Meet Our Team

“I believe that a college degree can be a microphone, and everyone’s story should be heard. When we listen and expose ourselves to differences, we really learn a whole lot about ourselves, and our communities, locally and globally. ”

“I do this work because our Fellows are beyond incredible and without their impact our future is not nearly as bright. Each and every one of the students we work with and beyond deserves an equitable opportunity to achieve the life of their dreams. It is our responsibility, and privilege, to join with them to forge that path through a system that is not designed for their success. ”

“My background as a classroom teacher showed me that students from all backgrounds can succeed at high levels. OneGoal allows me to help present the data to prove that. ”

“I am motivated daily to provide the opportunities for our staff to learn not only from each other, but also from our Fellows who have so much to contribute. ”

“I want to see more students of color succeed. It’s very easy to become a product of your environment, but I want them to realize that there is an alternative and that they have the power to choose. ”

“As a first-generation American, I know the challenges that face our students today. Statistically speaking, I’m part of an elite group who made it through college but there is nothing more special about me than the students I work with. All of them have talents, and are amazing. I do this work because it should be the norm for our black and brown students to graduate college, not the exception. ”

“I’ve always felt a strong pull toward social justice, but felt powerless in impacting change. It was when I saw the power in storytelling that I found my way to contribute. Because when we are able to strip away the stereotypes and judgments from someone’s perception, then we can start closing the empathy gap and all unite in closing the opportunity gap. ”

“I remember the moments where I’ve experienced, or have witnessed, the injustices that exist in our education system. I thought it would end after I got out of public school, but it prevailed throughout my college career. I do this work because there is no valid reason to explain why college completion should not be accessible and attainable for every student in this country. ”

“During college, my first exposure to educational and social inequity came through tutoring and documenting the experience of young immigrants in rural North Carolina. The stark contrast in everything – access to educational supports, housing, jobs, healthcare – all within a matter of a few miles outside of where I lived, fueled my desire to figure out how to help people see inequity in our social system and do something about it. ”

“I am motivated by big questions, tough challenges, exciting opportunities, high expectations, and most of all, feeling connected to something bigger than myself. My work is defined by a fundamental belief that the degree divide can be closed in my lifetime. ”

“A sound education serves as the backbone of a successful, understanding society of informed individuals. I wish to leverage personal experiences along with my professional expertise in the education space to help close the degree divide and ensure others have equitable access to life-molding postsecondary opportunities. ”

“I am a first-generation graduate who, in spite of starting high school in a truancy program, obtained three college degrees with a 4.0 GPA. I’m leveraging my experiences, empathy, and drive to make certain my accomplishments are not an anomaly, but the norm for underserved youth across the country. ”

“In my undergraduate studies, I was a Sociology major. I developed a sincere passion in understanding how the world worked and how I could be a strong and strategic advocate in making change. In 2008, I made a decision to become an educator because I wanted to change the trajectories of those I served both inside and outside of the classroom through teaching, coaching, curriculum, and data. ”

“I do this work because this work was done for me. ”

“What we do or do not know significantly impacts the trajectory of our lives. I know the positive impact that educational access has had on my life and feel responsibility to ensure that others after me have the same access and opportunities. ”

“A college degree opens a door to a set of options that every kid deserves to have made available to them. I do this work to dismantle the system of discrimination and oppression that was built to keep that door closed for so many students. ”

“The moment I learned about OneGoal, I was transported to my experience as a first generation college student. As a college freshman, I felt academically underprepared and alone. Thankfully, I developed a network of peers, through a summer bridge program, who helped me understand that I wasn’t alone. They became like family and we got through the four years of undergrad together. I do this work to pay it forward and support young people in their college journey. ”

“I first started working on education equity in 2011 when I joined an EdTech startup focused on personalized learning for elementary school students. We made amazing strides in closing the achievement gap in those critical early education years. I have since been increasingly inquisitive about the ‘why’ behind our current results as a society and my role in helping perpetuate what’s working and solve what isn’t. ”

“All students deserve an equitable opportunity to achieve their college and career aspirations. I do this work so that one day, this is a reality. ”

