Name: Zenaida Cranford
Email: Area8@ccsambassador.com
Lead Family Ambassador: Attendance Area 8
Meet Attendance Area 8's Lead Family Ambassador!
Bio:
I am a proud Crucian, born and raised on the beautiful Island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more than a decade, I've called Fayetteville/Cumberland County home, and it's where I’ve dedicated myself to uplifting families and strengthening school communities. I am a seasoned Military spouse, mother of four, two of whom are proud CCS graduates, a dedicated community leader, and now proudly serving as a Lead Family Ambassador. Outside of my professional and volunteer roles, I enjoy being a daughter and mother to my amazing mother and children. Being a foodie and spending time with my close friends. Traveling, meeting new people, and embracing different cultures with none other than with my wonderful husband.
What inspired you to become a Family Ambassador?
My journey as a Family Ambassador began at Anne Chesnutt Middle School, since the program's launch, where I saw firsthand how family engagement can transform a school community in proactive ways. That experience inspired me to step into the Lead Family Ambassador role, where I can continue my advocacy work for families, amplifying their voices, and helping build strong bridges between schools and the communities they serve.
What are you most excited about in this role?
What excites me most about this new role is the opportunity to mentor other ambassadors, encourage them, share resources, and expand the positive impact we can have across Cumberland County Schools with the presence of the Family Ambassador program. I believe when families and schools work hand in hand, students experience the benefits of thriving personally and academically, and that’s the mission that motivates me every day, seeing our CCS children and families winning for success.
Fun Facts - Share a fun or surprising fact about yourself
A fun fact about me is that I truly enjoy and love to travel and experience the world through my own lens. My most recent adventure was a 45-day journey exploring the beauty, culture, and traditions of Bali, Indonesia.
What's one thing you love about being involved with your school community?
One thing I love most about being involved with my school community is building a 360 connection within the school walls or out on the field. It's serving family as they feel welcomed, supported, and celebrated, and being a useful source to the incredible staff of Cumberland County Schools that makes all the work worthwhile.