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.

Wesley serves as interim managing director and president for Arts Fort Worth, leading the organization's arts grants program, public art services, management of the Fort Worth Community Arts Center, and visual and performing arts advocacy efforts.

Ann Marano has dedicated her life to helping students navigate their higher education journeys. For the first 30 years of her career, Ann worked in college admission counseling at several high schools, colleges, and universities helping an estimated 4,000 students get into college. Of those, she estimates 65% have been first-generation college students.

Amanda is an empowerment coach, community administrative practitioner, and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. A Dallas native, DeSoto High School alum, and licensed master social worker, she has dedicated herself to supporting students and communities to realize their potential through education and advocacy.

Altheria Caldera is a voracious learner with developing expertise in several areas: culturally relevant pedagogies, antiracist education, education policy, and ELAR instruction.

The Opportunity Atlas, developed by Opportunity Insights, is a powerful tool showing average individual and household income, college graduation rates, incarceration rates, and a variety of other demographic insights disaggregated and comparable by race, gender, and parent income level.

In honor of Black History Month, we are highlighting just a few of the incredible Black educators in Dallas and Fort Worth history.

Black history is American history. From science and technology to art and culture to politics and family life, Black men and women have played a profound role in leading our nation’s growth and continue to make invaluable contributions to every pocket of society.

Enlisted with the Guard since 2018, Fernando works full-time (active) with the Texas Army National Guard in Fort Worth. Additionally, Fernando serves as the president of his neighborhood association, Las Familias de Rosemont.

"The Leadership ISD Board of Directors and team are beyond excited to have someone of Michera's caliber and commitment leading our organization as we transform education together. Michera brings decades of experience and an infectious passion for advancing educational equity that will propel our work forward to improve outcomes for ALL students.”

The 88th Texas Legislative Session convened on January 10 and will continue through May 29, 2023. As always, there are key education issues at stake.

Arnulfo Garza works as a field representative and constituent services representative for Congressman Marc Veasey’s office. His goal is to ensure there are educational and economic opportunities for all people in Dallas, regardless of their background.

To assess community assets and needs, the Child Poverty Action Lab created the Community Resource Explorer to quantify access to critical resources and provide a comprehensive picture of root causes.

Our team at Leadership ISD is beyond thankful for Dr. King’s life and legacy as we envision a public education system that prepares every student of every race, socioeconomic status, language, and ability to achieve their boldest dreams.

The TEA's School / District Comparison Tool provides a helpful reference to quickly compare districts and individual schools throughout the state of Texas, including performance, student demographics, staff information, and school designations.

Tiffany Rogers serves on the board of directors for Texas PTA, a parent-teacher association with the mission to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.

Michael Berry, a proud Dallas native who serves as executive director for Youth Guidance Dallas, was recently highlighted by WFAA for his work within the community helping leaders think about violence reduction strategies.

As I reflect on this past year, I am so proud of all we have accomplished together to improve student outcomes in North Texas. Our movement is cultivating bold education advocates and school leaders who are laser-focused on creating lasting conditions for an equitable education system that rises to meet the needs of ALL students.