A Message from Dr. Gislaine N. Ngounou, Interim President and CEO, Nellie Mae Education Foundation

Gratitude, commitment, resilience, power, youth, rest, love, and joy; these are all words that resonate deeply as we get ready to wrap up the year. In 2022, we were inspired by the unwavering commitment our partners model in the work towards justice and liberation. We continue to learn from the power and resilience of grassroot organizations and communities leading the way to ensure that democracy is protected and rebuilt in ways that allow everyone to live safely and to thrive. We are filled with gratitude for all the partners whose efforts dismantle inequities and move schools and communities closer to racial justice in public education and beyond. We are reminded that youth are powerful, brilliant, and critical to the transformation of society — therefore, we must continue to amplify their voices and leadership.

As we get ready to turn the page on 2022, we acknowledge that the world continues to go through a lot. We once again end this year with deep gratitude and profound contemplation. Thank you. We also know that rest and restoration are essential components of the journey. We hope you have an opportunity to unplug, to take a break, to be. We look forward to a new year filled with hope, opportunity, and an abundance of things that facilitate our collective flourishing.

We wish you a holiday season filled with rest, restoration, love, and joy!

In Community and Solidarity,

Dr. Gislaine N. Ngounou, Interim President and CEO, Nellie Mae Education Foundation