Urban Leaders Fellowship DC: Reflections & Projects Reveal
I write to you from sunny Alexandria, VA. I was greeted by some colleagues of mine that I already had as they said, "Welcome to the DMV." It took me a few seconds to determine what one of many acronyms I'd have to learn would mean. It stands for: DC, Maryland, and Virginia. This is the end of week one, and I must say, it was blog worthy to flesh out.
To pre-curse and say that it was an episodic, speed train paced, cinematic adventure thus far would be declared an understatement by me. WOWZERS!
How can I describe this? As a boots on the ground, in the trenches resident teacher and EDU activist, this has been a bit of a culture shock for me. To instantly be thrusted into the policy and politics realm of issues that I deeply concern myself and give my life over to, has been like a heavy steel rod whacking you on the top of your head, and you're seeing stars and trying to find your balance while walking briskly in forward motion. Buena suerte, right?
Yet, I was instantly greeted by my cohort that reps places like: Boston, NY, Belize, LA, and DC itself to name a few. They are some of the most talented, kindhearted, woke, and ridiculously gifted individuals I've ever met in one space. They went very quickly from fellows to friends. The camaraderie, shared consciousness, and collective burden to see justice take its place on the hills of oppression and policies that don't reflect the humanity of their constituents was and is resounding! With our fearless regional director Tej, we've already had some of the most provocative conversations on race, class, gender, white privilege, and equity-and I gotta feeling the party is just getting started. We are here for it!
To manifest is something thereby tangible for me now. I tweeted this tweet in January of this year, and well, look where I'm at now?
The Great Projects Reveal:
During our 7 week stay, we will engage the realm of policy and practice regarding social issues we are want to explore for a myriad of reasons. We will connect with a DC council member & a partner organization that is doing the work in the heart of the community. We didn't really know who and what we'd be paired up doing until we pretty much got down here, with some interviewing beforehand for an idea regarding our PO (partner organization). A dream so far for the agent of change right??! So here's the drumroll....
My Council member & Policy Project:
I'm thrilled to announce that I will be working with Council Member Brook Pinto on her "Women and Girls Empowerment" project!!!!!! Addressing the Period Act, Period Poverty, gender equity, and more! This lines up so perfectly to Project 214's Her Turn campaign and our first scholarship launch yesterday, while I'm in DC no less! Stars aligning and Heaven parting clouds for me for sure! DC girls can apply to the Her Turn Scholarship, as I'm already thinking of ways in which I can come baring gifts to the DC community. My heart and soul are doing a double dutch with this. If you know me, you know this policy project is so fitting, suits me, and is in my wheelhouse. How I champion for the girl, and now I get to do it at a national level, informing policy and offering recommendations with two of my cohort fellows turned friends. ALL WOMEN! Can I add that? My word, be still my spirit! I was born for this!
My Partner Organization:
My partner organization that I interviewed for and selected me is Strong Schools Maryland.
Their mission is to work to ensure a brighter future and world-class schools for all Maryland students. I will be focusing on their Blueprint for Maryland Bill. According to their website, they stated, "The Blueprint for Maryland's Future (House Bill 1300) became law in the 2021 state legislative session." This bill that fought to be passed is paving the way for Maryland students, teachers, and families in a way that is equitable & just. Below are the Blueprint's main Pillars that drive this legislation for the sake of its stakeholders and what it prioritizes.
I couldn't be more enthusiastic about diving in. A diverse teacher workforce and representation has been a recent passion for me, and it's no coincidence that it's one of their pillars. Come on now stars, keep aligning for your girl! This team is dope, my supervisor is a justice warrior & empathetic leader...of which I needed. This is very new ground for me: legislation, how bills are passed, policy memos, data analysis, etc, etc. Mrs. G. needed someone who was willing to ease her in and allow her to ask a ton of questions--I'm so blessed to be matched with someone who is all those things! Let's go! Her name is Shamoyia Gardiner, and I can't wait to learn from her bold leadership.
Here's my bio that's now on their website. OMG, I feel so part of this team now! I'm in the room with several teachers turned policy informer and shaker renegades. Ahi si! Dame mas!
What I'm Learning:
As an alumni council member focusing on Policy impact for Latinos for Education as I'm out here, I wanted to catalog my journey for the sake of others will come behind me. What's further, for my own personal growth and development in hopes that I will support other change agents who want to chart this path of the policy space for the sake of social change.
- Self-advocacy is your friend: Humility is mandatory when navigating new dimensions. I have not been short of questions, admitting my blindspots, & asking for clarity. It has gotten me through the first week that was very grueling. I'm guessing it will take me to the end.
- Take up space: Toggle between humility & assertion that radiates authenticity. I belong here, my life's canvas has painted enough hues and tones to display the fact that this is my North Star-advocacy work. We have to own this in spaces that exude power, professionalism, and high stakes.
- Stay close to your why: This has to stay close like the air touching your lungs. A compass of sorts, a guide, while cautiously staying open to what it can morph into.
- Water hose drinking ain't for the weak-Stay Strong: You'll be, I've been doused with tons of information, new language, the political landscape, and challenging ideologies all at the same time. It's a lot to process. Stay focused, stay strong. You got this, I got this!
- Be kind & take care of yourself: Don't abandon your best practices for self-care and mental health regimens. They will be crucial if one is going to survive programs that will push you beyond your limits.
- Lean into discomfort: New journeys are uncomfortable. Stepping outside of your zone of genius, your networks and support systems are intimidating. What I'm learning is when I catch myself inching away from situations, conversations, or even data and information that is making me uncomfortable, I'm forcing myself to lean into it, trying my best to wrap my mind around it, and activating self-advocacy along the way.
My regional director asked us what are our expectations of ourselves while here, as we have been given assess to power & keys to rooms that we have been invited to occupy. Here's my expectation for myself: To allow discomfort to really shape new nuances of my intellect & social impact, to bring all my assets to the table with finesse, humility, and integrity, and to stay conscious of ways to leverage my networks and streams of resources to give to the constituents I'm currently serving in the process.
Bid me well wishes, who knows where this venture will take me. Yet, I'm determined to discover uncharted pavement in my full-self, without code-switching, radiating a knowing and a belief that a great God and my ancestors got me to this very kairos moment.
Signing off with these timeless words:
"Every moment is an organizing opportunity, every person a potential activist, every minute a chance to change the world."
-Dolores Huerta