“Living on the border of Chicago and Oak Park, one can see quite a disparity in the socioeconomic and educational status of the residents living in their respective areas. Though this, I realized that changes needed to help us achieve the same level as counterparts. The process to growth begins with me and I must make a difference. ”

“The 12 Lady Wildcats I coach at Lake View High School in Chicago define my work. Working at OneGoal allows me to continue pursuing my passion for athletic coaching, and the joy I get from coaching helps me fight and work harder every day for our OneGoal Fellows. ”

“I do this work because I enjoy helping people who help people. It gives a great sense of purpose to the work, even when it is not a program-facing role. ”

“I believe that all students can earn a college degree and the life that comes with it. ”

“Education has given me a world of professional opportunity and deep personal enrichment. I do this work to ensure more and more kids are able to take advantage of the same educational opportunities I had access to. ”

“When you see a problem, either you choose to be a part of the solution or complicit with the problem. The support and resources invested in me – most notably between 10th grade and sophomore year of college are the reasons why I live the life that I do. But, I was so clearly lucky. I had no margin for error and have so many friends and family members that weren’t as lucky – just as smart, capable, but not as lucky. Luck shouldn’t be a variable in whether or not you get to pursue your dreams. ”

“I do this work because if not me, who? It is my responsibility as a first generation college graduate, woman of color, from a low-income background to share a critical perspective that needs to be at the forefront of the work to end educational inequity. ”

“Both of my parents started their career as teachers in schools that mirrored the community where I grew up. Their commitment to providing a high quality education to students of color showed me what is possible when students have access to that kind of instruction and care. ”

“I do this work because I believe education is one of the greatest tools we have to addressing inequality. ”

“I do this work because I know first-hand that getting into and graduating from college gave me access to opportunities and people that I otherwise would not have had. ”

“Fundamentally, it is about justice to me. I do this work because people I love have not had equitable opportunities that I have had; I do this work as a model to my children to live a life of purpose; I do this work because I’ve seen how students—when believed in—thrive beyond expectations. ”

“I feel there is nothing more important than working to make this country more equitable. Education is the best place to start. ”

“This work changed my life. As a Fellow, OneGoal exposed me to possibilities and consistently spoke into me that I was both deserving and capable of manifesting all of my heart’s desires. I Live to support other students through the process of self-actualization in the hopes it will make all the difference for them, as it did for me. ”

“In my day-to-day work, I get to think about how complex, mission-oriented organizations function, how to effectively measure their impact, and how they might improve. Knowing that my work ultimately supports educators and students is my greatest motivation. ”

“At the end of the day, I’m most inspired by our Fellows, their courage, their tenacity, and their care for others. I also wouldn’t be able to work in Human Assets if I wasn’t motivated by seeing our amazing staff thrive. I work to ensure this a place where our staff can have impact, be part of an awesome community, and grow. ”

“Without fail, the experiences I’ve had that have created opportunities for proximity, authentic listening and deep community have been the most influential in launching or deepening my work for equity: my time in college running summer programs in Chicago and West Virginia meaningfully launched this work for me, and my experience teaching middle school in Philadelphia deepened and clarified my vision for my career in educational equity work. ”

“I always knew I wanted to serve. Service found its way into my life through teaching. I taught in Topeka, Kansas for a year and was astonished by the inequities in schools – not just districts – simply neighborhoods apart. It was then that I made one of the most challenging decisions of my life and moved to Chicago to get a master’s degree and in work in education. ”

“I’m motivated by the deep belief that we can and will eliminate the degree divide. It’s not a matter of “if” but “when”. ”

“As an undergrad in Minneapolis, I worked as an afterschool tutor. I recall a time I was reading with a student who didn’t understand what skiing was. After we did some research (and I did some miming), she eventually caught on to the idea. In that experience I learned two things: 1) I loved being part of someone else’s learning journey and 2) Schools inadvertently create unnecessary barriers to learning, including with curriculum materials. Some life experiences are valued while others aren’t even acknowledged. I wanted to work in education to address that sad truth. ”

