E3 Alliance's Director of Strong Foundations, is set to take the stage in Washington, D.C., as a featured presenter at the National School Boards Association (NSBA) Advocacy & Equity Institute
Sunday, January 31, 2025 – Austin, TX – Heather Salaz, Director of Strong Foundations, is set to take the stage in Washington, D.C., as a featured presenter at the National School Boards Association (NSBA) Advocacy & Equity Institute. This landmark event, scheduled for February 2-4, 2025, merges the renowned Equity Symposium and Advocacy Institute, highlighting the vital relationship between advocacy and equity in public education.
As a passionate champion for educational equity, Salaz will join fellow pros Brittany Brady, Ed.M., CAP®, CEO of the National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity (NAPE), and Kimberly Rowe, Director of Academics – Secondary at Round Rock ISD (TX), in a compelling session entitled “From Research to Results: Advancing Math Access for Equitable Student Success.” The trio session is scheduled for Monday, February 3rd from 10:30-11:45 A.M.
“Integrating advocacy into our initiatives is essential to addressing the educational disparities experienced by students and their families,” Salaz remarked. “It’s imperative that we elevate the lived experiences and voices into our data to ensure that educational policies mirror the unique needs of our communities.”
Heather Salaz, Director of Strong Foundations, E3 Alliance
The session led by Salaz, Brady, and Rowe will examine how collaborative efforts with E3 Alliance and NAPE have enabled Central Texas school districts to enhance equity in advanced math access through action research. Participants will discover a transformative model where student and parent feedback, data analysis, and root-cause assessments have driven significant changes in district policies and practices. Additionally, the discussion will trace the progression from classroom innovations to policymaking, culminating in the Texas Senate Bill 2124, which aims to widen math access for all students. Attendees will leave with valuable insights into leveraging action research to bolster advocacy and influence long-lasting policy change for student success.
Historically, the Equity Symposium and the Advocacy Institute have attracted hundreds of school board members, advocates, and educational leaders nationwide, addressing the various challenges within K-12 education. The merging of these influential gatherings emphasizes the pressing need for a comprehensive approach to educational equity and advocacy.
The Advocacy & Equity Institute is committed to promoting educational equity for every student and cultivating inclusive learning environments in public schools. Participants will engage with the latest developments in education policy and legislation and leave empowered with the tools and strategies necessary to dismantle barriers to equity in education.
The event will feature a remarkable lineup of influential speakers, such as:
- Brandon Farbstein, a Global Empowerment Speaker renowned for motivating youth, will tell his story of resilience and advocacy.
- Robert Kelty, Head of Outreach, Government Relations, and Development at the International Baccalaureate, North America, will discuss global standards in educational equity.
- Holly Robinson Peete, Actress, Author, Activist, and Philanthropist, will share her insights on advocacy and her personal experiences in promoting equity and access to education.
Salaz, a seasoned advocate with expertise in supporting systems for equitable outcomes for students, is excited to join forces with a dynamic group of education leaders committed to developing innovative solutions that cater to the diverse needs of every student.
About E3 Alliance: E3 Alliance is a nationally recognized, data-driven education collaborative and solutions provider based in Central Texas. We work across the state to transform education systems through data and collaboration, so all students succeed. We also work to increase economic mobility and the overall quality of life for our community through education system alignment from pre-K to the workforce. Founded in 2006, we are a leader in collective impact, collaborating with 15 Central Texas school districts, seven higher education institutions, and numerous businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, policy leaders, students, and families. E3 Alliance Data Portal: https://data.e3alliance.org/
National School Boards Association (NSBA) - The NSBA is a well-established organization in the education sector, known for hosting events and conferences that bring together education leaders and advocates. Heather Salaz's participation as a featured presenter at the NSBA Advocacy & Equity Institute lends credibility to the press release.
National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity (NAPE) - NAPE is an organization focused on promoting equity in education. Collaborative efforts with NAPE mentioned in the press release highlight a partnership with a reputable organization, enhancing the credibility of the initiatives discussed.