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. 

‍

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your current role and responsibilities?

A: I am currently the Chief of Staff to a New York State Assembly member in Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights, Brooklyn. My role involves managing a lot of different areas, with a focus on budget and legislation. I often fill in for the Assembly member at community events when they are not available.

‍

Q: Before your current role in government, you spent many years working in education. How did that experience shape your perspective on systemic change?

A: As a special education teacher, I was passionate about advocating for students who were disproportionately placed in special education programs, often due to systemic biases. I saw firsthand how the education system was failing many Black and brown students, and I wanted to be a voice for them.

My experiences in the classroom made me realize that the need for change extended beyond the walls of the school. I started to think about how I could have an impact at a larger scale, beyond my individual students. This led me to pursue a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy at Howard University, with a focus on civic education and empowering young people to drive change in their communities.

‍

Q: What are some of the key challenges you've observed in terms of making education more equitable?

‍

A: One of the major challenges I've seen is the disconnect between communities, especially those led by people of color, and the bureaucratic processes required to access government funding and resources. There is a significant knowledge gap in navigating these systems, and many organizations struggle to meet the complex application requirements.

Additionally, I believe that true change can only happen when young people are given the tools and platforms to advocate for themselves. My doctoral research is focused on exploring ways to empower youth to be active participants in the civic process and drive the changes they want to see in their communities.

‍

Q: How did you transition into your government role from your background in education?

A: My path started with an Urban Leaders fellowship, where I was encouraged to pursue a different direction beyond working in the classroom. My previous experience as a teacher had shown me that education is a microcosm of larger societal issues, and I wanted to have a broader impact. 

I took a leap into government, first working as a senior aide to the Deputy Brooklyn Borough President, and then transitioning into roles like Director of Community Affairs for the Brooklyn Borough President. These positions allowed me to work directly with diverse communities across Brooklyn and understand their unique needs and challenges.

‍

Q: What have you learned from your experience working in government?

‍

A: I've gained valuable experience in navigating government bureaucracy and budgets. I've seen firsthand how decisions are made about allocating millions of dollars within a community. This has given me insights into the challenges that community organizations, especially those led by people of color, face in securing government funding and resources.

‍

Q: How do you maintain a sense of optimism and purpose in the face of the current challenges facing our education system and society?

‍

A: I firmly believe that the power for change lies in the hands of the people. Rather than looking to the highest levels of government, I encourage individuals to engage with their local elected officials and decision-makers. Understanding the processes and building relationships at the community level is crucial.

Each of us has the ability to make a difference through our everyday actions, such as how we spend our money or the conversations we have with our neighbors. By raising awareness and fostering grassroots engagement, we can collectively work towards the equitable and just society we envision.

‍