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 |
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