Dr. Carla Evers acknowledges that she didn’t get where she is on her own.
Raised in a mobile home, Evers was the only one of three sisters, all born prematurely, to survive the first month of life.
“We did not have much; yet, I had everything,” says Evers, the superintendent of Pass Christian Schools. “My parents and family gave me so much love and encouragement that I believed I could do and be anything.”
In high school, Coach Ronald Ladner, the winningest coach in the state at the time, taught Evers and her teammates how to be champions in athletics and in life. During her early days of teaching, she met a series of strong women who helped her find her voice and her confidence.
“All the while, I had a praying grandmother and devoted mother who guided me,” she says. “Finally, in leadership, I have worked with elite teachers and leaders who have believed in my ability.”
Coming from a family of educators, Evers considers serving as superintendent a high honor — one she doesn’t take for granted.
“Educating the leaders of tomorrow is some of the most valuable work I can imagine,” she says. “Our students will contribute to our community in ways we have not even dreamed.”
In her role at the head of the district, Evers sees herself as the CEO: chief example for others. During the day, you’ll often find her in the schools — visiting classrooms and engaging with staff — and she spends much of her time after hours attending events for her students.
“I enjoy seeing them excel both in and outside of the classroom,” she says. “I aim to be their biggest fan!”
Throughout her nearly 30-year education career, Evers’s dedication has earned her honors such as teacher of the year and administrator of the year. Most recently, she was named the Coast’s Top Influencer of the Year at the 2021 Success Women’s Conference.
“Success for me now is seeing others with whom I work, lead, etc. succeed,” she says. “The tools that I credit are having a close relationship with God (thanks, Granny Mollie, for that insight), working smart, having an ability to push through difficulty by confronting challenges and knowing how to align with others who are smart about the work.”
In giving of her time and talent, Evers believes she is fulfilling God’s plan for her life. She’s involved in several civic and service organizations, including Rotary Club of Pass Christian; Children’s Foundation of Mississippi, Program of Research and Evaluation for Public Schools (PREP), the board of Lynn Meadows Discovery Center and the Mississippi Gulf Coast Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, on which she serves as president.
“Each of these organizations has service at the heart,” she says, “although each one uses different vehicles to deliver service to the community.” These range from providing coats to children to supplying food for food pantries to raising funds for the Salvation Army.
Evers implores other women who aspire to build a legacy to heed the message of Matthew 5:16, which states, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father, which is in heaven.”
“Do not shrink when you enter a room; you are meant to be there,” she says. “Look in the mirror every day, and speak life into yourself. Affirm the dream that has been placed in you; then, do the work!”
WHAT A LEADER DOES
According to Dr. Evers, a leader must:
know, or know who knows
be willing to admit she is wrong
make room for others’ ideas to prevail
not be afraid to surround herself with brilliant people who aspire to her seat
be courageous and have a heart
give praise publicly and discipline in private