Alumni Spotlight: Nicole Raphiel, Class of 2022
Nicole Raphiel is a founding member of IMPACT DeSoto, a coalition of community members supported by Leadership ISD that is focused on student success in DeSoto ISD. Since Impact DeSoto’s inception last year, the group has become trusted messengers and a driving force for change, informing and activating the electorate and playing a supportive role in the district as it progresses out of conservatorship.
“I'm passionate about educational equity because I believe all children have a RIGHT to opportunities that ensure they are well-equipped, well-prepared, and well-educated,” shared Nicole. “I've also been the recipient of the residue of the effects of segregation. I remember having conversations about Judge Barefoot Sanders ruling that resulted in a desegregation plan for Dallas ISD. “That ruling opened a door that allowed me to attend a magnet school that changed my trajectory and outlook. I appreciated the opportunities it afforded me.”
A public servant through and through, Nicole has also been a DeSoto City Council member since 2018, providing oversight to the city and giving voice to community concerns and interests. This role affords Nicole a unique understanding of the interconnectedness between a city and its school system, and she uses her position to advocate for policies and initiatives that promote educational access to resources and opportunities in her community. During a recent visit to the state capital, Nicole raised concerns from Impact DeSoto about the daily average attendance funding model and emphasized the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion to members of the education committee.
“I recognized that representatives with rural backgrounds and experiences may not fully understand the perspectives of suburban and urban communities. To ensure that our voices/viewpoints are heard, and legislation is passed to benefit our students, (evidenced by allocating surplus funding), it is vital to communicate/collaborate with different state representatives, senators, and education committee members. This opportunity only arises every other year, making it even more critical to advocate for educational equity at both the local and state levels during the 88th Legislative Session in Texas.”
When she has free time, you can catch Nicole grooving to her son and his wife's live music at Freeman's in Deep Ellum or binge-watching how-to videos on YouTube, exploring a broad range of topics from cooking to the housing market. She also serves as a board member and secretary for HOPE Dominican Republic whose mission is to assist Dominican churches in equipping them for ministry and to provide safety and restoration for abused and exploited children.
