SELI Magazine | Echoes of Excellence

ECHOES Honoring The Voices of Yesterday, Igniting The Leaders of Tomorrow MAGAZINE of Excellence ENTERING THREE DECADES OF SELI Entering Three Decades of SELI

Stay in touch with SELI!

southerneducation.org/seli

Pic or

Click!

Table of Contents

LETTER FROM THE CEO Raymond Pierce, SEF President & CEO HONORING THE VOICES OF YESTERDAY Dr. Amber C. Davis, SEF Director of Leadership Development

SELI IMPACT Regional Impact at a Glance

SELI ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Dr. Meca Muhammad

OUR SELI FELLOWS

LEADING WITH A TRANSFORMATIONAL POSTURE IN A CHALLENGING EDUCATION CLIMATE Dr. Kenita T. Williams, SEF Chief Operating Officer

ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE |

SELI ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Jariel Davis, SEF Leadership Development Program Associate

2024 GINNY LOONEY SERVANT LEADER AWARD WINNERS A TRIBUTE TO GINNY LOONEY Steve Suitts, Former SEF Vice President and SELI co-founder

SELI ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Amy Holiday

SELI ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Aja Johnson

20 YEARS OF SELI FELLOWS

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE |

Raymond Pierce President & CEO, Southern Education Foundation Letter from the CEO As we mark another year of the Southern Education Foundation’s commitment to advancing equal access and opportunity in education, I am proud to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the challenges we continue to confront. Our mission to ensure that all students, regardless of race, income, or background, have access to a high-quality education remains as urgent as ever. Over the past year, SEF has stood firm in its advocacy for public education, opposing policies that divert resources from the students who need them most. Public education is the foundation of our democracy. We must continue to invest in it and strengthen it, not diminish it. We have also worked to shine a light on the systemic inequities that persist for Black and underserved students. Our recent report highlighted ongoing challenges, including achievement gaps and lower college enrollment rates. These data points remind us that our work is far from finished. SEF remains steadfast in advocating for policies that dismantle barriers and expand opportunity.

Our work is not limited to policy advocacy. From securing fair funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities to ensuring compliance with ethical governance in education, SEF has played a pivotal role in shaping policies that promote fairness and equal opportunity. For two decades, SELI has cultivated and empowered the next generation of changemakers, providing aspiring leaders with hands-on experience in education policy, research, and advocacy. As we recently commemorated the 71st anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education , we were reminded that the fight against segregation and systemic racism in our schools is not over. We must stay vigilant in advancing policies that bring us closer to educational opportunity for all. This year also marks a major milestone: more than 20 years of our Southern Education Leadership Initiative (SELI). This milestone represents just one chapter in SEF’s long tradition of leadership development that dates back to the organization’s founding in the late 1800s.

| ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE |

SELI and its predecessor programs have helped cultivate a generation of changemakers by providing aspiring leaders with hands-on experience in education policy, research, and advocacy. Many of our SELI fellows, and the generations of leaders before them, have gone on to shape impactful careers in education, civil rights, and public policy. They carry SEF’s mission forward in meaningful and lasting ways. As we celebrate this legacy, we also recommit to supporting the next generation of leaders who will continue the fight for educational opportunity and system-wide improvement. Their leadership strengthens the future of education for all students.

In the face of national challenges, we draw strength from our community, our partners, and the young leaders we support. Programs like SELI continue to empower those dedicated to making education a powerful tool for fairness, opportunity, and justice. Looking ahead, SELI will remain a strong voice for students and educators across the South. We will continue to lead through research, advocacy, and leadership development, knowing that the work we do today will shape the future for generations to come. Thank you for standing with us. Your partnership, dedication, and support make this work possible. Together, we will continue pushing toward a future where every child has access to the education they deserve.

With gratitude,

Raymond C. Pierce President & CEO, Southern Education Foundation

| ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE |

Honoring the Voices of Yesterday The Legacy of Leadership Development at the Southern Education Foundation

by Dr. Amber C. Davis SEF Director of Leadership Development

For over a century and a half, the Southern Education Foundation (SEF) has been a driving force in advancing education opportunity and justice across the South. The Southern Education Leadership Initiative (SELI), established in 2004, was born not as a new mission but as a continuation of

SEF’s unwavering commitment to nurturing visionaries who dare to dream of a better future. As we celebrate 20 years of SELI, we pause to honor the voices of those who came before—voices that resonate through the corridors of time, carrying with them the weight of sacrifice, resilience, and purpose. SEF’s investment in leadership development long predates SELI, as the foundation has consistently sought to cultivate individuals who could transform education for the better. Among those voices is the profound scholar and activist W.E.B. Du Bois, SEF’s first known fellow. It was under SEF’s wing that Du Bois worked on his seminal masterpiece, The Souls of Black Folk , a collection that laid bare the soul of a nation divided and called forth the courage to confront its inequities. His time with SEF reminds us that leadership is not merely a role but a responsibility—to illuminate injustice and inspire change.

| ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE |

This legacy of transformative leadership continued with the pioneering Jeanes Supervisors, a program birthed from SEF’s vision and the philanthropy of Anna T. Jeanes. These remarkable Black educators became architects of progress in the segregated South, uplifting rural schools and empowering communities. They trained teachers, advocated for resources, and wove a network of hope in places where it was most desperately needed. The Jeanes Supervisors were more than educators; they were beacons of possibility, illuminating paths for generations yet to come. Many years later, SELI emerged as an answer to the unmet promises of Brown v. Board of Education, a case that, in 1954, declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional. The desegregation mandated by the Supreme Court did not automatically erase the systemic inequities deeply rooted in our nation’s history. Inequitable funding, resource

disparities, and racial segregation —often in new forms—continue to define educational landscapes. SELI was created to address these lingering gaps, cultivating leaders who challenge these inequities and champion the ideals that Brown aspired to fulfill.

SEF’s leaders have always understood that education is the foundation of transformation and that cultivating leaders grounded in education opportunity is essential to nurturing that change.

SEF’s leaders have always understood that education is the foundation of transformation and that cultivating leaders grounded in racial equity is essential to nurturing that change. These leaders challenge the status quo, dismantle systemic barriers, and build bridges to a future where every child’s potential can flourish. The work of SELI’s fellows over the past two decades stands as a testament to this belief, their voices echoing the enduring truth that justice in the South paves the way for progress across the nation. Du Bois’ assertion that “As goes the South, so goes the nation” captures the profound truth that the struggles and triumphs of the South ripple far beyond its borders. As we enter the third decade of SELI, we celebrate not only two decades of developing extraordinary leaders but also the centuries of dedication that paved the way. We honor the voices that sang of freedom in the face of oppression, the hands that built schools from scarce resources, and the hearts that dared to believe in a more just world. The Southern Education Foundation remains steadfast in its mission, for the promise of equity—like the voices of yesterday—must continue to guide us toward the brighter tomorrows we all deserve.

| ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE |

WHO ARE SELI FELLOWS?

BY RACE/ETHNICITY

6% Multiracial 9% Latinx

61% Black

Asian

23% White

Most Attended Colleges & Universities

PWI (Predominantly White Institutions)

HBCU (Historically Black Colleges & Universities)

University of Georgia University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Vanderbilt University Emory University Louisiana State University University of Texas - Austin

Morehouse College Howard University Clark Atlanta University Spelman College Claflin University Hampton University

Fellows attend a diverse range of institutions, including top-ranking HBCUs and PWIs, bringing with them the rich legacy and networks of their schools.

| ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE |

BY SCHOOL LEVEL

Investing in the next generation of leaders to reflect the South's evolving student population, where students of color make up nearly 56% of enrollment.

41% Graduate Students

59% Undergraduates

FELLOWS’ TOP AREAS OF STUDY

Fellows bring a wealth of transferable skills from their studies to their summer placements, enhancing the capacities of organizations they serve.

Public Policy

Elementary Education

Divinity

Education Leadership

Criminal Justice

Sociology

Political Science

Human & Org. Dvlpmnt

Where Our SELI Fellows Thrive | Top 4 States‌

Georgia

22%

13%

South Carolina

Texas

Florida

● Loading...‌

Successfully combating brain drain by fostering national talent that chooses to stay or relocate to the South for long-term careers.

| ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE |

SELI Alumni Spotlight

SELI is an invaluable

experience for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of educational inequities while contributing to mission-driven work.”

Dr. Meca Muhammad Bridging Theory and Practice

As a doctoral student, my research focused on how academic press, support, and collective efficacy impact high school students’ readiness for post-secondary education—particularly for historically marginalized groups. I wanted to understand how policies shape students’ educational experiences and either exacerbate or mitigate inequities. As Vice President of Operations & Talent at GLISI, where I've grown through several roles since 2011, I lead cross-functional work focused on maximizing impact by understanding what gives people purpose, motivates change, and drives growth. I hold a B.A. from Spelman College, an M.Ed. from Boston College, and a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia. The SELI Fellowship stood out as an opportunity to complement my theoretical studies with practical experience in readiness and access issues. I was familiar with the Southern Education Foundation and knew that a fellowship with one of its partner organizations would allow me to bridge theory and practice while sharpening critical job skills as I prepared to enter the workforce.

| ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE |

During my fellowship, I worked on a project examining need- and merit-based financial aid at land-grant institutions across the U.S. The specific approach we took required extensive research, which helped me hone my data analysis skills and apply advanced mathematical concepts to manipulate large datasets. Because we worked on a tight timeline, I also strengthened my time management, problem-solving, and communication skills through collaboration with SEF staff.

