At a time of heightened tension and political divides, EdLoC members traveled from across the country to unite in our Nation's capital to advocate for our shared values. Twenty-one members gathered alongside our allies to speak truth to power during Hill Week on behalf of their students, families, and communities.

With the new Congress focusing on short-term political wins rather than opportunities for the next generation of students, we knew the stakes would be higher. But after a policy advocacy training designed to educate members on our policy priorities and how to engage policymakers in conversations in this moment, members were ready to address today's urgent issues with their representatives.

Public education is one of the few pathways to generational economic advancement, but it can only fulfill this promise when students have safe and secure learning environments. The current dismantling of public education and school funding, paired with hostile immigration policies, is a direct attack on the opportunities young people of color need and deserve.

I’ve witnessed firsthand how public education can transform entire communities. I was one of four brothers and one of the few in my hometown to graduate high school, and among even fewer to pursue higher education. School was my safe haven in a community where so many struggled. Now as a superintendent, I am committed to ensuring that every student sees themselves reflected in their education and believes in their potential for a better tomorrow.

Coming together in community, especially with fellow leaders of color who are driving impact across systems, is always powerful. But at this year’s ASU+GSV Summit, the sense of connection felt especially vital. Through EdLoC’s Book Talk series, we created space to reflect, listen, and reconnect with why we do this work. These were not just panels; they were moments that revitalized our shared purpose and deepened our commitment to young people of color.

At a time when public dollars are being routed away from our students, and communities of color continue being sidelined, how we show up as leaders, how we define progress, and how we build systems that actually shift power back to our people matters.