Q4 – Partner QuarterLEE Digest

A long-time advocate and educator, Victoria came to the race with more than eight years of experience working with college access and success programs. In her full-time role, she is an early college program supervisor who supports high school students transitioning into college and the workforce. 

Victoria’s values of creating a support system where students can gain a sense of fun, freedom, power, and belonging were the impetus of her campaign. As a first time candidate, Victoria used LEE supports to ensure a successful race.

“LEE was the jumpstart of my campaign,” she said. “Before submitting my petition, I had the opportunity to meet with LEE staff to guide me through the process and familiarize myself with key dates and deadlines. I was advised on my next steps to form a committee for my campaign finance, create an EIN Number, and open a campaign bank account.”

With the help of LEE, Victoria was able to craft her candidate bio, key messages, and other collateral. She also received support in preparing for her candidate forum and worked with LEE’s digital staff to create a logo, website, and campaign email. 

“LEE was a big reason for my peace throughout my campaign,” Victoria said. “I knew I could count on them and wholeheartedly trust them to answer and encourage me with any doubts or concerns.” 

Victoria will continue working with LEE to bolster her impact as a newly-elected leader. Immediately following her race, with the help of LEE, she attended the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Institute for New Elected Officials, where she joined nearly 70 other new elected Latino policymakers in interactive discussions, learning sessions, and networking opportunities to prepare them as they launch their careers in public service. 

With her term starting in the beginning of 2025, Victoria’s priorities as a board member include empowering early learners, integrating family and community engagement, and adopting a student-focused agenda.

2024 Policy Advisor Fellows

The 2024 Policy Advisor Fellowship (PAF) culminated in December. 20 fellows participated in the accelerated, three-month program for LEE members interested in gaining hands-on experience in policy and advocacy. Fellows serve as part-time policy advisors to senior LEE leaders in high-impact roles, committing around 10 hours per week to projects and engagements. Find out what some of the last LEE PAF cohort accomplished. 

This year’s PAF included fellows from New Memphis Institute; Teach For America; Latinos for Education; Public Allies; School Board Partners; and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. Fellows shared their capstone presentations in a virtual presentation to peers and hosts, sharing stories of impact, including from: 

• Alexandra Martinez (L4E, placed with Chelsea Public Schools), who said that her experience–which included supporting the conception and modification of a newly introduced middle school cell phone policy–enhanced her expertise in policy implementation and advocacy, positioning me for greater impact in creating inclusive, data-driven solutions and advancing systemic change.

• Britney Ogbunugafor (New Memphis Institute, placed with the City of New Carrollton, Maryland. Councilwoman Briana Urbina), who researched solutions to address concerns within the city regarding residents and board members. “I have developed a more nuanced understanding of the complexities involved in policy work, particularly at the municipal level. I discovered the numerous stages required to conceptualize, formulate, and promote a solution to a problem, as well as the importance of compromise. Listening to Councilwoman Urbina’s insights and experiences in her position has heightened my awareness of the significant effort necessary to effect change in the realm of policy and advocacy.”

• Erica Coleman (TFA, placed with Durham Public Schools), who developed a governance manual for clarity and consistency in board operations for DPS Board Members, conducted a gap analysis comparing DPS policies with other comparable school districts to identify areas for improvement, and proposed actionable policy recommendations to support strategic decision-making and operational excellence.

Partners in Action

• IDEA Achieve Academy welcomed LEE staff to learn more about LEE member supports and to share incredible stories about the school and its “army of parents,” who advocate through the PTA. 

• CHCI members attended a “Know Your Ballot: A Simple Guide to Voting” event to help navigate their voting process with confidence. Attendees talked through how to understand candidates, interpret ballot measures, and avoid common mistakes. 

• Public Allies members from regions all over the U.S. attended “Understanding Power & Growing Collective Power” a session that explored perspectives on power and sources of power, introduced the tool of Individual Relational Meetings, and offered a space for members to connect with one another. Members engaged in experiential activities, several small and full group discussions, a video, brainstorms, mini-workshops, and a Q/A with LEE staff.

• DREAM members learned how to navigate a successful job search through LEE’s virtual “Career Hacks 101: Tips for Elevating Your Job Search.” The session offered strategies to help members transfer their current skills and experiences, learn how to identify roles that are a good fit, and enhance their professional brand in preparation for their next career opportunity.

If you have any upcoming events or opportunities you’d like highlighted in a future Partnership QuarterLEE, or you just want to get in touch, please feel free to email me at sarah.sandoval-mohapatra@educationalequity.org.

We look forward to continuing this quarterly opportunity to collaborate, connect, and celebrate our work together.