Katrina Loperl

Katrina Loperl, a native of Richmond, VA, holds both a B.A. and an M.A. in History from North Carolina Central University. She is passionate about telling, preserving, and bringing narratives to life, which is the driving force behind her decision to become an educator. Currently, she serves as an adjunct faculty member at North Carolina Central University and an e-learning coordinator for the Virginia Department of Social Services. Katrina previously worked as a history teacher in Richmond Public Schools, where she focused on underserved students in an urban district with a 98% African American population. One of her most fulfilling experiences has been sharing the remarkable contributions of African Americans with her students.

Katrina is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, with a focus on Instructional Design and Technology. A dedicated teacher at heart, she is passionate about fostering meaningful relationships within the community, serving as a role model and mentor to help individuals realize their full potential.

Her scholarly interests and research center on the preservation of African American history and culture. She has worked on several projects, including creating a finding aid for Dr. Lavonia Allison’s personal papers for the Raleigh State Archives under the leadership of University Archivist Andre Vann, and writing her graduate thesis, “The History of Maggie Lena Walker High School from 1938-1975,” which explored the formation of the second black high school in segregated Richmond, VA. Katrina also served as project video interview coordinator for the documentary “Mount Up with Wings as Eagles,” which focused on the Civil Rights Movement in Durham, NC. Most recently, she collaborated with the Maymont Foundation in Richmond, VA, to create a digital story for the African American Voices Initiative, "In Service and Beyond" exhibition.