Kimberly R. Humphrey, Esq, Ombudsman for Public Education
Kimberly R. Humphrey, Esq. is an attorney who has fought to advance civil and human rights for marginalized communities at the federal and state levels for nearly two decades. She has championed change on a range of social justice issues including juvenile and criminal system reform, educational access, women’s pay equity, and disability rights. She most recently served as the Legal Director of Federal Courts at the Alliance for Justice (AFJ), where she was notably a lead partner in the historic campaign to confirm the first Black woman to the Supreme Court, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. As director she managed policy research, was the Congressional and White House liaison for court oversight and diverse judicial appointments and oversaw public education campaigns. Prior to joining AFJ, Kimberly served as a legislative liaison and senior analyst in the Policy and Compliance Division of Baltimore City's Department of Human Resources and as Legislative Counsel at the ACLU of Maryland, where she led educational equity policy at the county, state, and federal levels, among other issues. Kimberly served on the Maryland Commission for the School-to-Prison Pipeline and Restorative Practices, successfully advocated for a distinct racial equity review of Maryland's education funding formula and was a founder of the Maryland Alliance for Race Equity in Education (MAREE). She is committed to community-led change and elevating the voices of disenfranchised communities. She champions workplace fairness and advocates for business leaders of all backgrounds to expand economic opportunity for communities of color. Kimberly is a proud graduate of Spelman College, and she earned her JD and Certificate in Law and Public Policy from the Catholic University, Columbus School of Law.
Charlotte Flournoy, Senior Advisor to the Ombudsman for Public Education
Charlotte Flournoy joined the office as a Senior Advisor in December 2024. With a strong background in government relations, she specializes in community engagement, operations management, program development, and data analysis. She is passionate about supporting the Ombudsman in achieving equitable outcomes for all students, using her expertise in conflict resolution, policy compliance, and strategic planning. Prior to this role, Charlotte made significant contributions as an Integrity Specialist at District of Columbia Public Schools, where she gained a deep understanding of school community needs and successfully implemented strategies to enhance student success. Charlotte remains deeply committed to advancing equity for students and families, continuing her work to ensure positive and inclusive outcomes across all educational communities.
Jenifer Sousa-Dodds, Assistant Ombudsman for Special Education
Jenifer Sousa-Dodds was hired as the Assistant Ombudsman for Special Education in December 2023. She brings a deep commitment to special education, influenced by her upbringing with a sister who had special needs.She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Transformation from Georgetown University (2021), focusing on Advocacy & Policy. Previously, Jenifer served as a graduate fellow with the Office for Students in the Care of DC (SCDC), researching special education approaches for incarcerated students. Her experience includes roles as a Program Support Specialist at the DC Special Education Hub and as an educational aide in a DCPS self-contained classroom. Residing in Ward 1 with her husband, Jenifer's unique blend of personal and professional experience equips her to effectively address special education concerns.
Jasmine Lopez, Assistant Ombudsman for Public Education
Jasmine was first introduced to the world of special education while completing her undergraduate degree. Jasmine served as a dedicated aide in Prince George’s County Public Schools for students with autism and emotional disabilities. Through this experience, Jasmine witnessed the challenges families and students faced and decided she wanted to do what she could to help. Jasmine is committed to ensuring that all parents not only have the resources they need, but also the confidence to successfully advocate for their children. Jasmine earned her BA in Psychology from Trinity Washington University. Jasmine enjoys watching movies, making homemade cards, and spending time with her four cats.