Friday, November 8, 2024

Honoree Highlight: New York City Parent Advocates, Adriana Alicea, Tracy Jordan, & Tajh Sutton

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You're Invited: AQE's Champions of Education

November 14, 2024 at 6:30 PM 

DCTV Firehouse

87 Lafayette St

New York City

 

Hi Ashley,

 

With less than one week to go, we're thrilled to invite you to our Champions of Education fundraiser on Thursday, November 14, from 6:30pm to 9:30pm at the DCTV Firehouse in New York City. We can't wait to have you join us for an evening that's sure to be both an inspiration and celebration!

Through the night, we'll honor some incredible individuals who have dedicated their careers to ensuring that all students receive a quality education. Among our esteemed honorees are three exceptional New York City Parent Advocates: Adriana Alicea, Tracy Jordan, and Tajh Sutton.

 

Adriana Alicea is a committed public school advocate and parent leader in Queens. After joining the Parents Association when her son entered pre-K, Adriana became actively involved in her local CEC and AQE's Ed Warriors program. She now serves as the Queens Community Education Council (CEC) Presidents' Representative on the Panel for Educational Policy (PEP), where she advocates for improved resources and support for students, parents, and families, particularly in communities with language access barriers. With a day job in trademark law, Adriana brings a sharp, analytical approach to her work advocating for more equitable education policies in Queens and across New York City. 

 

Tracy Jordan is a dedicated education advocate and parent leader in Brooklyn. Having grown up in Flatbush and attended local public schools, she was motivated to get involved in her local school community once her daughter began attending the same schools. Tracy has served as PTA president, taken on leadership roles with her School Leadership Team (SLT), and remains an active member of CEC 22. She also serves on the board of the Education Council Consortium (ECC), which empowers marginalized parents to advocate for systemic change in public education. A licensed attorney with a master's in educational psychology, Tracy is committed to ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality education, while also encouraging deeper understanding of the histories and contexts of our schools and school system.

 

Tajh Sutton is an education advocate and community organizer with over eighteen years of experience in youth and family support. A mother of two, Tajh has worked in various roles in NYC public schools, from curriculum consultant to student events coordinator, improving school climates and student outcomes. Tajh is the founder of Friends of District 14, where she organized parents to provide essential resources during the pandemic, including laptops, food, and other learning supplies. She also serves as a member of the Black Lives Matter at School NYC steering committee and has collaborated with us at AQE and other organizations like the Abolitionist Teaching Network to fight for more equitable resources in public schools. As a teaching artist and restorative justice advocate, Tajh continues to amplify the voices of marginalized students and push for community-centered solutions in education.

As we approach the event date, we know the urgency of our work has never been clearer. In the wake of an election season marked by attacks on public education and the very principles of equity that motivate this work, we are reminded of just how critical collective action, solidarity, and community care are to the future of our schools. Your support in this moment is and always has been vital. Join us as we celebrate Adriana, Tracy, Tajh, and all our honorees for their tireless commitment to transforming the educational landscape. Together, we can push back against the threats facing our system and continue the work of building a stronger, more just education system for every student regardless of their background.

 

In solidarity,

Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari

Co-Executive Director

Marina Marcou-O'Malley

Co-Executive Director

 

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