“Growing up, there was not only an expectation that I would attend college, but graduation was also a given. It wasn’t until I got older that I recognized what a privilege that was and how it set the course for my career and life. I want to lift as I climb and do whatever I can to help afford the next generation that same opportunity. ”

“True progress, progress that disrupts the status quo, requires innovation. I do this work because I am committed to contributing to the end of the degree divide and thus enabling the advancement of people of color. ”

“I do this work because I believe all students should have the opportunity to experience and succeed in postsecondary education. ”

“I deeply believe the same degree of intentionality that created many of our broken systems can be applied to changing them. I deeply believe change is possible. ”

“The progress that our Fellows make every day and the life-changing events that are taking place daily makes the work worth doing. This is a life-long journey for me. ”

“There are thousands of educators across districts and schools working relentlessly to improve the experiences of and outcomes for students. I’m motivated to provide them the support that builds their capacity and leads to sustainable change across the education ecosystem. ”

“I closely identify with the students we’re striving to help. As a first-generation student from a low-income family, I understand the impact organizations like OneGoal can have on a student’s success trajectory in the future. I hope that my efforts can make an impact for my nieces, nephew and all students who need someone to help them in their journey towards a better future. ”

“I believe the paths toward equity must be even more intentional than the decisions that landed us in this state of inequity. I do this work because I feel my personal and professional background uniquely equip me with skills and mindsets well-suited to the fight for educational equity. ”

“I do this work because I deeply believe that our children’s futures should not be limited by where they grow up. Equitable systems are what will enable our young people to truly manifest their destinies. ”

“I do this work because I sincerely believe that all students deserve a quality education, and the life that comes along with it. I also love to recruit and identify teacher talent; not just those who are academically competent, but those who also share vision, passion and strong integrity. ”

“In today’s world, additional training or education after high school vastly changes the doors that are open to you. I want every student to have the tools and ability to know that they can do that. ”

“For many years I worked as a paid tutor for wealthy families and as a volunteer at an afterschool program. The differences between these two groups of students were extreme, both in terms of resources available to them and expectations placed on them. The injustice of this situation was stark. The fact that I get to help OneGoal work toward educational equity is a dream come true. ”

“I deeply believe that every young person deserves the right to achieve their greatest post-secondary aspirations and thrive. The inequities in our systems are entrenched and stacked against minority and students from low-income communities. I do this work to support the incredible people that make up our OneGoal staff and to bring about positive social change and equity in this country. ”

“I entered college vastly unprepared, lacking the skills and mindsets needed to succeed. The OneGoal model is a game changer, preparing students with the noncognitive skills to succeed in college and access a life filled with choices and opportunities. ”

“My experience in the classroom both in Chicago and abroad helped me to realize that while my degree and skills may lie in the STEM world, my passion lies in working toward educational equity. My role at OneGoal allows me to seamlessly align those things. ”

“Every. Voice. Matters. I do this work because I believe that everyone has a right to share their stories, connect, learn and grow into the best version of themselves. ”

“I believe the identities and circumstances we’re born into profoundly influence where we end up in our lives, often limiting our individual potential and reinforcing existing social inequalities. I’m committed increasing postsecondary access for students from marginalized communities to foster social mobility and economic independence. ”

“What is defining my work is a desire to support teams working towards a mission that is bigger than us all— providing the tools, systems, and resources that make it easier for individuals to focus on their own core work. ”

“The New York City subway motivates my work. It’s the great equalizer in the greatest city on Earth. People from all walks of life travel together, from point A to point B, on a daily basis in relative peace. If that’s possible, during rush hour no less, how can we not create a world where the same is possible? A world where we all have access to the same, literal and proverbial, seat on the train? ”

“In college, I spent some time working at a children’s home where I gained a deeper understanding of how societal inequities impacted the lives of individual students, and how the right support could lead to transformational change. The energy and passion of the students also brought out a desire in me to be a part of ensuring all students have opportunities to achieve great success and happiness. ”

“I was a classroom teacher in the West Side of Chicago when I realized the complexities and inequities of the educational system. I experienced, in real life, the consequences that I read in academia. As a woman of color, I knew that I had to continue to fight for the equity of my people. ”

