Meet the Team
Dr. Zoni Boyer, CEO & Founder of the Black S.H.I.N.E. Network, began her journey in 2004 after an honorable discharge from the United States Air Force at age 24, pregnant and without a clear plan.
Determined, she enrolled in Chaffey Community College to pursue her dream of becoming an educator, balancing full-time school and work as a single mother.
Her career trajectory shifted when she became a paraeducator in an extensive support needs classroom, prompting her to redirect her graduate studies and credentialing towards supporting students with diverse abilities.
Seven years later and with her son on her hip, she graduated with high honors from Claremont Graduate School with an M.A. in Education and teaching credentials in Extensive Support Needs.
Dr. Boyer's commitment grew stronger when her son received diagnoses of Autism, ADHD, and severe Generalized Anxiety Disorder, fueling her advocacy for inclusive and high-expectation education. This experience drove her to pursue additional credentials, culminating in a Doctorate in Educational Leadership for Social Justice and Administrative Credential from California State University, East Bay.
Her research on the post-secondary preparation of Black males labeled as emotionally disturbed revealed the transformative impact of radical self-determination, support systems, and a sense of belonging. This insight led Dr. Boyer to establish her nonprofit, aiming to provide these essential elements for Black and Brown students, with and without disabilities, when the educational system falls short.
Currently, Dr. Boyer leads the Black S.H.I.N.E. Network, a nonprofit connecting underserved and under resourced students and families with resources for post-secondary readiness. Her motto, "where connection fuels achievement," reflects her belief in empowering youth through support network development and providing opportunities for engaging in self determined acts, thus preparing them for success.
Dr. Zoni A. Boyer / CEO & Founder
As a proud Nicaraguan immigrant, my family came to the United States when I was at the age of 10, driven by the hope of building a better life for my family. Now, after 40 years in California, I am a passionate advocate for children and families, especially those navigating the challenges of disabilities.
I’ve been happily married for 30 years and am the proud mother of two sons: Richard, 28, who is a dedicated full-time worker, and Jacob, 16, who is thriving in 11th grade.
I graduated from Park West High School with four ROP certificates in Early Childhood Education, and I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from Pacific Oaks College. My studies at Pacific Oaks deepened my understanding of early childhood education, from its foundational theories to its best practices. I explored curriculum design, child development, current trends, and the importance of meeting diverse learning needs.
I am currently pursuing a teaching credential and a Master’s degree in Special Education at National University, with the goal of working specifically with preschool-aged children with disabilities.
Throughout my education, I have gained a strong foundation in the NAEYC professional standards, which I aim to apply in my work with children and families.
My passion for working with children began in high school, when I started as a bilingual paraeducator. I assisted students in translating classroom content, communicated with Spanish-speaking families, and helped students build their English language skills.
As a preschool teacher, I focused on providing essential resources, fostering developmental milestones, and maintaining positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues. I also used observation and portfolios to track progress and support student growth.
Currently, I serve as a Special Education paraeducator, where I adapt teaching methods to meet the individual needs of students with disabilities. I support learning in areas such as reading, writing, math, and social skills, while also assisting with IEP testing and providing supervision both in and out of the classroom.
My career and life’s work revolve around fostering a positive, inclusive environment for children, where abilities are celebrated rather than disabilities defined.
Driven by the belief that every child has the potential to succeed, I am committed to making a difference in the lives of children and their families, guiding them toward a brighter future where all abilities are recognized and valued.