Dear Friends,
I am ecstatic to announce the appointments of Dia Bryant, Ed.L.D., to serve as the executive director of The Education Trust–New York (Ed Trust–NY) and Christopher J. Nellum, Ph.D., to serve as executive director of The Education Trust–West (ETW).
This is a pivotal moment in U.S. history: The nation continues its reckoning on race, while COVID-19 persists relentlessly with the Delta variant. Amid the pushback against teaching about race and oppression in schools, school leaders are trying to find the best ways to address unfinished learning and reopen school buildings safely. That’s why having strong leaders of color at Ed Trust is paramount.
I am thrilled at the future policy, practice, and research solutions that both Dr. Bryant and Dr. Nellum will lead in New York and California to advance educational equity and justice for students. They will work to ensure that all students — regardless of their racial, cultural, linguistic, ability or economic backgrounds, their LGBTQ status, or immigration status — receive a high-quality education.
Dr. Bryant brings to New York a steadfast commitment and deep experience advancing education equity. She worked for the New York City Department of Education in multiple capacities for more than 16 years. She most recently served as Ed Trust–NY’s Deputy Director and Chief Partnership Officer. Dr. Bryant is a teacher, school founder, and previously served as the special assistant to the first deputy chancellor. She has worked and supported system-level school leaders domestically and internationally advising on instructional approaches, school design, equitable school improvement, and change management.
Dr. Nellum is a fierce advocate for all of California’s students, particularly those who face the most injustices. He previously served as the Deputy Director, Research and Policy at ETW, where he managed a team that created high-impact research and reports, including Hidden Figures: A Framework to Increase Access to Financial Aid and Hear My Voice II: Supporting Success for Parenting and Unhoused Women of Color, the first K-12 parent poll in California in response to COVID-19 and distance learning, and the launch of the organization’s Research in Brief series. Dr. Nellum brings a wealth of experience to this role. Previously, he worked for the National Center for Institutional Diversity, Young Invincibles, and the American Council on Education. He cut his teeth in education equity working directly with students on college campuses.
We look forward to the work that Dr. Bryant and Dr. Nellum will do to address inequities in their states and the work that they will do alongside educators, students, families, policymakers, civil rights activists, education advocates, and business leaders to eradicate them. They will build upon Ed Trust’s rich legacy and unwavering commitment to push for better policies and practices in support of students whom our educational systems have failed for far too long.
Working toward a more equitable and just future,
Denise
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