Reflecting on Advocacy: A Journey for Educational Equity in Boston Public Schools 📍

As I look back on my journey as a parent advocate within Boston Public Schools (BPS), I am reminded of the profound impact advocacy can have—not just on my own life, but on the lives of countless families across our district. I have strived to be more than just a name within the BPS community; I have aimed to be a beacon of hope and a living example of what it means to stand up for educational justice.

First and foremost, I am a devoted mother to my son, Landen, a proud BPS graduate. My role as his mother made me a fierce defender of equity. My commitment has always been to the children of BPS—especially the most vulnerable. Through my work—from navigating special education rights to leading the charge to Save the Dever—I’ve seen that parental love, when channeled into action, can move mountains.

As I step down from my formal role, I reflect on the three pillars that guided my work: Empowerment, Equity, and Inclusivity. These aren't just values; they are a roadmap for the parents, educators, and leaders who will carry this torch forward.

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💭 Empowerment: Giving Parents a Voice 💭

One of the most vital lessons of my journey is the power of teaching parents to become their own best advocates. I have watched families move from feeling silenced by a complex system to mobilizing with confidence.

A defining moment was leading the Save the Dever Movement. The Dever Elementary was more than a school; it was a family-oriented sanctuary for children who are often marginalized. When closure loomed, our movement wasn't just about a building—it was about solidarity. We organized rallies and gathered petitions, proving that when parents are equipped with knowledge and confidence, they can challenge even the most entrenched systems. We proved that our voices matter.

📘 Equity: Fighting for What’s Right 📘

Equity has been the heartbeat of my work. I have always been a vocal critic of policies that disproportionately affect underserved neighborhoods. My fight for the Dever was rooted in a simple truth: you cannot achieve equity by dismantling the very institutions that low-income families rely on for stability and growth.

Despite our tireless efforts, the School Committee voted 5-2 to close the school. In that moment, I felt utterly defeated. It felt like a personal failure—as if the system’s volume had simply drowned out the needs of the people. But in the depths of that heartbreak, I realized that while we lost a battle, the war for educational justice was far from over. That defeat didn't stop me; it fueled a deeper determination to ensure that no child’s potential is sacrificed for a budget line.

🏆 Inclusivity: Embracing Every Child’s Needs 🏆

True inclusivity means celebrating a child’s unique abilities rather than treating them as obstacles. As a mother to a son with autism and ADHD, this work was deeply personal. I’ve pushed for a BPS that sees diverse learning needs as assets, building community around those needs rather than forcing children to fit a rigid mold.

Inclusivity isn't just a policy on a website; it’s the culture in our hallways and the attitudes in our classrooms. My goal has always been to foster an environment where every student—regardless of physical, intellectual, or emotional needs—is seen, heard, and supported.

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🏫 Building Relationships and Community 🏫

At the core of change are trusting relationships. Real advocacy happens in the space between families and schools. I’ve worked daily to bridge that gap, creating spaces where parents feel safe to share their experiences. I believe that emails and policy papers are important, but the foundation of our future success is the trust we build with one another in our neighborhoods.

💪 A Legacy of Continued Advocacy 💪

While I am moving on from this specific role, I know my work will continue through the advocates I’ve stood beside. My commitment to marginalized families has left an indelible mark, and I am confident that the next generation of leaders will continue fighting for a parent-empowered system.

To the parents and educators carrying this forward: Advocate fearlessly. Remember that the love and dedication you have for your children is the most powerful force for change in any school system. Together, we can ensure that every child—no matter their background—has access to the future they deserve.

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🗣️ Words that Stay with Me 🗣️

“You have been a relentless and fearless advocate.” — Suleika Soto, FAMCOSA

“Thank you for your activism, dedication, and care for our students and families.” — Elise Petcher, FAMCOSA

“Thank you for investing your energy to make sure family voices are always heard.” — Mary Skipper, BPS Superintendent

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💙 A Heartfelt Thank You 💙

As I close this chapter of my advocacy journey, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the entire Boston Public Schools community. It has been an honor to stand alongside so many passionate parents, educators, and community members. Through the triumphs and the setbacks, you have been my family, and I am proud to have played a part in our collective efforts toward equity and inclusivity.

A special thank you goes to the Dever Community. You are the reason this work was so deeply personal. When closure loomed, you showed up, spoke up, and stood in solidarity. While we may not have been able to save the building, we are forever connected by the love we have for our children. The Dever is, and will always be, family.

I also want to express my sincere appreciation to Principal Ms. Reardon. Thank you for trusting me to lead and support our families during the Save the Dever Movement. Your unwavering dedication to our students has been an inspiration, and it was a privilege to fight alongside you.

But let this be clear: although I am stepping down, our work is not finished. We still have so much work to do! The road to true equity is long, and I challenge each of you to keep showing up, keep speaking out, and keep pushing for the schools our children deserve.

The fight continues.