Last week, Education Pioneers (EP) hosted a Community Gathering in Austin, TX, welcoming more than 30 Alumni, partners, and supporters spanning roles and organizations across the state. The group came together to build relationships, learn from one another, and reflect on the role strong leadership plays in strengthening public education.
To open the night, several local EP Alumni reflected on their EP journeys and how the network continues to shape their leadership today.
Jasmine Ferguson (2021) kicked things off by sharing insights from her Fellowship experience and how it informs her current work as EP’s Director of Local Impact leading the organization’s efforts in Texas.
Alyssa Morton (2015) then took the mic, describing the role EP has played across different stages of her career, first as an EP staff member supporting growth in the state, then as a Fellow, and now her service as a national board member and partner hosting Fellows.
She then highlighted the value EP Fellows bring to her organization, from her perspective as CEO of Empower Schools: “When my team members come to me needing strong capacity or when I think they’re ready to expand their leadership skills, we seek out an EP Fellow.”
John Troy (2008) echoed her remarks and emphasized that EP’s impact extends well beyond a single placement. “If you are considering hiring an EP Fellow, you are hiring a talented person for your team and also getting an EP family,” he shared. “Your organization will be better for it.”
Jasmine, Alyssa, and John’s reflections all point to what EP has consistently seen drive systems-level change locally: leaders who stay engaged with EP’s network and make space for new leaders as their careers evolve.
Since 2010, EP has partnered with more than 65 organizations across Texas and built a statewide network of over 250 Alumni and counting. As this work grows, we invite you to be part of it in a few concrete ways:
- Invest in EP’s work in Texas. Support EP by making a personal gift or connecting us to others who believe strong leadership is essential to the sector, especially here in Central Texas. To share introductions or explore partnership opportunities, email [email protected].
- Invest in an EP Fellow. If you lead a team, serve on a board, or advise an organization, consider hosting a Fellow. Your organization will gain real capacity while supporting an emerging leader as they build experience that fuels long-term impact. To learn more, visit our website or reach out to Jasmine Ferguson to start a conversation.
- Invest in our shared community. Continue building relationships within the EP network and help extend the circle of champions supporting education across the region.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Austin and to those who continue to support EP’s mission in Central Texas, across the state, and nationwide.
A special thank-you to EP Alumni Alexis Bauserman (2012), Megan Aghazadian (2008), Hannah Foley (2018), and Jennifer Jendrzey (2014), for helping make the event possible!