I strongly recommend the SELI Fellowship to others.

Dr. Meca Muhammad, SELI Alumna

| ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE |

Over its history, SELI has provided summer fellows to

Organizations

Located across the Southern region and Washington, DC area

| ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE |

TEXAS

— Austin Desoto Independent School District Every Texan Texas Appleseed — Austin

— Desoto

| ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE |

enrolled in public school are from low- income families, with a growing number of families living in extreme poverty. As the birthplace of anti-literacy laws and segregationist policies, the fraught legacy of racialized education translates into enduring barriers to educational resources and opportunities. This legacy is applicable to today’s system of public education, as schools in the South educate more than half of America’s Black children. Additionally, more than 55% of all students in southern public schools are students of color, rapidly changing the demographics of districts large and small. Yet, southern state leaders spend the least per-pupil each year. Even with historic steps to equalize the nation’s public schools and subsequent education reform efforts, little has changed for students of color. Racially segregated schools persist. Over 334 school districts are under open desegregation orders from the federal government. The resource chasm between majority White and majority minority schools continues to widen. Inherently racially biased and discriminatory education policies and practices still prevail, creating a two-tiered education system, from early learning through post-secondary. Additionally, today, public education is under siege from multiple directions and in unprecedented ways. Across the country, we are witnessing rising efforts to censor classroom content and restrict what educators can teach, placing both pedagogy and truth-telling at risk. Legislators are dismantling higher education programs that serve students of color and promote equal opportunity.

The latest cohort of fellows joining the Southern Education Leadership Initiative (SELI) could not be arriving at a more urgent moment. We are facing a crisis- level need for bold, visionary leadership, leaders who understand the systemic challenges students of color face and are prepared to meet them head-on. The struggle for greater freedom and equal access is nothing new. Seventy-one years have passed since Brown v. Board of Education, and yet, the work remains unfinished. Despite decades of public education reforms, race and class remain the most reliable predictors of student success in school. Although students of color experience disparate education opportunities across the United States, the straits are particularly dire in the American South, where more than half of all the students Leading with a Transformational Posture in a Challenging Education Climate Dr. Kenita T. Williams, Chief Operating Officer, Southern Education Foundation

| ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE |

Meanwhile, billions in taxpayer dollars are being diverted through school voucher programs to fund private institutions, including some in the South that were originally founded in resistance to desegregation. How can those of us committed to educational opportunity, especially those stepping into leadership roles, help turn the tide? It begins with investment in cultivating, supporting, and elevating leaders who are deeply grounded in the fight for equal opportunity in education. The political environment we face today requires nonprofits, institutions of higher education, and philanthropy to develop more courageous and clear-eyed leaders who understand both the history and the stakes. We need more leaders who are committed to improving the lives of students of color and students from low-income families, leaders who can communicate why equal opportunity matters, and who can rally others to the cause. The SELI fellowship was designed to do just that, providing emerging leaders the chance to study the legacy and ongoing reality of racial injustice in our education system, while equipping them to lead change. To drive systemic change, we must fully understand the challenges we face. That knowledge strengthens our capacity to make equal access and opportunity the center of our work, not just as a value, but as a civil right rooted in the U.S. Constitution and reaffirmed by Congress and the courts. I know SELI well. I once served as its first Director of Leadership Development, and I’ve seen firsthand how the program develops the mindsets and skillsets leaders need. Through SELI and SEF’s broader leadership work, we’ve learned several essential lessons. First, that leaders must don a transformational posture that poises them the lead school transformation, and this begins with the understanding that our own leadership is the first critical lever for transformation and change.

