On this Valentine’s Day, we’ve gathered just a couple stories of EP Alum sweethearts who share a passion for education and equity. Enjoy! We know there are more out there — leave a note in the comments and we’ll share yours next year!
Barry Tyler Jr. (2017) & Erin Tyler (Liedell) (2017)
How did you meet?
We were on staff at Teach For America Chicago and Northwest Indiana.
What’s your favorite shared EP memory?
Erin was selected to be a EP Fellow well before I was. We knew she was going to serve with the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood for up to a year but a few months later, I was given the opportunity to be an EP Visiting Fellow through my current organization (OneGoal). Part of my interview with the Chicago EP team consisted of a conversation around my plans to propose that following weekend! Throughout our EP experience, we were actually a part of the same cohort and also ended up working on our final project together.
What are you doing since your EP Fellowships?
We got married and purchased our first home about 8 months after we wrapped up our EP experience. Erin was named a 2018 EP Agent of Change and is currently in her last semester of grad school and will be graduating with her Master’s in Social Work in May. She is also working as a Social Work Intern through Chicago Public Schools and a part time staff member with TFA Charlotte. I am still working for OneGoal and I have recently launched my campaign for City Council in my hometown of Hammond, Indiana.
Lauren Nichols Romansky (2010) & Carter Romansky (2008)
How did you meet?
We met at the Boston interview reception at the Harvard Kennedy School. It was Feb 19, 2010. Carter was there in Alumni capacity to build interest and answer questions on the Fellowship; Lauren was interviewing for a summer 2010 Fellowship. We became fast friends, and really appreciated the other’s focus on equity and service.
What’s your favorite shared EP memory?
We built a friendship continuing to connect on what was going on in the education reform movement as Lauren began to chart the course through the Fellowship. Carter suggested Lauren connect with the Achievement Network — she did, and loved her placement there. Of course two years later he would end up working there (and still does!).
What are you doing since your EP Fellowships?
Personally, we were married almost exactly 5 years after we met. We have two daughters, Julia (3) and Paige (1). Professionally, Carter is the Chief Business Development and Insights Officer at the Achievement Network. Lauren is a Managing Vice President at Gartner, where she oversees a research team serving HR leaders on a variety of organizational culture challenges, including diversity and inclusion.
By Colleen Downie, February 14, 2019
