Meet Leanna Pearson. Leanna graduated from the Leaders of Color - New York in 2022. Leanna currently leads legislative and community development initiatives as Chief of Staff at the New York State Assembly, and previously served in the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President. Before she worked in government, Leanna was a teacher, working with students in special education and mentoring other educators. Her commitment to education equity, community-building, and equitable policies exemplifies what Leaders of Color are all about. 

With Donald Trump re-elected for a second presidential term and Republican majorities likely in Congress, the policies proposed during his campaign are poised to reshape the educational landscape.

We are excited to announce that several Leaders of Color are running for election this November 2024! All Leaders of Color candidates are education champions and community leaders who are working to bring their expertise and passion to elected office. Meet our alum who are running for office in Washington, D.C. and Louisiana!

This Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor the resilience and progress of Hispanic students. We call on leaders and policymakers to build on our successes by investing in improving educational outcomes for Latinx and English learner students, helping them thrive not only in college but in life.

As a Program Coordinator in the Shelby County government's Division of Community Services, Kathryn Winsley is on the frontlines of addressing complex, interconnected challenges in the Memphis area.

Leaders of Color is proud to announce the 2024 graduation of 79 amazing fellows who join our growing alumni network of 271 exceptional community leaders! The 2024 class of Leaders of Color has worked hard to support equitable education in our communities in Louisiana, Memphis, and Washington D.C. 

Ivy Hall, a graduate of Leaders of Color-Memphis, spent many years working in traditional banking before she followed her passion to support underserved communities with education programs and help more families build generational wealth.