Her Story
About Katrenia
Katrenia P. Wilkinson is an accomplished educational leader with more than 22 years of experience serving students, educators, and families within the Palm Beach County School District. As Assistant Principal at Washington Elementary School, she oversees school safety, curriculum implementation, academic intervention programs, staff leadership, and family engagement initiatives while fostering an environment where students can thrive academically and personally. Throughout her career, she has served as a classroom teacher, gifted educator, literacy coach, primary literacy specialist, and school administrator, building a well-rounded foundation in instructional leadership and student achievement.
Wilkinson earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Central Florida, a Master's Degree in Montessori Education from Barry University, and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership. She also holds Reading and Civics Endorsements and is currently completing her ESOL and Gifted Endorsements to further expand her expertise. Her professional focus centers on literacy development, curriculum excellence, school improvement, and creating meaningful partnerships with families to support student success. She is widely recognized for her collaborative leadership style, commitment to academic excellence, and ability to build authentic relationships that empower both students and educators.
Guided by her faith and a genuine passion for serving others, Wilkinson believes that strong relationships, patience, and compassion are the foundation of effective leadership. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she serves as a young adult ministry leader and actively participates in outreach programs through her church, extending her commitment to mentorship and community service beyond the classroom. Dedicated to helping others reach their full potential, she continues to inspire colleagues, students, and families through her unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and educational leadership.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Katrenia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith, my passion for helping others, and the patience I've developed in working with both children and adults. I believe in building genuine relationships and supporting those around me so they can thrive. Rather than seeking recognition or leadership for its own sake, I find fulfillment in encouraging others, helping them grow, and contributing to the success of the entire team.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I have learned to strive for the most balanced life possible because this profession can easily become all-consuming. Taking care of myself allows me to continue serving others effectively. I've also learned not to take challenges personally and to remain resilient while working toward my goals, recognizing that perseverance is essential for long-term success.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to stay true to their purpose and always keep students at the center of their work. Avoid becoming distracted by workplace politics, and remain focused on making a meaningful difference in children's lives. When your heart stays rooted in educating and serving students, your work becomes both impactful and fulfilling.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges in education today is the lack of accountability. While professionalism, kindness, and collaboration are often emphasized, those expectations are not always consistently upheld or reinforced. I believe that creating a culture where accountability and professionalism are genuinely practiced presents a significant opportunity to strengthen schools, improve workplace relationships, and better support both educators and students.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I believe in doing everything with excellence and treating every student as though they were my own. I value empathy, integrity, and building meaningful relationships with families by understanding their perspectives and experiences. By approaching others with compassion and respect, I can foster trust, strengthen collaboration, and create positive outcomes for the students and communities I serve.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.