Community Engagement Statement
Community engagement is important to me because it is the foundation of belonging, trust, and collective impact. I believe that schools cannot thrive in isolation, our success is directly tied to the strength of our relationships with families, community partners, and the broader networks that support our scholars. When we engage our community intentionally, we create shared ownership for student outcomes, elevate the voices of those most impacted, and build systems that reflect the lived experiences, cultures, and needs of our families.
For me, community engagement is also deeply connected to equity. It ensures that decisions are not made for families but with them. It creates pathways for authentic partnership, breaks down barriers that have historically excluded marginalized groups, and helps us design environments where Black and Brown students feel seen, valued, and supported. Engagement is not an event—it is a responsibility and a commitment to doing the work with our community, not on behalf of them.
Ultimately, community engagement matters to me because it transforms schools into hubs of empowerment. When families feel connected, when community partners bring resources and opportunities, and when students see their identities reflected in the people who support them, school becomes more than a place of learning—it becomes a place of hope, joy, and possibility.