Leadership ISD Heroes: Shirley Ronquillo ('20)

Across Texas, our Leadership ISD COVID Heroes continue their commitment to equity and excellence for our students. Their commitment inspires us to continue to lean into this work, knowing that while the road ahead is long, the destination is worth our time and energy. Check out this week's LISD Heroes below!

Shirley Ronquillo

Harris County, Class of 2020

Administrator/Co-Founder, Houston Department of Transformation

LISD: WHAT ARE YOU AND YOUR ORGANIZATION CURRENTLY DOING TO RESPOND TO COVID-19?

Shirley Ronquillo (SR): The Houston Department of Transformation is a resident led organization whose mission is to use civic engagement and tactical urbanism to create safe and beautiful communities. We engage residents of all ages to raise awareness of community concerns and encourage collaboration to bring attention to community issues.

Our response to COVID-19 began with a collaboration of local organizations to deliver Lone Star Governance Training at Kashmere Multi-Service Center before social distancing was implemented. Once community centers closed, I transitioned to connecting families to resources that would have normally occurred in community centers. I helped families obtain food, supported parents without internet access and supported heads of households to find employment. From the comfort of my home, I created an English and a Spanish video to encourage our communities of color to complete the 2020 Census for Harris County Precinct 2, translated text for mask sewing instructions for the Gulfton Sewists, and am currently advocating for community engagement for the Harris County Precinct 2 Kowis Street project to create safer streets for students to walk to school. The fear of community and the safety of my neighbors led me to collaborate with the Houston Police Department to also bring attention to prostitution in my community, which they are actively monitoring and making arrests.

LISD:  HOW HAS LEADERSHIP ISD PREPARED YOU FOR THIS MOMENT?

SR: Leadership ISD gave me an additional lens to understand the organizational problems that exist in our current school district, the need for community engagement and a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of our school board and the Superintendent. The workshops, guest speakers, and school visits helped me understand the importance of collaborating with my local school as a community member and the difficult decisions school administrators must make daily. I formally accepted a seat at the Shared Decision Making Committee for the 2020-2021 school year where I hope to connect the school to community partners and resources to help improve student outcomes.

LISD: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GET INVOLVED? 

SR: After learning of the low reading levels of schools in my area, I felt it was important to determine how I could help students and be an advocate for them. Many doors in my life were opened by great teachers, mentors, and community leaders. My hope is that I’m able to do the same.

LISD: WHY IS WHAT YOU’RE DOING ESSENTIAL TO PUBLIC EDUCATION? 

SR: The work I am doing is essential to public education because it creates a network of resources that families can benefit from. If families are able to meet their basic needs, it is my hope that families can then focus on the educational needs of their students. If my Census video helped encourage a family to complete the Census form, additional federal funds will be allocated for education in our community.

LISD:  HOW HAS COVID-19 AFFECTED YOUR VIEWS ON HOW WE ADVOCATE MOVING FORWARD?

SR: COVID-19 made me realize there is a need to adapt our advocacy and redesign communication plans to reach families who may not access social media, may not speak English or may not be aware of the different resources in our communities. COVID-19 created an awareness of the need for free WiFi within the State of Texas and extreme food insecurity that crosses racial boundaries. In the last 3 months, WiFi became a basic need for many families just like food. There is a need to work with elected officials to address internet access and food insecurity immediately.

LISD: WHAT WOULD BE YOUR ADVICE TO OTHERS WHO WANT TO TAKE ACTION IN THIS TIME OF CRISIS? 

SR: I encourage everyone to take an interest in improving student outcomes. I believe everyone has a network and sharing the needs and concerns of our students can help bridge the gaps of socioeconomic needs, and bring community resources to schools and ultimately improve student outcomes. We all have a responsibility to speak up for students who may not have a voice or encourage parents who may not be able to attend meetings on their behalf because of other responsibilities. Make time to learn about our local schools, attend a board meeting or sign-up to volunteer to learn more. Together we can help shape a brighter future of our next generation of leaders.

LISD: WHAT CAN OTHERS DO TO EITHER SUPPORT YOUR WORK OR GET ENGAGED?

SR: I invite everyone to follow our Houston Department of Transformation page on Facebook. As opportunities arise, I share them on the page. I also encourage everyone to share their organizational resources as I share them with different schools. Feel free to send an email to houdotr@gmail.com if you would like to help lead a project.