“I don’t believe that equal educational opportunity is “the” answer to addressing inequity, but I believe it is an important part of the puzzle. Furthermore, I believe that the formal questioning, analysis, and reflection that is built into evaluation work is key to the continued effectiveness of any intervention, program, or organization. ”

“Design is a tool for transformation, and my hope is to apply my skills to contribute to the development of an equitable world. ”

“Every Fellow I speak with cements my commitment to this work. If they can overcome incredible odds to fulfill their potential, then we as a movement must succeed in ensuring that every student has that chance. As a mom of NYC public school students, this work is very personal. ”

“I am driven to do this work because our students deserve to have access to the same choices and opportunities as those who have been granted systemic advantages. I believe deeply working alongside students as they lead the way to their success, the success of their communities, and ultimately, to a more just and equitable society. ”

“The opportunity to make a difference in the Bay Area education community for our kids defines my work every single day. My parents came to this country as refugees and saw education as a means for us to realize “The American Dream” and supported me in realizing my potential. The students we serve deserve the same. ”

“My own journey as a first-generation college student and first-generation professional committed me to the work of dismantling systemic inequity in our education system. ”

“I started working in educational equity because of some young men I met in a juvenile prison in Detroit. They’re incredible young men and spoke of the educational opportunities they wish they’d had. I knew then that I wanted to be part of the solution: ensuring that all students have access to educational opportunities that are the norm in affluent communities. ”

“As a first generation college student, education changed the trajectory of my and my family’s life. Education helped me understand the systems in which I grew up in, it gave me the language to articulate experiences I couldn’t put into words and it empowered me to define and realize my future path. I believe every individual deserves the opportunity to do the same. ”

“I joined OneGoal to be part of a movement combining the power of students, teachers and communities to create a more equitable education system where college is possible for all young people, regardless of race, zip code or socioeconomic status. ”

“I believe that teachers play the most important role in the fight for educational inequity and that it is both the most rewarding and hardest job out there. I am dedicated to providing them what they need to show up for kids day after day. ”

“I do this work for the young people and to ensure everyone has equal access to their right to education and the growth and empowerment it provides. ”

“I see my work as as planting a flower and continuing to do the work, day in and day out, so that it becomes something beautifully made with love and care. ”

“I do this work because of the indelible marks high school students, as well as incarcerated friends in Detroit, had on my life almost two decades ago. It is such a privilege to work alongside leaders that combine passion, rigor, and belief in what is possible for every young person in our country. ”

“I am the first in my family to attend college. I come from a family of immigrants. The college process was foreign and I found myself navigating it by myself. As soon as I received my college diploma, I made a promise to pay it forward by helping those students in similar situations. OneGoal is helping me keep that promise. ”

“Seeing the real impact that OneGoal has on Fellows is the most motivating aspect of my work; I seek to ensure that we can increase the number of students who have access to OneGoal. ”

“The law of conservation of energy says that energy cannot be created or destroyed. It can only be transferred from one form to another. I remember being a first-generation, minority college student. I am thankful for the energy my mentors and educators gave to empower me to persist to graduation. I want to give that same energy back, tenfold. ”

“I previously served as a college counselor at a high school. While in this position, I became passionate about closing the degree divide and ensuring that all young people can achieve their postsecondary dreams. ”

“I am deeply motivated by the young men I have taught who are incarcerated or who have been killed in Chicago. I think in particular about the opportunities they missed, and the possibilities never realized. ”

“ Seeing youth of color realizing that no matter where they come from, they can make it out motivates me to do this work day in and day out. ”

“James Baldwin’s thoughts about segregation define parts of my work. He shared that Americans paid the costs for segregated communities by way of apathy and ignorance about “the others”. That thought fuels my commitment to being engaged to avoid incurring those costs in my day-to-day by learning directly from students and families about their desires for an excellent education. ”

“My work is defined by the notion that, as long as inequity exists, our world as a whole will be negatively affected and we all have a responsibility to be active in trying to fight against it. ”

