My name is Robin Francis and I have worked in the field of education for over 20 years.  Throughout my years I have been a classroom teacher, building principal and Director of Equity to name a few. I found my role as an Equity Leader one of the most challenging and isolating of my career.  My role came with many of those “other duties as assigned” tasks that took me off my path and I began to question if I was walking in my purpose. I began to wonder if those other tasks were code for let’s not do the real work because it is too uncomfortable, too hard, and not the“right time”. 

Internally, I found myself working to check boxes that never impacted the real work. Budgetary constrictions, conversations about my department staffing, and community conflict became my daily experience. My external struggle was defending the misperception of our work and the fight for its very existence.  Where was the conversation and strategy that would create space for our scholars to feel they belonged and were brilliant? 

In these moments I realized I could not wait for someone to make change, and I was the person I was waiting for. I knew I had to move through this work differently.   

Your voice matters, your perspective is crucial, and your presence is the catalyst for transformation. Seize the opportunity to be a part of this influential community of equity leaders and aspiring equity leaders dedicated to advancing equity and shaping a better tomorrow for all.