I grew up in a small, religious community and was unaware of many educational opportunities available after high school. Learning and education were often seen as something to fear because I would learn things that didn’t align with the narrow worldview of my community. At the same time, my parents were inquisitive people that taught my brother and me to always be curious and question everything. Growing up with this cognitive dissonance eventually led me out of my small community and into the unknown of college, the Peace Corps in Nepal, teaching English in Thailand, and eventually graduate school in New York. In these new environments, I was allowed and even encouraged to be curious and question systems that were harmful and built from a fear-based mindset. I felt like I had finally found a space where I could embrace curiosity instead of always being in trouble for asking too many questions.

I am so excited to be part of the Portico community because I believe as adults we have a responsibility to create spaces where students can learn, grow, and show up as their whole selves. Many of our historical education systems are set up in ways that stifle natural human learning and curiosity, but leaders in Portico are disrupting these systems and no longer accepting the status quo. They are creating spaces for students to thrive not just academically but as critical thinkers, caring community members, and people who are innovative and ready for their futures…whatever those futures may be.

Leaders in the Portico community understand that this is a moment in time when it is clear that old structures and systems are no longer serving our communities and have been harming students of color and LGBTQ students since the beginning. As the Director of Portico, I get to work with a team of folks who are passionate and committed to this work and are ready to do whatever it takes to support leaders as they create spaces where students thrive! That’s why I’m here and truly believe we can build a better future for our students.