Carla Roach, an alumnus of USC ('93) is the oldest daughter of Merlyn and Ellen Roach nee Langford.  She spent her formative years in Trinidad before transferring to Andrews University, Michigan where she graduated with an undergraduate degree in Psychology ('96) and a masters degree in Community Services Management ('98).

On April 2, 2009, Carla completed her dissertation research at Stanford University and passed the oral exam required for a PhD in Education. Her study explored the dynamics of multi-sector collaboration to support youth.  Carla's professional interests -which also include school reform, community change, and organizational development -grow out of a desire to impact the systems that influenced her own learning and development.

For the last decade, Carla's work has focused on the implementation or evaluation of youth development initiatives. Within this arena, she has held several roles related to project management, board governance, and qualitative research. Carla is now a full-time Senior Director with the Innovation Center for Community & Youth Development (www.theinnovationcenter.org) and intends to relocate to their office in Takoma Park, Maryland.

Carla is grateful for God's guidance and for the mentors, colleagues, friends, and family members who are an ongoing source of inspiration and support. Although she will miss living on the west coast, she is excited about moving closer to her nieces who are the two most important "youth" in her life.