Transformation-focused leaders should also have what we call the three Cs: Clear-Eyed : A clear, astute understanding that transformation or racial justice- focused leadership is required to change students’ experiences for the better. It’s our responsibility to push for equal opportunity and enact change. For leaders in schools and school districts, we challenge them to move beyond instructional leadership and recognizes that this type of leadership is both different and intentional. Commitment: We must understand this work comes with risks. It can be difficult and arduous, often requiring great patience and vision. Transformation- focused leaders persevere through discomfort and ensure meaningful conversations and change for issues of race and additional topics based on your committed to ensuring students have more equal access and opportunities, leaders committed to education justice must continually seek out resources and opportunities to build our knowledge and professional capacity to remedy racial inequities in education. We ask which students aren’t served well — and why. We then adapt best practices to help meet all students’ needs. Finally, our leadership must be outcomes- driven. If students are not being served better—far better—than they are today, then we are falling short. That’s been true throughout history, and it’s especially true now. own context, leading to change. Capable : Even when we’re fully As we face down persistent inequities and emerging threats to public education, we must continue to prepare, support, and elevate the next generation of leaders— leaders who are clear-eyed, committed, and capable of carrying this work forward.

| ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE |

SELI Alumni Spotlight

Never underestimate the power of your voice.

No matter your background or

experience, you have something important to contribute.”

Jariel Davis, Program Associate and SELI Alum Finding Purpose Through the Southern Education Leadership Initiative For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a teacher. That is exactly what I became. I earned my undergraduate degree in elementary education from the University of Southern Mississippi, fully intending to teach 2nd grade for 35 years and retire from the classroom. But it was my teaching career that truly opened my eyes to the deep and persistent injustices students face, particularly children of color in the South. That realization eventually led me to seek out opportunities like the Southern Education Leadership Initiative (SELI), where I could begin to explore how to address those inequities beyond the walls of my own classroom. I began my career at one of the top-performing primary schools in the state, not because I wanted to stay there, but because as a first-year teacher, I understood the harm that inexperienced educators can unintentionally cause—especially in schools that serve students who are already facing systemic disadvantages. As research shows, schools serving the highest percentages of Black students have more novice and first-year teachers. Nationally, 15% of teachers in these schools are novice and 8% are in their first year, compared to 10% and 5% in schools with the fewest Black students. In states like Mississippi, where I started teaching, the gap is even wider, with nearly three times as many first-year teachers in schools serving the greatest number of Black students. Although I felt called to teach in communities serving greater populations of students of color, it did not seem fair to contribute to those statistics before I had the tools and experience to be truly effective. I sought out a place where I could be supported while building the skills I needed. Although the school provided strong mentorship, I always knew my heart belonged elsewhere. I wanted to teach children who looked like me and who were too often underserved. So, I decided to spend a year learning as much as I could before moving to a community where I felt truly called to serve.

ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE |

Although I felt called to teach in communities serving greater populations of students of color, it did not seem fair to contribute to those statistics before I had the tools and experience to be truly effective. I sought out a place where I could be supported while building the skills I needed. Although the school provided strong mentorship, I always knew my heart belonged elsewhere.

My path has not been linear, but each step revealed more of the truth and urgency behind the injustices students face. Once I became aware, I could not stay silent. But inside the classroom, my advocacy was not always welcomed. I often found myself in conflict with people who said they wanted what was best for students. My path has not been linear, but each step revealed more of the truth and urgency behind the injustices students face.

That helped me see that it was not my message that needed to change. I needed a different space. Together, those experiences pushed me to pursue a master’s degree in Education Policy and Leadership at Vanderbilt University. My graduate school journey led me to the Southern Education Leadership Initiative (SELI), and ultimately the Southern Education Foundation (SEF),

Before SELI, advocating from inside the classroom often felt isolating. I knew the issues students were facing— such as unskilled or inexperienced teachers, outdated curriculum and ineffective instructional philosophies, lack of accountability in charter schools, and the compounding effects of persistent opportunity gaps—but I did not always feel supported in naming them. I was passionate about education justice, but it often felt like I was fighting alone. SELI introduced me to a broader network of people who not only understood the challenges but were actively working to change them.”

—Jariel Davis

I wanted to teach children who looked like me and who were too often underserved. So, I decided to spend a year learning as much as I could before moving to a community where I felt truly called to serve. After that year, I moved to Jackson, Mississippi, where I became a founding teacher at a charter school serving students zoned for one of the lowest-performing districts in the state. The contrast between my previous school and this new setting was immediate and overwhelming. The needs were greater, the resources fewer, and the barriers more complex —but this was exactly where I felt called to be.

Once I became aware, I could not stay silent. But inside the classroom, my advocacy was not always welcomed. I often found myself in conflict with people who said they wanted what was best for students. That tension was mentally exhausting and forced me to face a difficult truth: the change I wanted to see could not happen from inside the classroom alone. Someone once told me, “Imagine playing the most beautiful music on a guitar, but you have plugged it into an amplifier in a tiny room. The sound might be powerful, but the space is not built to handle it.”

when I was actively seeking opportunities to explore what advocacy and systems-level change could look like beyond the classroom. I was deeply connected to SEF’s mission. SEF has been fighting for high-quality education for Black students in the South for over 150 years. From its founding during Reconstruction to surviving Jim Crow, the Civil Rights Movement, and now the ongoing attacks on equity and public education, SEF has remained committed to its mission.

ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE |

This was not something I wanted to be part of for just a ten-week fellowship, but something I hoped to remain connected to throughout my entire career as an education leader. That hope became reality. SELI provided more than a professional placement. It offered the tools, relationships, and exposure I needed to grow as an emerging leader. It gave me the space to explore how I could make an impact beyond the classroom and helped me better understand the ecosystem of education justice work happening across the South. Before SELI, advocating from inside the classroom often felt isolating. I knew the issues students were facing—such as unskilled or inexperienced teachers, outdated

curriculum and ineffective instructional philosophies, lack of accountability in charter schools, and the compounding effects of persistent opportunity gaps—but I did not always feel supported in naming them. I was passionate about equity, but it often felt like I was fighting alone. SELI introduced me to a broader network of people who not only understood the challenges but were actively working to change them. My host site, the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute (GBPI), showed me what this work looks like at a systems level. GBPI was part of multiple coalitions and policy initiatives, which exposed me to how organizations work together across sectors to advance equity. I also saw how even within a single organization, different departments could act as levers for change. My site supervisor was not only supportive during the fellowship but remains someone I can turn to as a mentor and resource today. GBPI gave me a real example of what collaborative, mission-driven policy work can look like. Now, as I pursue my doctorate in Education Leadership and Policy at Vanderbilt University, I am learning where I belong in the education system.

ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE |

My current role at the Southern Education Foundation, as the Program Associate for Leadership Development, would not have been possible without my SELI experience. SELI not only introduced me to SEF but also prepared me to step into a position where I now have the opportunity to support and invest in the next generation of emerging leaders. In a time when equity and justice are increasingly under attack, this work is essential. We need a generation of leaders who are bold in their advocacy and equipped with the tools to lead in every space they enter. Leadership in education justice means not shying away from the truth about our history. It means recognizing that injustice is embedded in every system in America and understanding that incremental reform is not enough. For too long, we have tried to fix systems designed to uphold inequality. What we need is a radical reimagining of systems that serve everyone, while repairing the deep harm inflicted on communities of color— especially Black communities.

My hope for SELI is that it continues to grow into a powerful network of leaders, each bringing unique strengths to dismantle and rebuild—not patch up—our systems. A coalition of Avengers, if you will, with the courage and creativity to build something new. I hope SELI continues to pour into future leaders beyond the ten-week fellowship and becomes a lifelong source of connection and collective power. Whether fellows stay in education or move into other sectors, we can continue to fight for racial equity together, share resources, and support one another. My advice to future fellows is this: Never underestimate the power of your voice. No matter your background or experience, you have something important to contribute. Systems do not have to remain broken, and as emerging leaders, we have the ability and responsibility to change them. SELI is the perfect space to learn, grow, and prepare to do just that.

| ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE |

GINNY LOONEY SERVANT LEADER AWARD Steve Suitts, former vice president of the Southern Education Foundation and co-founder of the Southern Education Leadership Initiative (SELI), award-winning author, and professor, discusses the Ginny Looney Servant Leader Award—an honor dedicated to the legacy of his late wife, Virginia L. "Ginny" Looney , a longtime Atlanta-based attorney and advocate. A Tribute to Virginia L. "Ginny" Looney

Throughout her distinguished legal career, Ginny Looney championed ethics, transparency, and integrity in public service. She

served as a law clerk for two former chief justices of the Supreme Court of Georgia,

Norman S. Fletcher and Carol W. Hunstein. From 2003 to 2011, she led the charge in establishing and implementing Atlanta’s ethics

board, ensuring compliance with the city’s Code of Ethics.

In 2018, the Southern Education Foundation (SEF), Dr. Kenita T. Williams, created the Ginny Looney Servant Leader Award to recongize Ginny Looney and support emerging leaders who embody her unwavering commitment to justice and good governance. Each summer, the award is presented to 1-2 outstanding SELI fellows who demonstrate a deep dedication to advancing racial equity and transforming education in the South. Honorees receive a stipend to further their work, along with the opportunity to direct a donation from the Ginny Looney Fellowship Fund to a southern education initiative making significant strides toward educational opportunity.

ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE |

“Advancing equity was Ginny’s lifetime mission. That is the meaning of her story and an impetus for SELI and the Ginny Looney Servant Leader Award.” –Steve Suitts

shortcomings in the way they administered the program. Her report helped to prompt a Congressional hearing in Washington that led to improvements in the federal program. At the time, she was a recent college graduate and no older than a typical graduate student. Looking back, what aspects of the Ginny Looney Servant Leader award are you most proud of?

