Dr. Lashon Fredricks is the principal of The Delta Academy, a sixth- through 12th-grade public charter school located in North Las Vegas. “Our mission is to provide a safe and nurturing instructional environment in which students from various backgrounds expand their knowledge base to fulfill academic and personal goals through differentiated instruction and reinforcement of positive character traits.” Learn about Dr. Lashon Fredricks…
Follow at: @educated_simply
Hometown: Lynwood, CA
First job: I worked at Universal Studios as a Show Controller. My job was to announce the show times and seating.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in NV: I enjoy spending time in Downtown Las Vegas. I love the vibe at Tap N Ash Cigar Lounge and enjoy dining and entertainment in the area. I also run a nonprofit organization, Grabbing Goals, that prepares youth for life after high school, and an LLC, Just Be A Gee, that promotes positivity and unity in rap music.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: My biggest accomplishment is educating myself while maintaining a sense of humility and instilling the value of education in my family. Education has allowed me to advance in my career and challenged my thinking. It has opened doors for me to engage in meaningful conversations with like-minded and diverse thinkers, where I listen, process, and contribute to intense, humorous, and thought-provoking discussions.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: I don’t allow myself to view anything as an obstacle. Life may require adjustments. I adjust and move forward.
Someone who inspires you and why: I cannot pinpoint it to one person. I am inspired by people every day: students, colleagues, parents, everyday people. People who work hard, love hard, and cherish life. People with grit. Good people who work hard to make our lives beautiful.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Perfect your craft; lead with fairness, grace, and decisiveness; understand that you are your biggest cheerleader and that being fair doesn’t always make you the favorite. You are charged with the responsibility of receiving a 14-year-old and transforming them into a young adult ready to become self-sufficient and take on the world. Productive struggle is real. Enjoy the ride!
Favorite quote: “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” – Maya Angelou
Something someone would be surprised to learn about you: I am pretty transparent and very professional. Some people would be surprised to know that I was a high school cheerleader.
What makes someone fabulous: Being a good human makes someone fabulous. Knowing when to give and when to receive; caring enough to listen; making sure that you are OK and the people around you are OK while building an empire.