E4E-Minnesota Welcomes Inaugural Leadership For Equity in Action Pipeline (LEAP) Cohort
Over the past two months, educators across the Twin Cities have shared excitement for a new program we will launch this summer - the Leadership for Equity in Action Pipeline (LEAP) program. The LEAP program aims 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.
After a competitive application process, I'm thrilled to announce the 21 educators who will take part in the inaugural cohort:
- Crystal Ballard, Assistant Principal in Minneapolis Public Schools
- Sharita Benson, Middle School Teacher in Saint Paul Public Schools
- Cristina Benz, Art Teacher in Minneapolis Public Schools
- Mary Frances Clardy, Elementary Teacher in Saint Paul Public Schools
- Oscar Del Sebastien, Art Teacher in Saint Paul Public Schools
- Teresa Fenske, Elementary Teacher in Columbia Heights Public Schools
- La Shawn Hankton, Education Support Professional in Minneapolis Public Schools
- Renee Hendrickson, Elementary Teacher in Saint Paul Public Schools
- Monica Johnson, PBIS Administrator in Saint Paul Public Schools
- Lars Lindqvist, High School English Teacher in Minneapolis Public Schools
- Andie Merrell, Elementary Teacher in Minneapolis Public Schools
- Nafeesah Muhammad, High School English Teacher in Minneapolis Public Schools
- Donna Oda, Family Liaison at Saint Paul City School
- Angela Phillips, Middle School Science Teacher in Saint Paul Public Schools
- Thornton Powell, Special Education Paraprofessional in Saint Paul Public Schools
- Charise Powell, Elementary Teacher in Hiawatha Academies
- Susan Providence, Elementary Teacher in Saint Paul Public Schools
- Aberdeen Rodriguez, High School English Teacher in Minneapolis Public Schools
- Liliana Rodriguez, Elementary Teacher in Minneapolis Public Schools
- Rachel Shaheen, Middle School Science Teacher in Minneapolis Public Schools
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.