What inspired you to start the award in your wife’s honor, and what was your initial vision for it? Ginny thought the summer fellows program was one of SEF’s most lasting contributions to improving southern education and that it would prove as much over years and decades. She once said, “I would have wanted to be in SEF summer fellow when I was in college, had it existed.”

the state of Virginia called me to say that it was the program award that had helped motivate her to do everything she could to deserve the recognition she had received in the summer program. I met another recipient of the award a few years ago in Chapel Hill and learned how he had become a campus leader fighting for equity in the state’s college policies and practices.

I have been particularly proud of how the summer fellows as a group have supported the award as a way to highlight its central purpose – to inspire them and others to do their best in trying to make positive change no matter where they are, how old they are, or what they are doing. Every year they have been supportive of the one or two fellows who won the award. Have you seen or heard stories from those impacted by the Ginny Looney Servant Leader Award that particularly touched your heart? There have been many examples. When I was still working at SEF, one of the former fellows who became “Teacher of the Year” in

As you mark this milestone, what are your hopes for the future for the award? I hope the award continues to spotlight and inspire the summer fellows to see excellence, equity, and ethics as means by which they can develop the know-how and skills not merely during their time in SEF’s program but as a lifetime pursuit of excellence, equity, and ethics.

Can you share a memory of your wife that particularly motivates you in this work? Before she went to law school, Ginny did a research project for the Georgia ACLU examining how accessible were high school job training programs to Black, Hispanic, and women in rural areas of the state, where good jobs were scarce. She examined loads of data and interviewed not just school personnel and teachers but also students, their parents, and Black community leaders. She went the extra mile to get everyone’s perspective and, in all fairness, forewarned school administrators before the report’s release that it would expose

| ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE |

GINNY LOONEY Attorney . Servant Leader . Advocate

What do you hope people take away from learning about your wife’s story?

Ginny’s life work involved doing research, analysis, writing, and advocacy in and outside of government. She advanced equity and ethics in significant ways for many people. Relatively few know the details of her impact, and she had no interest in promoting herself. Only the results mattered to her. While she was widely recognized in college with several awards (for example, at the University of Georgia law school she was first in her class, top advocate in moot court competition, and the editor-in-chief of the law review), Ginny used her talents after schooling to quietly advance the principle of equity and ethics.

| ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE |

The Southern Education Foundation has honored two outstanding participants from its 2024 Southern Education Leadership Initiative with the Ginny Looney Servant Leader Award. This accolade recognizes fellows who exhibit exceptional dedication, performance, and service during their summer placements, embodying the late Ginny Looney's commitment to ethics, community service, and advancing racial equity in Southern education systems.

Blake Benton 2024 Ginny Looney Award Recipiant

As a third-year student at Eastern Kentucky University, Blake Benton spent his summer with the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence. His efforts focused on promoting enhanced educational opportunities for all Kentuckians. Benton's dedication to educational improvement and community engagement exemplifies the servant leadership qualities that the award seeks to honor. The Ginny Looney Servant Leader Award, co-founded and endowed by Looney's husband, Steve Suitts, former vice president of SEF, commemorates emerging leaders who demonstrate a steadfast commitment to ethics, community service, and the pursuit of equitable education systems in the South.

Bryan Sorto Hernández 2024 Ginny Looney Award Recipiant

A third-year student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Bryan Sorto Hernández dedicated his summer to working with Every Texan in Austin, Texas. His contributions supported the organization's mission to create a state where race and ethnicity no longer determine residents' well-being, opportunities, and outcomes. Sorto Hernández's commitment to social justice and equity reflects the core values celebrated by the Ginny Looney Servant Leader Award.

| ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE |

ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE |

For future fellows, my advice is simple: step outside your comfort zone. Move somewhere new, surround yourself with people and ideas that challenge you, and most importantly, recognize that you’ve earned a seat at the table.” SELI Alumni Spotlight

Amy Holiday A SELI Alum’s Journey: From Classroom to Advocacy

In the summer of 2011, as a junior at Tulane University, I was encouraged by a mentor in the honors program to apply for the Southern Education Leadership Initiative (SELI). I had always known I wanted to work in education, but I wasn’t sure what that would look like. Studying in New Orleans exposed me to diverse and complex school systems and the incredible educators, families, and communities working tirelessly to support students. SELI presented an opportunity to expand my perspective beyond New Orleans and explore the challenges and opportunities shaping education across the South. During my fellowship at Advancement Project, a social justice think tank in Washington, D.C., I worked alongside some of the fiercest and most committed leaders I have ever met. These attorneys and advocates were dedicated to uplifting students and communities too often left out of critical conversations. Through my research, I saw firsthand that educational leadership takes many forms—you can lead from the front of the classroom, but you can also lead by advocating for policies that create meaningful change. What began as a daunting research assignment evolved into a project that deeply engaged me, reinforcing my commitment to equity in education. The SELI Fellowship is an opportunity to grow, learn, and contribute to the ongoing fight for educational equity. Now serving as Chief of Staff to the CEO of College Board, I carry the lessons I learned during SELI with me every day, shaping the way I approach leadership and advocacy in education.

| ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE |

SELI Alumni Spotlight

Have fun, drive impact, and always remember to cause good trouble.”

Aja Johnson Make Good Trouble

Driven by a deep passion for equity and justice, I saw the SELI Fellowship as more than just an opportunity—it was a calling. I applied because I wanted to be in community with like-minded changemakers and mission-driven organizations working to transform education as we know it. Throughout my fellowship, I experienced so many powerful moments, but winning the Ginny Looney Servant Leader Award truly took the cake. Being recognized for my work with the DeSoto Independent School District reminded me why I do this work—it affirmed my commitment to creating lasting, meaningful change for students. To future fellows, my advice is this: fully embrace every opportunity— no task is too big or too small. There’s something to learn in every moment. Build real relationships with your cohort, but resist the urge to compare your journey to anyone else’s. Most importantly, have fun, drive impact, and always remember to make good trouble.

| ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE |

2006 Alicia Richardson Brandon Speights Cassandra Aguilar Charlotte Anderson DeAndre Rivers Demarcus Preyer Ebony Jenkins Heather Gray Isaiah O'Rear Jamieka Jefferson Jhermel Goss Lishaun Francis Michael Walker Regina Sweeney William Hayes Yallana Boston Mcgee

2010 Adrian McLain Angela Cox

2014 Brenda Fuentes Kenneth Gilliam Rachel Harmon Rebecca Hollis Reginald Hutchins Micah Khater Andrew Watkins Jessica Woltjen Daniel Yarbrough Lisa Hamilton Phillip Scotton Rachel Williams Raven Newberry Samee Muhammad Victor Horton 2015 Adele Daline Robinson Christopher Lim Darius Johnson Eryn Block Jaynell White John Garrett Clawson 2013 cont. Christopher Graham Eric Ruiz Bybee LaTasha Mosley Lawrence Young

21 YEARS OF SELI FELLOWS

Asia Johnson Brittany Brady Chanse Travis Charles Gilchrist Danny Hwang Frankie Mastrangelo Gloria Ross Grant Mathews Isaiah Ares-Batko Jacquieta Beverly Jayma Roten Jose Amateco Kia Powers Kody Melancon LeKisha Harris Magaly Lopez Meghan Thomas Miguel Harris Natalie Woods Nnenna Amu Ogbu Olivia Fitzpatrick Thomas Epps Vernon Cathcart 2011 Amy Holiday Angela Hurtado Eleanor Chute Elisa Olivarez Haley Bove Wyant Jovonte Santos Kayla Brooks Malik Sanders Marcella Zapata Mariah Deans Harmon

2004

Arlethia Hall Ashley Drakes Brenda Pacouloute Drummer Carmen Callaway Carmen Wade Christiann Brock Christopher McKnight

2007

Alicia Yanker Courtney Simon Ghros Eddie Thomas Jeremy Hawkins Kathryn Tippey Kimberly Hardy Laura Brekke Wagoner Laura Jones Rashid Williams Shara Allen Stephanie Henderson Timothy Ming Olsen Tina Fletcher William "Marcel" Hayes Candice Jackson DeMarcus Lewis Dorothy Hines Emily Ragland Greg Chalfin Kimberly Liburd Meca Mohammed Meredith Needle Pallie Davis Sarabeth Rivet Thomas Ginn Tyrone Hendrix Zachary Pritchett 2009 Amaris Guzman Ashley Mitchell Courtney Rickenberg James Merrick Janine Camara Kenneth Frierson 2008 Austin Scott

Da'Tarvia Parrish En'Janet Square Erin Yearout-Patton Felicitas Morales Jessica Taylor-Holmes Julius Rainey Kawan Allen Kimberly Clark Kimberly Jackson Kyron Green Lauren Henry Cowles Morgan Phillip Naima Gardner Nebra Bess Nyasha Chikowore Orlando Paden Pamela Phayme Jones Meico Whitlock Michele Johnson Monique Moore Raechel Broussard Stephanie Dillard Stephen E. Anthony Tara Ninox

