As a Montessori early childhood teacher at the Ancona School, I assist and support children to gain the skills they need to succeed, including an awareness and understanding of equity and inclusion. This work combines my passion for young people, my commitment to social justice and my experience in examining issues of race, gender and poverty. The pandemic led me to re-evaluate and shift my life to pursue perhaps the most meaningful work of my career. I bring three decades of experience into the classroom in a variety of roles, including: * a youth advocate, having supported and worked with leaders in Good Kids Mad City, Mikva Challenge and other organizations, and serving on the Ray Elementary LSC* a consultant, supporting leaders and organizations to increase their effectiveness, skills and knowledge, especially around race and other equity issues. Clients have included Enlace, the Chicago Community Trust, the Chicago Urban League and the Latino Policy Forum; *a non-profit leader and manager, having overseen strategy, culture, operations, programs and other aspects of organizational work in a variety of roles;* a statewide advocacy leader, serving as a speechwriter and policy advisor to former Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan;* a former member of the Chicago African Americans in Philanthropy leadership team and director of Programs of Chicago Foundation for Women, where I oversaw nearly $2 million in annual grantmaking to more than 100 organizations serving women and girls; * a journalist and extensive public speaker, as Editor & Publisher of The Chicago ReporterOutside of the classroom, I am happiest playing with my miniature dachshund, Raza. I enjoy all things musical and am a proud alum of the alto section of the Chicago Community Chorus.