Empowering Students for Success

Honored at the White House by President Barack Obama, Dr. Irish Spencer was named a “Champion of Change” for her courageous community outreach and leadership to help the least of these. Her work continues to center on strengthening vulnerable communities—especially advocating for the needs, safety, and empowerment of grade-school students and teachers.

Dr. Spencer is a member of several boards, committees, and commissions locally, regionally, and nationally. “My heart is most happy when I am helping and engaging others.” Her passion includes championing supportive learning environments, increased community resources for schools, and initiatives that protect and uplift young students and the educators who serve them.

A performance-oriented professional with a 30-plus-year career, Dr. Spencer has extensive experience developing and identifying corporate, foundation, public, educational, and philanthropic funding sources. She has a proven record of managing portfolios and facilitating collaborations among stakeholders, demonstrating the capacity to create long-term relationships that sustain awareness, stewardship, and financial support. This includes mobilizing community partnerships that directly benefit grade-school classrooms, teacher well-being, and student development.

Dr. Spencer is also the President of FASK (Families Against Senseless Killings), founded after the murder of her son. She is deeply engaged with local and state law enforcement and political agencies to stop gun violence and help families navigate the traumatic processes following the loss of a child or loved one. Her advocacy extends to promoting safe school environments, recognizing that students and teachers are often impacted by community violence.

Known to many as the “Wild Irish Rose” on 90.1 WNAA FM, the broadcast voice of North Carolina A&T State University, her very popular #1 show is a mix of old-school, new-school R&B and news you can use. She can be heard every Saturday from 12 noon to 3 p.m., serving her community with authenticity—“Straight up, no chaser.”