“I began my work in a Chicago South Side high school almost a decade ago. I purposely chose to work across traditional lines of division — elementary versus high school; traditional versus charter — to grasp what truly was causing the attainment gap and how best to close it. ”

“My mother worked as a cashier on an annual salary of $18,000 a year to put me through college and I know personally how hard it is for a low-income family to face the challenges of college application, admission, matriculation, and graduation. I do this work because in the words of Frederick Buechner, I have found the place where my ‘deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.’ ”

“I work at OneGoal to help students reach their full potential on their own terms and let them define success for themselves. ”

“I am inspired by our Fellows, educators, activists, and change-makers who are are committed to finding actionable solutions to the complex (and systemic barriers) issues faced by urban scholars and communities of color. ”

“I grew up in a small, rural town and it was often difficult to imagine the possibilities beyond my small town bubble. My college education showed me the world while also giving me the opportunity to be whatever I could dream of being. I’m dedicated to bringing the world to Fellows in Chicago so they too can dream without limits. ”

“The success of my community and my city defines my work. ”

“I believe that not only interpersonal change but systems change has to happen in order to to create a world that is more just, equitable, and safe for younger generations. ”

“I come from a family of teachers, so I was raised understanding the value of education. I developed a passion for nonprofit work in college, and working at OneGoal is how I combine these two drivers. ”

“I was born and raised between two historically prosperous communities where I experienced what divestment, a lack of education and hope could do to a child and community. Thankfully, like Tupac Shakur’s Poem “The Rose that Grew from Concrete”, I have overcome many hurdles and accomplished many milestones. I believe it is my purpose to re-channel resources and bridge the divide for disenfranchised youth to reach their maximum potential. ”

“I grew up in a fiercely divided community, splintered across racial lines. I do this work to ensure that students in communities like mine have access to an equal and excellent education in order to achieve dreams they didn’t know they could dream. ”

“The impact that we have to assist in adjusting the trajectory of an individual, that can therein change a community, is what drives the work that I do every day. Providing the spark to ignite passion behind the dreams of our students and the perspective on how to succeed is a responsibility that I believe I owe them. ”

“I believe this is some of the most important social justice work of our generation—linked to broader social issues such as race, class, and gender equity. As a former Program Director, I saw the need for this work, as well as the results that OneGoal gets. I believe this is my life’s work. ”

“I believe it is a moral obligation to provide experiences to young people that empower them to be agents in their own leaning and to discover pathways they never knew were within reach. ”

“Access and support were undoubtedly the levers that made the difference in my journey throughout higher education. I believe in the transformative impact that a college education can have, and I am committed to building systems of support that are informed by the unique experiences our Fellows have and function with a fundamental belief in their ability to be successful. ”

“As a native Chicagoan, Chicago Public Schools student, and first-generation college graduate, I want to ensure that all students have the opportunities that I was fortunate enough to attain. ”

“I started working with OneGoal Fellows as a Program Director in 2007. Since then, I have been in awe of the amazing young people I’ve worked with, and in disbelief at the structural obstacles our country forces them to face along their journey. I refuse to throw my hands up. The young people we work with will change the world if we help them navigate the complicated postsecondary landscape. ”

“I am motivated by Dr. Ali Binazir’s thought that the probability of anyone’s existence are basically zero. This means that I and every human being around me are tiny miracles. As miracles, we have a responsibility to make an impact on this Earth we live in, the people we see and the lives we touch. ”

“I do this work because a young person’s chances at success should not be dictated by that individual’s skin color, parents’ education or income level, or life circumstances. Until we live in a world where these injustices are true vestiges of the past, I will continue to fight for educational opportunity for all. ”

“I do this work for the millions of students across this country who deserve the opportunity to feel empowered and in control of their own future. ”

“This Black girl from the south side of Chicago didn’t know many people who went to college, let alone graduated. It took me a while to realize that I am worthy of higher education. My teachers helped instilled a sense of determination and resiliency in me to persist. Since then, I became determined to pay it forward and free young minds. ”

