Meet the Team

Alhan Samimi is the Financial Program Analyst of Career &Technical Education (CTE) at the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). Alhan’s professional journey began at Family Health International (FHI 360), where she managed programs funded by the U.S. Department of State, focusing on educating community leaders and activists in the Middle East and North Africa on human rights, democracy, and civil society. Her work highlighted education as a means of empowering individuals and addressing critical issues such as domestic violence and the rule of law.

Alhan also lived in Eswatini, southern Africa, where she supported HIV prevention efforts by developing systems and training local staff to improve program effectiveness. This experience further showcased her dedication to utilizing education and resources for meaningful community development.

Alhan holds a Master of Science in Business Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Government and International Politics from George Mason University. Her educational background has provided her with a strong business and international relations foundation, which she applies to her work at OSSE.

In her current role, Alhan applies her expertise to manage and enhance the financial aspects of CTE programs. Her career reflects a steadfast belief in the power of education to drive positive change and empower individuals and communities.

Contact: alhan.samimi@dc.gov

Andrea Zimmermann has a passion for education and building collaboration between educators, employers, and community stakeholders. She brings this energy to the Office of the State Superintendent of Education in her current role as administrator of DC’s first-ever Advanced Technical Center. She first connected with her passion for education, activating youth, and coalition building while in Ukraine as a Peace Corps Volunteer in 2009. She went on to work at the U.S. Department of Education’s Offices of Career, Technical and Adult Education and of Postsecondary Education and then Advance CTE, a national nonprofit representing state leaders of career and technical education.

Born and raised in Illinois, Andrea has lived in DC since 2012. She earned her master’s degree in Public Affairs Reporting from the University of Illinois-Springfield and her bachelor’s in journalism from Southern Illinois University.

Contact: andrea.zimmermann@dc.gov

Candice Mott is a career and technical educator, leader, and advocate with over a decade of experience ensuring students find success in their secondary and post-secondary experiences. Candice works for the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) in Career and Technical Education (CTE), where she supports DC secondary programs of study and career and technical student organizations (CTSOs). Candice loves this position as it provides her the opportunity to live, work, and serve the District in a meaningful way.

Candice holds a Bachelor of Professional Studies degree from the University of Memphis and a Master of Education degree from Middle Tennessee State University. Candice is a member of Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), serves as the local chapter, DC ACTE, President, the ACTE National Awards Chair, and was a past leadership fellow. Candice is also a licensed cosmetologist of over 20 years.

Contact: candice.mott@dc.gov

Clifton Martin is the State Director of Career & Technical Education (CTE) at OSSE. Clifton was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland and is a product of the Baltimore City Public School System. He attended Morgan State University where he earned a BS and MS in Electrical Engineering. Immediately after graduation, he had the privilege of working at NASA (Goddard Space Flight Center) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission as a power system engineer. Early in his professional life, Clifton determined that he wanted to have a larger impact on the communities he grew up in and decided to enter the field of education. As an Educator, Clifton has been a high school math and CTE teacher, a school administrator and director, and a CTE Supervisor at both the local and state levels. Before accepting the State Director position, he was the Director of Career Technical Education at DC Public Schools. The job title that he is most proud of is “dad.” Clifton is the father of 5 amazing children, who enrich his life every day.

Contact: clifton.martin@dc.gov

Emily Carter is an educator and advocate with over ten years of experience in education, college and career programming, and organizational strategy. Emily has spent the last eight years committed to this work in the Washington D.C. area, where she previously worked with the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) as the Director of Data, Strategy, and Operations in the Office of SEAD Strategy. Emily is the Deputy Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) for the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). In her role, she remains committed to CTE leaders, educators, and advocates to expand access to quality career education programs to help young people achieve fulfilling careers.

Contact: emily.carter@dc.gov

Joseph Green has worked as the Methods of Administration (MOA) Coordinator at the DC CTE for more than seven years. He coordinates the MOA process, conducts MOA site visits, and assesses data enrollment inequities. Prior to working at OSSE, Joe has worked in development and fundraising at The Ellington Fund, IDEA Public Charter School in Washington, DC, and Columbia College Chicago. His work in education include being Assistant Dean for Advancement at Wayland Academy, being named a 2015 Education Pioneers Fellow where he worked as the Title II Math/Science Project Manager for the Tennessee State Department of Education and as a consultant for the Eastside.

Joe holds a combined Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology-Anthropology and International Studies from Lawrence University, and a Master of Science degree in International Business from Roosevelt University. He also serves as the President-elect of the National Alliance for Partners in Equity (NAPE), is a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, a Fellow, and an Associate Director.

Contact: joseph.green3@dc.gov

Maisha Wise is a passionate, committed and dedicated urban education leader with over a decade of experience in transforming learning environments for disadvantaged, vulnerable, and marginalized students specializing in Career and Technical Education (CTE). With a strong foundation in electrical engineering, complemented by a Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering and certifications in urban educational leadership and human-centered design, Maisha leverages data-driven strategies, systems improvement, and innovative instructional practices to drive educational excellence.

Previously, as Assistant Principal at PTECH Dunbar in Baltimore City Public Schools, Maisha played a pivotal role in preparing students for careers in healthcare by aligning curriculum with industry demands and ensuring a seamless pathway from high school to college and career success. She implemented instructional frameworks, provided data-driven feedback to enhance teaching practices, designed and delivered professional developments for collegiate staff, and design and implemented a cadre of systems to monitor and support student performance to success.

Throughout her career, Maisha has held various leadership roles and her diverse experience spans master scheduling, budget management, program development, curriculum design and instructional leadership, all rooted in a student-centered approach.

Contact: maisha.wise@dc.gov

Monica Blaqman is an accomplished educator with more than 20 years of experience, including over 10 years of specialization in curriculum development and instructional design. With a background spanning classroom teaching, non-profit leadership, and curriculum writing, her unwavering commitment to students and families has consistently guided her work.

Trained to be a reflective practitioner through Trinity University’s Educational Administration program, Monica has spent her career working to improve her craft in an effort to ensure that all students in her sphere of influence receive a quality education. Her passion for lifelong learning is evident in both her practice and her efforts to inspire that same passion in others.

In her most recent role as an Instructional Coach, Monica has leveraged her ability to build strong connections with educators, partnering with them to cultivate their professional growth. She supports teachers in refining their instructional practices and developing the skills needed to elevate student learning outcomes.

Contact: monica.blaqman@dc.gov

Tanya Whitaker is an experienced professional in the field of education, she has found her true calling in working with the Career and Technical Education division specializing in industry recognized credentials. Having honed her teaching and managerial skills in various educational institutions, including public schools and community colleges,she possesses an in-depth understanding of the requirements for developing programs that prepare students for their chosen professions.

Her passion for education has pushed to consistently design and implement innovative learning approaches that cater to the needs of diverse learners. In this role, she has been able to promote not only academic success but also career readiness, as she believes that both are equally important for a fulfilling and prosperous life. Having worked tirelessly with the team to develop training programs that align with current industry demands, providing unparalleled opportunity for students to attain and demonstrate mastery of technical skills.

Through years of experience in education and my commitment to excellence in career and technical education, I am confident in my ability to make significant contributions to the industry, while supporting the professional development of students, instructors, and leaders. As she continues to grow professionally in this field,she remains dedicated to empowering the next generation of learners to achieve their full potential, build fulfilling careers, and make meaningful contributions to society.

Contact: tanya.whitaker@dc.gov