Rooted in Purpose, Growing in Power
Our Legacy
Founded in 1975, BCDI–Greater Los Angeles was created to support Black children and families.
We provide fair access to quality education, trusted resources, and lasting opportunities for growth.
Our Resilience
The Altadena fires reminded us of our strength, unity, and determination.
That experience renewed our promise to reimagine how we support Black children and families today.
Our Mission
BCDI–Greater Los Angeles continues the mission of the National Black Child Development Institute.
We work to protect and improve the quality of life for Black children and families.
Additionally, we promote equity, empowerment, and joy in every stage of childhood.
Our Impact
Our work reaches beyond classrooms and into homes, neighborhoods, and digital spaces.
We celebrate culture, nurture curiosity, and help every Black child grow and thrive.
Honoring
E. Valeria Norwood
For more than two decades, Valeria Norwood has been the heart of the Black Child Development Institute – Greater Los Angeles Chapter. Guided by her unwavering belief that “Every Black child belongs to me,” she poured love, leadership, and faith into the village, never questioning where a child came from, only seeing the brilliance within them.
Her dedication has paved the way for the next generation of leaders and dreamers, reminding us that it truly takes a village to nurture our children and strengthen our community. Under her steadfast leadership, the chapter flourished and built a foundation for culturally responsive programs and family-centered initiatives that continue to grow today.
As BCDI – Greater Los Angeles enters a new era of re-imagination under current leadership, we honor Valeria’s legacy of compassion, service, and vision. Her decades of commitment and the seeds she planted continue to inspire every child and family we serve.
VILLAGE LEADERS
Schéllee Y. Rocher
President
Schéllee is a dedicated early childhood education leader with over 30 years of experience advancing equity in learning systems for Black children and families. Her work spans multiple states, including California, Georgia, Minnesota, Louisiana, and New York, where she has strengthened early learning programs and policies that center the needs of historically underserved communities.
From classroom teaching to leading family-centered initiatives, Schéllee brings both expertise and heart to her work. She has overseen multimillion-dollar early learning investments, supported provider operations, and partnered with public and nonprofit agencies to uplift holistic child development.
As a proud Village Leader with BCDI–Greater Los Angeles and active member of the National Black Child Development Institute, Schéllee is committed to culturally responsive, community-driven solutions that empower families with children. She holds degrees in Child Development and Curriculum & Instruction and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and the African American Board Leadership Institute.
Angel Walters
Vice President
Angel Walters is a seasoned Human Services Consultant with extensive experience in program planning, system design, and strategy development for public and nonprofit organizations. She helps counties, states, and community-based agencies turn research into actionable strategies that drive equity and impact.
Her expertise spans early childhood education, family engagement, emergency preparedness, and workforce development. Angel has led projects that bridge policy and practice, ensuring that planning processes reflect the lived experiences of diverse communities. At her core, Angel is a bridge-builder. She thrives on connecting people, ideas, and resources in ways that uplift communities and foster sustainable solutions. Empathetic and collaborative, she balances vision with practicality, always seeking approaches that respond to immediate challenges while laying a foundation for the future.
Angel resides in the Altadena/Pasadena area with her husband and children. She holds a B.A. in Sociology from the University of California and an M.S. in Organizational Psychology from Azusa Pacific University.
Camryn A. Johnson, MBA
Marketing & Programs Manager
Camryn is a digital marketing consultant and children’s coloring book creator dedicated to uplifting Black families and communities through culturally-rooted storytelling and brand development. With a background in business and fashion, she brings a unique blend of strategy, creativity, and purpose to every project she leads.
As the founder of CJSJ Enterprises, Camryn partners with mission-driven brands to build strong digital identities and craft impactful marketing campaigns. She is also the creator of CJSJ Publications, a platform that offers joyful, culturally affirming digital coloring books designed to reflect the beauty and brilliance of Black experiences and childhood.
Camryn holds a Bachelor of Science in Business with a concentration in Textiles, Apparel Design, and Merchandising and a Master of Business Administration. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and remains committed to using creativity as a tool for empowerment, education, and representation.