“I do this work because it matters. After working in Chicago Public Schools for eight years, I have witnessed too many students not live up to their potential, and have seen too many teachers stop believing that they can have a positive impact on student outcomes. Through OneGoal, I am now part of a larger movement of education reform that is committed to changing the failing public education system. ”

“I do this work for a more just and equitable present and future. I know the students of today are the leaders of tomorrow, and they deserve access to every opportunity to ensure that leadership can come alive and make a difference in our world. ”

“I entered college as a participant of an early orientation program geared towards students traditionally underrepresented in higher education. The program made a huge impact on my undergraduate career, and also introduced me to what it means to have educational equity. At that point, I became determined to create an impact on students of similar, challenging backgrounds as myself. ”

“Even when the work is hard, I know that I have the chance to produce something meaningful, something impactful, even in a small way. I am inspired by the work of our principals, teachers, and students and am energized by collaboration. ”

“Becoming a OneGoal Program Director allowed me to better understand the limited access points for students from under-served communities. As a OneGoal staff member, I’m motivated by the successes and challenges our Fellows face in working toward college graduation. As college students, daunting academic, social, and financial obstacles line their path. And still they persevere. ”

“The brilliance and resilience in the young people I serve is a reminder to me of why this work matters. My work is defined daily by each and every young person who has their ‘ah-ha’ moment of what is possible for them and their life. ”

“As a first-generation college graduate, I am willing to learn, to share, to push, and to develop so we can approach this work in response to the needs of our students. They are my motivation to do better and help them find their path to college and beyond. ”

“As an immigrant and first-generation graduate, I do this work to create opportunities for others. OneGoal has established itself as a model for postsecondary achievement, and a force that has moved the needle on closing the college divide. ”

“I have inherited a motivation to seek educational advancement for black + brown youth from my great-grandparents and grandparents who were not allowed to attend college, let alone primary and/or secondary school. Their resilience to persist despite having little to no access contribute to my being here; and like them, I am determined to cultivate pathways of success, especially for those impacted by similar forms of injustice. ”

“I am driven to do this work because I have a strong passion in working with students in underserved communities to ensure they recognize their potential and have equitable educational opportunities to achieve their postsecondary aspirations and dreams. ”

“Through my experiences of tutoring in underserved communities throughout college, I quickly came to realize the great potential all my students held. However, what was missing for many was the link between their potential and the opportunity they deserved. This link was information, resources and access. It was then that I committed myself to serving underserved communities in hopes to help provide that missing link. ”

“It’s rare to find workplaces where every individual is passionate about what he/she does. It was evident from my first day here that this is where everyone wants to be and that they wholeheartedly believe in their work. That’s inspiring to me as an employee and reiterates the idea that we’re all working toward something bigger than ourselves. ”

“Our Fellows motivate me in my day-to-day work. The trust our Fellows place in us to equip them with the tools to change the trajectory of their lives, and in turn their family and community, motivates me to give my best every minute of every day. ”

““If we don’t figure out a way to create equity, real equity, of opportunity and access, to good schools, housing, health care, and decent paying jobs, we’re not going to survive as a productive and healthy society.” -Tim Wise ”

“I do this work because quality education around college access should be a given to all students and should not be the factor that hinders you from achieving your dreams. ”

“I saw two of my close friends fail out of their colleges freshman year. They were bright and hardworking students who lacked direction in choosing the right school and navigating the maze of higher education systems. I am extremely motivated to make sure this does not happen to OneGoal Fellows. ”

“When I was given the opportunity to be a OneGoal Program Director, it let me know just how real of a problem educational inequity was in the lives of not only the students in my classroom, but students across the country and educational system as a whole. I want to do my part to change that. ”

“ I do this work because I have experienced and witnessed the impact of lack of educational equity for individuals who are LGBTQ and members of intersecting communities of color. I firmly believe education is the most empowering path out of poverty. ”

“My parents worked hard and used their privileges to give me access to amazing educational and enrichment opportunities inside and outside the classroom. I want to use what I have gained and my privilege to help others achieve their own personal goals while also dismantling the systems that restrict opportunities in the first place. ”

