Dr. Verna R. Benjamin-Lambert, the fourth of Pearl and Albert’s nine children, has been a strong admirer of her father and mother because of the emphasis they placed on education, their spiritual beliefs, along with their unwavering love for family. She holds the belief that: “No child on this earth is here by accident. Every child has a soul, and every soul has a purpose. If the child’s emotional, educational, spiritual, physical, and financial needs are met, they will be able to achieve their highest potential. Dr. Benjamin-Lambert has dedicated her life to serving children. Her tireless passion to help the youth is fueled by her strong belief that every child can experience success given a chance.
A graduate of St. Joseph’s Teachers’ college in her native country of Jamaica, West Indies, she migrated to the United States where she worked in the private sector before returning to the classroom. Her studies at Kennesaw State University, and West Georgia University in Special Education Leadership gave her the tools to become an advocate for students with disabilities. Following her undergraduate studies, she went on to obtain her doctorate from Nova Southeastern University in Educational Leadership.
As an administrator at one of the leading school systems in Georgia, she became a voice for children who were being left behind in the academic setting. She retired from the school system to fulfill a lifetime goal of establishing The Benjamin Preschool of Academic and Performing Arts in Smyrna, Georgia. Her passion to support children facing challenges led her to coin the phrase and author the book “Health Intelligence”, a work that grapples with the core issues leading to the obesity crises among children. Her interest in children’s health led her to write the “Healthy Benji” book series. The main focus of these books is meant to aid children to develop healthy eating habits.
Dr. Benjamin-Lambert is the mother of four successful girls, and grandmother to four girls and four boys. She enjoys life with her best friend and loving husband Harry Lambert, Jr. in Marietta, Georgia. She is a citizen of the United States but returns to Jamaica quite frequently.
Upon the passing of her dearly beloved parents, she felt obligated to continue their legacy by providing a pathway through which they would always continue to have an impact on the lives of students who are financially disadvantaged. She thought the most suitable way to accomplish that goal would be to establish the nonprofit Albert A. & Pearl M. A. Benjamin Foundation, Inc.