Johari Sykes-Ratliff was born and raised in Camden, New Jersey. She graduated from Rowan University with undergraduate degrees in Law and Justice and Sociology. As graduation neared, Johari acknowledged her true calling of becoming an educator, which led her to the beginning of her teaching experience with educating Early Childhood children.
During Johari’s twelve- year tenure with CCSD in the Office of Early Childhood, she served in the capacities of Preschool Teacher, Master Teacher, Lead Educator/School Administrator at two schools which lead to a promotion as Lead Educator/District Supervisor. Johari furthered her educational goals by returning to Rowan University to obtain a master’s degree in School Administration and currently has State of New Jersey Principal and Supervisor Certifications.
Johari returned to Rowan University, and currently, serves as an Early Childhood Lecturer and the Initial Teacher Preparation Coordinator for the BA in Education, specialization in Early Childhood program, within the College of Education, Interdisciplinary and Inclusive Education Department. She is also currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership degree in order to continue expanding reflective decision- making skills and initiating innovative and equitable change through increased management and administrative abilities in the Education sector.
Johari is committed to supporting all students as they navigate in their higher education experiences. She is a student advocate and seeks to motivate, listen to, and establish rapport with students and their families, as a supportive partner in their success. Johari recognizes that students can be impacted by a variety of challenges and stressful situations; in these cases, she is responsive to the individual need and collaborates with others, as needed, in order to provide the best recommendation, to attain an ideal outcome.