Frances Messano on LinkedIn: #newschoolssummit2024 #leadership #diversity #careeradvancement… (2024)

I'm thrilled to share that I’ve joined the board of an organization that’s been instrumental in my professional journey: Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT). MLT empowers talented individuals from underrepresented communities to accelerate their careers with the goal of closing our nation’s racial wealth gap.As I reflect on my own path, it feels like a full circle moment. At 26, I realized my life’s work wasn’t in finance. I wanted to find a calling that truly fulfilled me, so I pursued an MBA to help me change careers. Friends who were on similar paths pointed me to MLT, where I found deep support and a community of Black, Latino, and Native leaders who, like me, were seeking opportunity. The community I built there is still central to my life today, including close friendships with Ime Archibong, Constance (CJ) Jones, MBA, Joia Pardo-Matthews, Harlyn Pacheco, and so many others.The support and guidance from MLT helped me find my true calling in education, fueling my passion for preparing students of color to succeed, which ultimately led me to become the CEO of NewSchools. So when John Rice, who has been a long-time mentor and friend, asked me to join the board and serve as one of their first two alumni directors, I couldn’t resist the opportunity. I am honored to serve alongside my good friend, Ime Archibong.Thank you to MLT for this incredible opportunity. I look forward to working with such a dynamic and visionary group of leaders to continue driving impact for our communities.One last thing, it’s not too late to make your annual contribution to MLT. Click here to give: https://bit.ly/4bCzqFb (Alumni, I’m looking at you!)#Leadership #Diversity #Inclusion #ExecutiveLeadership #BoardLeadership #DiverseLeaders

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Always ready to have a dance party with you, Tequilla. We can do serious work on behalf of our students and educators, and not take ourselves too seriously as we do it. Grateful for your leadership and having a chance to dance together as we spread a message of hope, optimism and the real work we need to do together. Appreciate you, sis.

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I want to thank Tequilla Brownie, Ed.D., Chip Linehan, Michelle Brown and Khalil Graham for sharing their brilliance with our Summit community. They shared stories rooted in possibility of how we can stand by our young people and educators in this moment in time. I left feeling inspired and uplifted and can't wait to share the video from our discussion.

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Hope= Belief + Intentional ActionSummit 2024… What an experience! It was so good to be back in person, with our ventures, partners, and supporters. While there, I shared my hopes for education and listened intently as folks shared their hopes too. Many of the attendees talked about how different, how inclusive, our community felt. We reflected on the meaningful progress we are making as a field, and reminded ourselves of the power of bold leaders stepping into the courage of their convictions. The conversations, whether on stage or in the halls, were a call to action, reminding us that our work is critical and far from done — that the challenges are significant, but the opportunities are too. At NewSchools, our commitment to reimagining education in partnership with educators, entrepreneurs, and students is unwavering. We will keep seeding innovation and expanding what works, bridging the gap between what is and what could be in education.As folks close out the school year, I hope that #NewSchoolsSummit2024 left you feeling cared for and empowered, rejuvenated and hopeful — ready to act on a new idea or connection to propel your work forward. Thanks to everyone who attended and to Chip, Tequilla, Khalil, David, and each of the leaders who shared their brilliance with our community. P.S. If you missed the event, stay tuned for the video and photo highlights!

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This year NewSchools announced our 2024-26 Strategy, and we’re leading with optimism. Over the next few years, we’re making investments in three key areas: Innovative Schools, Learning Solutions, and Teaching Reimagined.Though tomorrow's challenges are uncertain, one thing is clear: a better future begins in our classrooms. Education fuels progress.But that's not all: Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion will be at the heart of everything we do.We're on a mission to support innovations that cater to the unique needs of every student, including students of color, students experiencing poverty and those with learning differences. Plus, we're diving deep into how high schools can support college and career connected learning and how gen AI can unlock more possibilities for personalization. For a more detailed look into our vision and the principles guiding our strategy, check out my blog post. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eeQB2mq2

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To all the mothers and all those who mother, I am wishing you a Happy Mother’s Day. I became a bonus mom to my husband,Maurice Tuiasosopo Bell’s, three amazing kids 5 years ago; kids that are now my own. And I have learned how hard it is to be the mother, wife, sister, friend and CEO I want to be. But despite the challenges, there is so much beauty in this alternative expression of motherhood. I have grown so much as a person, and I am still becoming. Thank you to my mom, Ana Messano, my sisters, Kimberly Messano and Kandace Hudson, and my amiga Joia Pardo-Matthews, who inspire me to be the best mother I can be. So today, I not only want to shout out all the mamas, but I also want to appreciate all the bonus moms, aunties, tias, adoptive moms and educators who stand by all of our young people. Thank you for all you do every day. And for those of you who might be feeling pain today because you have lost your mother or have had challenges becoming a mother, as I have, I am sending you love and acknowledging you too.

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I always knew that I wanted to go to college, but I never dared to create a wishlist of schools. There was something scary about setting a specific goal, but I was lucky that there was someone dreaming bigger dreams for me. Ms. Bobbie Swain knew ME and saw my potential. As my AP Biology teacher and guidance counselor, she was the first person who said, “You can apply to Harvard and actually get in. No one is guaranteed admission, but you have what it takes.” She raised my aspirations and belief in what was possible. Because of her, I applied, attended and graduated from Harvard. This #TeacherAppreciation week, I’m giving thanks to Ms. Swain and so many teachers like her who push us to set ambitious goals, aspire for more, and live out our wildest dreams.

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Thank you for sharing these insightful reflections as you begin your next chapter, Rachel. I found myself saying YES, YES, YES to all your shared. We need to build crazy coalitions comprised of a broad group of leaders with a range of perspectives to drive change in education. And it will take time to build the change we seek. Thank you for always leading with your heart and head, and for pushing us to consider new possibilities.

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I am in awe of the incredible Carlos R. Moreno and the way he leads with heart, vulnerability and authenticity. Carlos reminds us to lead with the fullness of our humanity and to share our truth so we can inspire the next generation to be themselves. Congratulations on this significant accomplishment of writing your first book, Finding Your Leadership Soul, hermano. We can’t wait to host a book talk in the Bay!

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