Education Leaders of Color

EdLoC is thrilled to present our 2025 Boulder Fund recipients - eleven leaders of color working to create opportunities for youth and dismantling systems of oppression and marginalization within their communities. These changemakers include: Ethan Ashley, Co-Founder and CEO of School Board Partners Maia Blankenship and Dr. Erika McDowell, Co-CEOs of Black Wildflowers Fund Gisele Castro, CEO of exalt Jonathan Johnson, Founder and CEO of Rooted School Foundation Laura M., Founder and CEO of Diversity in Leadership Institute Devin Morris, Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Teachers' Lounge Tanesha R. Peeples, Founder and CEO of The Roots Initiative Gabriel Reyes, Founder and CEO of FLi Sci Sarah White, Founder and Executive Director of the South Dakota Education Equity Coalition Andrea Wolfe, President and CEO of Mass Insight Education & Research We’re honored to invest in these changemakers of color across the nation. Over the next few weeks, we will highlight each leader and their impressive work in their respective fields.?Learn more about the Boulder Fund and our recipients at https://lnkd.in/gq7KHyqf. #WeAreEdLoC

Huge Congratulations to EdLoC member Jameelah Stuckey, M.B.A. on being selected as a 2025 Healthy Communities Fellow of Aspen Global Innovators Group. This fellowship empowers community-based leaders who are driving real solutions for healthier, more thriving communities across the U.S. Through tailored training in communication, narrative strategy, and leadership development, the program equips changemakers with the tools to amplify their impact. We can’t wait to see how Jameelah’s work continues to create meaningful change and uplift communities. Congratulations again Jameelah! #WeAreEdLoC

For too long, leaders of color have been shut out of traditional philanthropy, receiving just 9-12% of overall grant funding—but the Boulder Fund is changing that. Since 2018, we’ve committed $6.9 million to 50 organizations nationwide, placing direct investments in bold leaders of color building generational wealth and expanding opportunity for young people of color. This year’s Boulder Fund recipients are tackling some of the most urgent challenges in education, economic mobility, and community empowerment. Hear directly from them about what this support means—and why it matters. ?? Visit our site to learn more about this year’s recipients and their transformative work: https://lnkd.in/gq7KHyqf #WeAreEdLoC #BoulderFund25

A huge congratulations to EdLoC Member Gene Pinkard on starting a new position as President at Instruction Partners. Gene shared, “My own experience with school systems makes me confident that Instruction Partners is doing the right work for kids who need it the most, and I’m eager to join the team toward ambitious goals for improvement, accomplishment, and joy.” We are excited to see the impact that Gene’s leadership will have on their organization as they accomplish their mission to “strengthen instructional leadership in schools, school systems, and states to ensure teachers have the support they need to improve learning experiences and learning outcomes for students—with attention to students of color, multilingual learners, and students with disabilities.” Congratulations again Gene! We are eager to witness your impact in your new role. Join us in congratulation him. #WeAreEdLoC

2024 offered a preview of what we are experiencing in earnest now, showing us that our democracy is only as strong as those willing to fight for it. At the heart of our newly released 2024 Impact Report is our commitment to multiracial and multi-sector organizing—the only way to practice and sustain democracy. Throughout the year, our Network forged solidarity, strengthened our voices through advocacy, and positioned ourselves to uphold a democracy that truly belongs to all. This is more than a reflection—it’s a call to action. Read the full report at https://lnkd.in/gK5zcaqt and share it with your network so we can continue to build momentum and protect the future our communities deserve. #WeAreEdLoC

After our powerful Book Talks, we invite you to join us for a happy hour to unwind, connect, and continue the conversation in a relaxed setting. Light appetizers and refreshments will be provided. ??? Tuesday, April 8 | 5:00 - 7:00 PM PT ?? RSVP for the Happy Hour here: https://lnkd.in/e73FAuit ?? Spots are limited—register now and let us know if you’ll be joining us! We look forward to seeing you there. #WeAreEdLoC #ASUGSVSummit

Today, Donald Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education (ED). This action is a direct attack on America’s public schools, students, and teachers. It’s crucial we speak out through messages to Congress, social media, and conversations with loved ones, about what’s at stake for the young people and communities we care about. Cutting the Department of Education will create inefficiencies and undermine crucial programs supporting student success in school and life. It’s time for our Network to rise and defend public education. ?? Share this post if you are ready to stand up and defend public education. To learn more about EdLoC's response, read our full statement on the sudden mass layoffs at the Department of Education here: https://lnkd.in/gE6ecSiD

EdLoC is hosting two exclusive Book Talks in San Diego during ASU+GSV—and you’re invited! Join us in person or virtually to hear from leading voices on leadership, equity, and justice. ??? Tuesday, April 8 | 11:00 AM PT / 2:00 PM ET Join EdLoC Board Chair Dr. Nancy B. Gutierrez, Ed.L.D., alongside leaders who have shaped some of the nation’s largest school systems—Kaya Henderson, Dr. Janice Jackson, EdD, and Dr. Meisha Porter—for a discussion on how leadership coaching empowers superintendents and education leaders at all levels. ??? Tuesday, April 8 | 2:00 PM PT / 5:00 PM ET Be among the first to hear EdLoC member Dr. Andre M. Perry unveil insights from his forthcoming book, Black Power Scorecard: Measuring the Racial Gap and What We Can Do to Close It, alongside moderator Trymaine Lee, Pulitzer Prize and Emmy Award-winning journalist, author, and MSNBC contributor. Together, their powerful conversation will explore how measuring racial gaps in wealth, education, health, and political power can drive actionable change and further empower our communities to advocate for racial equity and justice. ?? RSVP now to attend in person or access the live stream: https://lnkd.in/ezBnKj5p ?? Spots are limited—register now and let us know if you’ll be joining us! #WeAreEdLoC #ASUGSVSummit

The mass layoffs at the Department of Education are more than just staffing cuts—they jeopardize critical programs that millions of students and families rely on. Our Chief Policy Officer Angelica Solis was recently featured in USA Today, highlighting the devastating consequences of these cuts. FAFSA, IDEA services for students with disabilities, and Title I funding for low-income students all stand to suffer from this mass reduction in oversight and support. The uncertainty surrounding the future of public education underscores the urgency of our work. EdLoC remains committed to advocating for policies that protect the most vulnerable students. Read the full article in USA TODAY: https://lnkd.in/g3mHQmAa

Join us in congratulating EdLoC Board Chair Dr. Nancy B. Gutierrez, Ed.L.D. for being named a 2025 Innovator of Color Award Honoree! This recognition is a testament to her unwavering commitment to equity, leadership, and transformative change in education. Through her work, Dr. Gutiérrez continues to amplify the voices of leaders of color, push for culturally responsive leadership, and challenge the systems that stand in the way of opportunity. Her impact is felt across sectors, and we are proud to have her leadership guiding EdLoC’s work. ?? Want to hear more from Dr. Gutiérrez? Join us at ASU+GSV on April 8 for an exclusive Book Talk featuring her co-authored book, Coaching Education Leaders: A Culturally Responsive Approach to Transforming Schools and Systems. She’ll be joined by three highly successful former school chancellors and EdLoC members—Kaya Henderson (Washington, D.C.), Dr. Janice Jackson, EdD (Chicago), and Dr. Meisha Porter (New York City)—to explore how leadership coaching empowers superintendents and education leaders at all levels. ?? RSVP now to join us in person or via live stream: https://lnkd.in/ezBnKj5p