What makes a school district great? Just as large, beautiful vessels don’t sail alone, schools and their districts require leaders full of tenacity, patience, and empathy to sail into that sea. Integrity drives them forward. Passion drives them forward. Embracing the art of delegation drives them forward. Relationships drive them forward. Educational leaders not only serve as administrators but truly are the stewards of the profession by spearheading and supporting the teachable moment through educational advocacy. They are mentors for staff and champions for children. Extraordinary leadership makes a school district great. But, empowered students make a school district great as well. Phenomenal and loving families make a school district great. A sound and observant board of education that listens makes a school district great. One cannot exist without the others.

Today, we face what feels like insurmountable walls. We swirl through an educational tornado, impacted by the divisiveness of standardized testing. We brace ourselves to help children overcome inequity, growing like viral weeds out of every corner. We raise our fists in solidarity against the palpable tensions of a renewed language of hateful racism. We soothe the after-effects of the Pandemic that still affect our community in devastating ways. Despite the height of this masonry, I want to collaboratively create a school culture that stares in the face of this adversity and smashes it to pieces. This is why I am running for the Board of Education.

I come to this electoral season with 18 years of experience as a public school teacher and curriculum expert. Now in a new role at Capital One Financial, I am still activating my teaching in human resources and learning and development. I had extraordinary experiences as a student as well and I did not know that, years later, I would still be calling on these moments to guide my practice as an educational advocate and leader. Today, it is that same visionary approach I was raised on that is vital to success in public education. It must exist, regardless of the social, emotional, and inequitable hurdles educators face today. It was those relationships that left an indelible mark on my heart - the same ones I plan to build as a democratic and fair member of the Board.

The biggest chunk of my heart is reserved for my family and it is with pride that I dedicate this endeavor to them. I look forward to meeting you all.