Kevin Stam Margo Cruz

Marvin Boomer Michael Thomas Rodriguez Taylor Mack

2012

2016

Chelsea Metivier Eldrin Deas Ivan Metzger JaEric Brooks-Shoffner

Alexis Henry Amber Majors Ladipo Bailey Jackson Benjamin Erwin Claudio Quintero-Avelar Corey Miles DeShawn Preston Jerry Wilson

Tyrone James Victor Franklin Walter Everett

Jennifer Nelson Keba Ambrose Latanya Fanion Logan Krusac Michael Steele Rachel Stephens

2005

Akinwale Ogunkoya Alexis Murono Kendrick

Jostin Grimes Kara Mitchell Kayla Elliott Sydney Booth

Amanda Mitchell Anthony Johnson Antron Mahoney

Brenda Romero Deandra Bradley Deongella Bruce Roberts Jamaal Henry Jazmyn Alston Davis Jessica Brazier Karen Jones Kelley Gadsden

2013

Adrianne Pinkney Analise Adams Bailey Perkins Bo Morris Charles Adams

Michael Arndt Sean Bethune Shelley Dyer Staci Childs

Krystel Heath Michael Green Robert Patillo Trimease King

| ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE |

2017 Daisy Borders Darien Smith Deanna Galer Destiny Reyes Fernando Chong Jordan Tafari Micah Clark Raaziq El-Amin Robert Wright

2021 Adele Weaver Alexandria Tomkunas Allie Schneider Angeles DeSantos-Quezada

2024

Blake Benton Brooke Blacknall

Bryan Sorto-Hernandez Charlotte (Charlie) Barron Darieon McFadden

Anthony Jones Antonia Adams Emille Taylor Haley Gray Huseyin Uysal Joseph Emery-Kouaho Kelly Jasiura

Hanora Tracy Jackson Streit

Jaekur Lockhart Justice Hatcher Karen Xu Kelli Crews Tania Trejo-Mendez Tyler Mathieu Za'Tayvia Hayes

Rose Rood Sarah Wing

Melody Andrews Octavian Moten Salih Cevik Taylor Newkirk Theo Moore Virginia Sciolino

Victor Cuicahua Zacchea Small

2018 Aston Patrick Brianna Paul Chloe Latham Sikes Edward Wiggins George Keller Iwinosa Idahor James McNeill Jonathan Peraza Mia Bowman Monica Flamini 2019 Aja Johnson Alexa Yanar Alexis Astrop Bailey Deavers Carlos Jamieson Christopher Mathis Clarence Sutton D'Andre McIntyre

2022

Cassandra Coughlan Alana Edmond Kirsten Elliott Kendric Holder Julia Laico Timothy Lindsey Jorvis McGee Kaitlyn Mills Monica Obregon Lupita Quezada-Orosco Kathleen Rzucidlo Caitlyn Sanders Naomi Simmons-Thorne Miranda Torres

2023 Clair Borrego DaQuan Brown Emma Finch Jack Kiggins Jadyn Steave Jariel Davis Justin Harned Kerrigan Clark Madison Adcock Temitope Olabiyi TyQuan Smith William Shelton

Hannah Snow Janai Raphael Jasmine Harris John Wesley Smith Kanesha Barnes-Adams Kimberly Clarida LeAnthony Freeman Matthew Farley Megan Ruby

Philemon King Rachel Boggs Terrance McQueen

“SELI embraces its responsibility for developing leaders to drive transformative change and lead the charge toward education opportunity for generations to come.”

-- Dr. Amber C. Davis

| ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE |

On behalf of the Southern Education Foundation and the Southern Education Leadership Initiative we extend our deepest gratitude to the many individuals and organizations who made this project possible. We are especially thankful to our SELI placement sites, funders, and partners, whose support and collaboration have been invaluable. Their commitment to education opportunity has played a crucial role in advancing this work. Special thanks to Jariel Davis and Danielle Smith for their invaluable contributions to this publication and to the SELI community. We also recognize the contributions of our dedicated team members, advisors, and stakeholders. Their expertise, insights, and dedication have strengthened this effort and helped ensure its success. Finally, we are grateful to the communities, educators, advocates, and all those who engage with and support our mission. Your voices and efforts inspire and drive the work we do every day.

See her Inspiring Story! ANTONIA ADAMS, ‘21

HERE

| ECHOES OF EXCELLENCE |

ECHOES Honoring The Voices of Yesterday, Igniting The Leaders of Tomorrow of Excellence

Ensure the continuation of insightful publications like this by making a contribution today.

@southernedfound

Pic or

Click!

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32

southerneducation.org

Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker