E4E-Minnesota Announces Second Leadership For Equity in Action Pipeline (LEAP) Cohort

Across the country, educators are leading the charge for student-centered policy change – writing policy recommendations, speaking at school board meetings, rallying alongside students and families, and even running for office themselves.

That’s why last year, we were inspired to create the Leadership for Equity in Action Pipeline (LEAP) program to recruit, train, and support educators to run for elected or appointed office in the future. The ultimate goal of the program is to elevate the teaching profession and improve student outcomes by ensuring that there are decision-makers at every level who carry the perspectives, experiences, and values teachers hold.

Building off of the inspiring success of the first LEAP fellows, I’m excited to introduce our second cohort of educator leaders: 

Amanda Appell, Instructional Specialist in Minneapolis Public Schools
Lenell Binford, Paraprofessional Educator in St. Paul Public Schools
Sonya Boyd, Social Worker in St. Paul Public Schools
Danielle Daniels, Special Education Teacher in St. Paul Public Schools
Amy Eelkema-Baxter, Special Education Consultant in St. Paul Public Schools
Pamela Femrite, Elementary Teacher in Mankato Public Schools
Nafeesah Muhammad, English Teacher in Minneapolis Public Schools
Carmita McGlory, Social Worker at North Point Behavior Health Program
Meghan O’Donnell, English Language Development Teacher in Minneapolis Public Schools
Russell Packard, Special Education Teaching Assistant in St. Paul Public Schools
Jenifer Shier, Library Media Specialist in St. Paul Public Schools
Mai Thao, Teaching Assistant in St. Paul Public Schools
Gina Marie Theesfeld, Special Education Teacher in Minneapolis Public Schools
Michelle Urevig-Grilz, Early Childhood Educator in Minneapolis Public Schools
Timothy Warren, Middle School Administrator at Metro Schools College Prep
Kimberlee White, Coordinator, Youth & Adult Programs in Minneapolis Public Schools
Terry Wylie, Elementary Teacher in St. Paul Public Schools

The cohort includes 17 individuals from schools across the Twin Cities metro area (and Mankato!), with over 80% identifying as female, and over 70% identifying as people of color. These educational leaders aspire to leadership positions ranging from union leadership to city council to state legislature and beyond. Over the next six months, they will embark upon a learning journey together building knowledge and skills to serve in higher office. Join me in celebrating these educators!

Madaline Edison

Madaline Edison is the Executive Director of Educators for Excellence-Minnesota.