves as Board president for the Titusville Youth Sports Association, advisor of the SOLUTIONS teen conflict resolution initiative, member of the Birmingham Coalition for Student Mental Health, and leader of L4L Mentoring. Leticia has been recognized as the Jefferson County Adolescent Mentoring Program 2011 Mentor of the Year, the UAB Black Graduate Student Association 2013 Influential Alumna, and a City of Birmingham Division of Youth Services 2017 Humble Hero. Leticia is currently serving her first term as the District 6 representative for the Birmingham Board of Education.