Willette Capers was told as a child that she was born to move mountains. That vision stayed with her and inspired her to pursue a career focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. As assistant vice provost for diversity, equity, and inclusion at
Abdirizak Diis believes in the power of education to change lives. Born in a refugee camp in Somalia, then evacuated to Kenya when he was young, he faced daunting challenges to complete his primary, secondary, and post-secondary education. He
Omar Guevara Soto imagines a community where food is readily available to every family at home and in school. A leader in culinary services in Minneapolis Public Schools, he has helped mobilize a revolution in school food over the past decade. He is
Alexander Leonard knows personally the impact of systemic racism and trauma on individuals in the education system. He also knows it is possible to equip educators with embodied practices that can build the endurance, stamina and discernment required
Mikisha Nation is on a mission to ensure that young people have greater power in the decisions that shape their lives. As executive director of Teach for America Twin Cities, she has led high-level change to build equity into the educational system
Kim Park Nelson views labor unions as key pathways for creating racially equitable and inclusive communities. A Korean adoptee and professor of ethnic studies, she has contributed foundational scholarship to build the field of critical adoption
Rose Chu, Ph.D., is on a mission to transform the public narrative about the teaching profession. She believes that teachers uncover the brilliance of students and are a pillar of democracy. Yet she observes that too few people are entering the
Dr. Artika Tyner is an accomplished educator, civil rights attorney, law professor and award-winning children's book author who beat the odds as a child growing up surrounded by incarcerated family members. She immersed herself in books from an early
Pang Yang is on a mission to close the opportunity gap for Hmong students. She believes that Hmong language reclamation, student-centered learning and student mental health are crucial factors in addressing the gap. Her passion for helping Hmong
Peter Hill is determined to revitalize Indigenous languages. Over the past 20 years living on the Pine Ridge Reservation, he has observed the rapid decline of Lakota speakers from 6,000 to fewer than 2,000 today. Nine years ago, he launched a Lakota
Salma Hussein is a connector, educator, healer and passionate advocate for Somali women and girls. She and her sister founded Girls Initiative in Recreation and Leisurely Sport (GIRLS), a nonprofit organization that has blossomed into a cross
Kimimila Locke (Dakota, Ahtna Dené & Anishnaabe) is on a quest to radically improve educational outcomes for Lakota youth. Over the past two decades, she has embedded culture and community strengths in learning to help students achieve significant