GCDC Board Voting Form – 2024 Election Bios

Secretary Nomination

• Dulai Jalloh

I am writing to nominate Dulai Jalloh for the role of Secretary at NASA’s Goddard Childhood Development Center (GCDC). Dulai’s active participation in the GCDC community and his experience as a room parent have showcased his exceptional ability to collaborate with others, fostering a team environment that is both inclusive and productive. He is the father of two children which one is currently enrolled at GCDC and his second is on the waitlist. His professional role as a planner/scheduler at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) is a testament to his meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every task is proactively designed to be completed with precision and care. Dulai’s interpersonal skills are evident in his interactions within the GCDC, where he listens attentively, communicates effectively, and coordinates with parents and staff to achieve common goals. His organizational prowess and proactive approach make him an ideal candidate for the Secretary position, where these qualities will contribute to the smooth operation and continued success of the GCDC.

Member-at-Large Nominations

• Jessica Wong

Jessica Wong has more than a decade of non-profit and volunteer management experience. In her most recent position, she worked as an Operations Manager for SmithBucklin, a full-service association management company. In this client-facing role, she worked closely with Boards of Directors, providing meeting support, event coordination, annual budget management, and staff supervision. Throughout the years, her clients included the American College of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, the Human Factors & Ergonomics Society, the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation & Learning, and the Association for Nursing Professional Development. Currently, Jessica is a stay-at-home mom. She serves as the Treasurer for the Breastfeeding Center of Greater Washington and is a member of the Fundraising Committee.

• Phil Poole

Phil Poole serves as the Associate CFO at GSFC. He is responsible for the staffing, accounting, budgeting, finance, business systems, audits, internal controls, and financial forecasting activities that enable the effective management, control, and reporting at GSFC. This ensures the financial health of GSFC’s $5B annual budget and leadership of nearly 600 civil servant and contractor business personnel.
He has been recognized with the NASA Silver Achievement award and Robert H. Goddard Exceptional Achievement award for his leadership and supervisory contributions to the OCFO community. Phil has a master’s degree in financial management from the University of Maryland University College.
Outside of work, Phil is a Nationally registered Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and is Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certified. He spent his college years coaching soccer for children at Strikers soccer center in Huntersville, NC. He has experience leading various teams and camps for children while helping them develop as athletes and individuals. Phil and his wife, Krista, recently had their first child, Emma, in December. He enjoys spending his time outdoors with his family and their goldendoodle, Baylee.

• Amy Quarkume

Dr. Amy Yeboah Quarkume, affectionately known as Dr. A is a daughter of Africa, a military wife, mother of one, aunt to eight, filmmaker, data scientist, and Associate Professor of Africana Studies in the Department of Afro-American Studies at Howard University from New York City. She holds a Ph.D. in African American Studies, two Master’s degrees in Sociology and African American Studies, and certificates of Data Analytics from Harvard Extension School and the University of Massachusetts. Dr. Quarkume has over 10 years experience working with the Freedom School program, 15 years experience as a professor, and 5 years grant writing.

• Jessica Erlingis Lamers

Dr. Jessica Erlingis Lamers is an assistant research scientist at the University of Maryland – College Park and a member of the Hydrological Sciences Laboratory at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. She works on the development of NASA’s Land Information System, modeling the surface water and energy budgets for a variety of research topics including groundwater sustainability planning in California, drought assessment in Colorado, and agricultural applications. In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, theater, sports, and walking the family dog.
Jessica has two children: one currently attending GCDC and one with an anticipated enrollment of Summer 2024. She served as the room parent in Shooting Stars for the second semester of the 2023-2024 school year and looks forward to continuing her involvement with the GCDC community. As a board member, Jessica hopes to emphasize organization, communication, and recruitment at GCDC.

• Eric Harris

Mr. Eric Harris is a devoted husband and father of two current GCDC students, he understands firsthand the impact of quality childcare and early education. He works at GSFC as the manager of Human Space Flight Mission Near Space Network (NSN). Mr. Harris has a unique talent for bringing people together. His collaborative spirit fosters a sense of unity and purpose within the GCDC community. He actively seeks input from others, values diverse perspectives, and encourages teamwork. Mr. Harris’ ability to build consensus ensures that decisions are well-informed and inclusive. His genuine care for the well-being and development of all children at GCDC will add to the center’s drive and commitment to excellence. Mr. Harris’ exceptional planning capabilities, outstanding communication skills, and ability to rally individuals toward a common goal make him an ideal candidate for this role.