“I know what is feels like to need accesses and exposure. I am committed to helping others gain both. ”

“When discussing the future for our children and students, the cliche is that education is the key. But for too many of our black and brown students, dreams of college (and the professional careers that follow) remain exactly that – a dream. I work with OneGoal because I want to provide a real opportunity for underserved yet talented and promising young men and women to make that college dream into a reality. ”

“My life’s work includes encouraging students to develop their inner potential to accomplish their goals, and providing support along the way. I believe that all students can persist to graduate from college if they are given the resources needed to navigate college admissions and to achieve academic success. ”

“My work is defined by impact. Every one of our Fellows who is progressing towards and succeeding in their postsecondary path forms a defining moment for me. ”

“My work is defined by the blood, sweat, and tears of my fearless ancestors who sacrificed to ensure I become their wildest dreams. ”

“My grandmother, a daughter of a sharecropping family with only a middle school education, instilled in my mother the belief that the best way to change her circumstances was through education. My mother went on to achieve the highest level of education and shared that belief with me, enabling me to graduate college with the conviction that college positively changes the trajectory of a person’s life. ”

“I’m motivated by the thoughtful, innovative, and difficult conversations my team and I have in order to better serve Fellows and Program Directors around the city of Houston. ”

““Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela ”

“At a young age I internalized the belief that school and its meritocratic promise was a truth that applied only to more privileged populations and was incongruous to me due to some discriminating principle. If it had not been for the guidance I received from teachers and mentors who convinced me that I too could attend college, I would not have fully realized the intimate experience of understanding the true power of education in guiding and building the foundation of an individual’s success. ”

“I do this work to be the change I want to see in the world. ”

“I believe that all students in this country should have the opportunity to attain a postsecondary degree regardless of race or socio-economic status. ”

“What defines my work is the belief that black and brown young people deserve a high-quality education. ”

“My work is defined by curiosity. I am grateful to work in a field that values asking why things are, and how they could be better. ”

“The audacious goals and visions my students shared with me in our OneGoal classroom motivate me to work towards a world that is ready to receive them. As a first generation student of color, I knew how important having a community of support was in helping me navigate a system that was not built to include me. All students deserve to have the same community of support. ”

“I first became interested in working toward educational equity when I realized that my frustrations in all my previous internships and jobs stemmed from my understanding of the systemic issues that control educational structures. It’s my goal to positively disrupt the system. ”

“My work is defined by what Martin Luther King Jr. coined as “the fierce urgency of now.” We cannot afford to wait to push our hardest for our Fellows and the students we haven’t yet had the privilege of engaging. ”

“I am deeply motivated by the solvability of the problem we’re working to address. We know that potential is equally distributed, even if opportunity is not. I’m excited to rally our community of educators, partners and supporters to create a dramatically different reality for our Fellows. ”

“I believe that it is an injustice to live passively within systems of oppression that we know disenfranchise communities and groups of people from the opportunity to fully participate and thrive in society. I strive to create more just and equitable outcomes. Educational inequity and its consequences is the injustice I get to confront in my job and for that I am extremely proud and grateful. ”

“As a Prep for Prep scholar, I saw at a young age the disparity in educational opportunities within my city and community. Although I am proud of my journey thus far, I recognize that black and brown children do not enter the educational space on a level playing field. I am committed to working towards helping our brilliant Fellows recognize their potential and excel in the postsecondary space. ”

“Every student deserves an equitable opportunity to live the life that they dream of, regardless of race or income. I believe that this should be a reality across this country, and I’m honored to be a part of a team that is pushing to achieve this reality. ”

“I do this work because I want my former 6th graders, who will be graduating high school in three years, to not only have access to entering college, but the skills and resources persist through college. ”

“The opportunity to touch the lives of youth in cities across Metro Atlanta, collaborate to create additional pathways to success and the ability to mentor and advocate for youth from every walk of life defines my work. It’s the lens through which I see my purpose and find fulfillment. ”

“My first job out of college was in the educational equity space and I haven’t looked back. It is my life’s calling and I consider it a privilege to do work that brings meaning to my life. ”

“After relocating to New York City following college graduation, I was exposed to the shocking divide between the wealthy and impoverished. This vicious poverty cycle, in most cases, was directly connected to the lack of fair and equal educational opportunities within low-income communities, especially for minority students. I feel an overwhelming push to change this trajectory. ”

“My work is defined by the ‘aha’ moments that our students have when possibilities become achievable opportunities. ”

“As a first-generation college graduate, the opportunities that have been afforded to me as a result of my college education were life changing. I believe it is my responsibility to give back to my community. I would be remiss if I did not work to create those same opportunities for students like me. ”

“Because I was once in the shoes of the students that we serve, I have no choice but to pay it forward and help students realize that they are no different from their peers who are given more opportunities than they are. ”

“While I was at Fordham University and knew that I wanted to become a teacher, I started volunteering in schools in the Bronx and witnessed the stark difference that a school’s setting and teacher’s passion can make in whether or not a class of students is engaged in learning. From that point on, I wanted to be the teacher that held my students to high expectations and supported them as they met those expectations no matter what my school’s budget, resources or setting may be. ”

“I’ve always worked toward educational equity, starting when I was a student. As one of the few black/people of color in my classrooms I fought my teachers to learn more about my history and culture as well as to be seen as a capable and intelligent student. ”

“I was privileged to grow up in several countries and among varied cultures. I was shaped by the diversity of these experiences and witnessed the power of education in every setting. While languages, cultures, and foods varied, the opportunity education represented remained a true constant, as did the inequity that existed in this space. Because of these experiences, I have always wanted to work towards creating more equitable education systems for all students; OneGoal has provided me the opportunity to do so. ”

“My senior year of undergrad, I interned at a small (now defunded) nonprofit called Opening Minds: The Washington Region for Justice & Inclusion in Silver Spring, MD. There I got to partner directly with motivated young people who wanted to feel empowered to determine their future, influence those around them, and not just follow the trajectory that had been prescribed for them. I’m motivated by this kind of student-led positive change. ”

“The education a student receives goes on to affect every part of their adult life. My goal is to create solutions and systems through data-driven methods so that the students we serve have the opportunity to be successful in college and beyond. ”

“I previously taught third and fourth grade at a charter school in Harlem, New York working towards educational equity for all students. ”

“This is the most important work in the world. Education opens doors and enables choice, and college is the baseline for preparing students to work, build skills, and have the persistence to be whoever they want to be and do whatever they want to do in life. ”

“The community I come from, the students who live there and the harsh realities of inequality that they face, that we face, commit me to this work with an unwavering passion and commitment. ”

“As a second-generation American and first-generation high school and college graduate who struggled in school most of my life, I do this work to honor my parents who never stopped believing in and supporting me. I do this work for my own children, Akemi and Kamau, who deserve to live in a world with peers who have equitable opportunities — because inevitably that will make the world a better place for them. ”

“After spending many years as a strategy consultant, I switched careers because working toward educational equity was my personal passion, and as I learned, my professional purpose. The faith that we can—and will—positively impact the lives of black and brown students is what motivates me every day. ”

“I do this work because I am passionate about educational equity and closing the degree divide. Education should be a right for all, not just the privileged few. ”

“Usually, what defines my work is the persistence of systemic oppression, flawed education policies and standards, as well as inequitable distribution of resources within our communities. On most days however, it is the growth and achievements of students I know personally that propels me forward. ”

“I first started working toward educational equity in 2009 as a special education teacher outside of New Orleans, LA. Now I spend time with our most important audiences—students, teachers, and school leaders—to grow OneGoal’s reach. ”

“Finding ways to clear a path for students to focus on what they need to do to be successful in college is an exciting challenge. The college admissions and enrollment process is overwhelming enough. If I can guide our Fellows to school partners who will make tackling college easier, then our Fellows will be able to spend more time chasing their dreams. ”

“I understand that my educational background is deeply privileged, but don’t believe it should be. Every student, no matter their background, socioeconomic status, or location, deserves a quality education and deserves to find employment that challenges them and excites them, no matter how much education that employment requires. ”