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For some, fall is synonymous with back to school. But here at 50CAN, we’re congratulating graduates of the 50CAN Education Advocacy Fellowship Class of 2016. Martín Pérez Jr, and Jumoke Hinton both completed the fellowship program at the end of September, and are bringing their advocacy skills and passion for educational equity to their communities.
Martín Pérez Jr., Arizona
Martín joined the 50CAN fellowship most recently from his position as a fifth-grade team leader at a low-income school in the Alhambra School District. Throughout the fellowship, Martín developed a strong advocacy skillset focused on how he could empower his students in and out of the classroom. After completing the fellowship, Martín was thrilled to accept the position of Assistant Principal of Operations and Academic Services at Academia del Pueblo. In his role at Academia del Pueblo, Martín advocates for individual learning styles for all students and facilitates innovative instructional leadership practices.
Jumoke Hinton, Oakland
Jumoke joined the 50CAN fellowship with more than two decades of experience working in Oakland’s education and community engagement spaces. Through the fellowship, Jumoke created a strategic plan to strengthen Oakland’s demand for equitable practices in classrooms. Jumoke completed the fellowship in September 2016 with a detailed policy agenda toensure equitable outcomes for students who are racially, economically and linguistically diverse in Oakland. She is currently seeking re-election to the Oakland Unified School District Board of Education with a lens to equity in the Oakland region. Through her campaign and her advocacy work, Jumoke is utilizing the advocacy tactics of coalition-building and grassroots organizing to strengthen partnerships in her community.
We’re excited to watch Martín and Jumoke join other 50CAN fellowship alumni as they put their advocacy strategies into practice for students in their communities. Atnre Alleyne of Delaware, Eva Colen of Virginia and Takashi Ohno of Hawaii will continue their fellowship though the end of the calendar year.
In just a few weeks, we will also welcome the fellowship class of 2017 to our network. Stay tuned for more information about these inspiring local leaders!