The Betty and Romunda Herman Foundation
Their Story
The Betty and Romunda Herman Foundation was established by author and publisher Dr. LaToya Geter McElroy in honor of her mother, Romunda Owens, and her grandmother, Betty Williams. Both women were deeply committed to supporting young learners and investing in the lives of children through education and service.
Romunda Owens served as a pre kindergarten educator in the Little Rock School District for more than twenty years, dedicating her career to helping young students build a strong educational foundation. Betty Williams also shared in that commitment, regularly volunteering in classrooms alongside her daughter and later in her granddaughter LaToya’s classes.
Inspired by their legacy of service, Dr. Geter McElroy created the Betty and Romunda Herman Foundation to continue the work they loved and to provide support and encouragement to the next generation of students.
Their Impact
As an official partner in education with the Little Rock School District, the Betty and Romunda Herman Foundation supports the educational and social development of pre kindergarten students enrolled at the Rockefeller Early Childhood Center in Arkansas. Since 2022, the organization has served more than 180 students, expanding its reach by adding an additional class to its initiatives each year.
The foundation provides resources and meaningful experiences through initiatives such as an annual back to school drive, literacy awareness book donations, a Christmas toy drive, Thanksgiving baskets, Valentine’s Day treats, and special celebrations including pre kindergarten prom attire and graduation gifts. Through these efforts, the foundation works to ensure that every student enrolled at the early childhood center receives encouragement, resources, and recognition during these important early years of learning.