Genethia obtained her undergraduate degree in 1968 from Texas College, in Tyler, Texas (B.A. English) She was awarded an M.Ed from Pepperdine University in 1972. In 1976 Genethia completed an MBA program with emphasis on non-profit management through CSU, San Jose and The Center for Non-Profit Management. She received an honorary doctorate in Political Science in May of 2000 with a specialization in public policy. She is a certified mediator, meeting all of the requirements set forth by the State of CA.
Genethia taught with the LAUSD for five years in the Child Development Division. For three years she served as a curriculum specialist developing and delivering curriculum workshops for administrators, teachers, and paraprofessionals. Leaving LAUSD, she taught and became the first African American principal in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles to head a school, Holy Nativity Episcopal Day School. After leaving Holy Nativity, she joined the staff of SCLC/LA as senior education specialist developing programs for parents and teachers. In 1985 Genethia ended her career with SCLC/LA as its Executive Director and Executive Vice President of the Martin Luther King Legacy Association. Genethia was elected to the LAUSD Board of Education, serving as president for 2 yrs. She served as a Special Trustee for The Compton Community College District.
Genethia has served in consultancy capacities to the National School Boards Association, The Public Education Network, The Stanislaus County Office of Education, Dunbar Economic Corporation, Ed Trust West, The Achievement Council ,ARTWorkx, The Denver Fire Department, and The Home and Schools Institute in Washington D.C. (Partial listing). Genethia is President and CEO of HudleyHayes & Associates, her firm specializes in providing services and training to non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and small to midsize corporations.
Genethia’s life and work have been dedicated to improving educational outcomes for black, brown and disadvantaged students across the nation. In addition to her passion and commitment to educational equality, Genethia has spent her life improving the quality of live for all families living in low wealth communities through the creation of policy and legal remedies to dismantle systemic racism and structural barriers based on race, gender and sexual identity.
Genethia served as Senior Policy Deputy for Supervisor Sheila Kuehl; overseeing The Dept. of Public Social Services, The Domestic Violence Commission, The Child Supportive Services Department, The Los Angeles County Office of Education and WDACS (Workforce Development and Senior Services).
Genethia resides in Los Angeles with her husband Alton, of fifty-three years, who is also an educator retiring from the LAUSD as a principal. They have a daughter, Kathryn Hudley Hayes, also an educator, teaching at Geffen Academy under the auspices of UCLA.