Working along like-minded, passionate, and intelligent people fueled me to understand my role in leveling the education playing field. Accelerate is the intellectual summer camp you never knew existed. 

Christian & Small Managing Partner Deborah Alley Smith's practice is focused on post-judgment and appellate litigation. She devotes her time to research and writing and to preparing her partners for trial to ensure that significant issues are preserved in the event of an appeal.

Femi Alese learned the value of vision setting to achieve measurable results in the corps. Today, Femi uses that same growth mindset of continuous reflection and improvement as a product manager.

In the fast-paced world of today’s media, Natasha S. Alford oozes confidence before the camera as a digital host for TheGrio. What you might not know is that she honed her talents as a teacher in the corps.

Jason B. Allen is the author of "Allow Black Students to Be Their Authentic Selves at School."

Dr. Tony Alleyne is the founder and executive director of the Delaware College Scholars program, a Black-created, Black-owned, and Black-led nonprofit focused on ensuring first generation public high school students are prepared for and can succeed in competitive four-year colleges. He  earned his bachelor’s degree in Sociology and African American History from Wesleyan University, his master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Columbia University’s Klingenstein Center for Independent School Leadership in 2010, his doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration from University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education in 2016, and completed the Stanford Graduate School of Business Executive Program for Nonprofit Leaders.

“Computer programs, in general, are literal. Students certainly practice skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and attention to detail in any class, but these skills are a natural component of my computer science classroom, as students build things, test out possibilities, and participate in trial and error challenges”

Yanepsi Alvarado

Computer Science, Spanish Teacher, and World Language Department Lead, Josiah Quincy Upper School, Boston Public Schools

Massachusetts 2017

Yanepsi's journey began as a Spanish teacher, where she observed a growing interest among students for coding opportunities. This motivated her to found a Girls Who Code club, aiming to provide a space for students to explore technology. Yanepsi emphasized the inclusivity of computer science, encouraging all genders to participate, fostering an environment where everyone could thrive.

Recognizing the lack of representation among computer science educators, Yanepsi proposed and successfully integrated computer science courses into her teaching schedule. Her approach intertwined Spanish classes with computer science, leveraging established relationships to attract more diverse students to the field. Her efforts yielded results, significantly increasing the representation of female, African American, and Latinx students in computer science.

"Computer programs, in general, are literal. The device coded does not know what the person in front of the screen is thinking to fill in any missing gaps. Code must be in a sequential order, so learning to code helps students think logically and chronologically. Students certainly practice skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and attention to detail in any class, but these skills are a natural component of my computer science classroom, as students build things, test out possibilities, and participate in trial and error challenges."

Committed to expanding computer science education beyond her school, Yanepsi pursued her doctorate at Boston University. Her dissertation focuses on helping English language learners in Massachusetts succeed in computer science courses. Additionally, she joined Code.org as a facilitator, aiming to spread awareness and provide high-quality computer science education across Massachusetts, especially for language learners.

Despite not having a prior computer science background, Yanepsi's determination drove her to seek support from various tech organizations. Her advocacy efforts led her to collaborate with the TEALS Program from Microsoft, enabling her to co-teach computer science with engineers.

"This award shows my students that it is never too late to learn new skills or take a risk professionally. It is an honor to represent the Latinx community in a district where 44% of students identify as Latinx. As I continue to gain new skills, I would like to increase focus on the most underrepresented racial groups in the technology sector by preparing our students in high school to pursue degrees in STEAM fields."

Kabir Amari X, M. Ed. (they/them/theirs), is a 2012 Miami-Dade alum, and nonbinary educator, facilitator, and advocate for LGBTQ+ youth. Kabir Amari supports the National Prism Alliances' efforts to support regions in establishing and sustaining Prism coalitions that are critical levers in support of our LGBTQ+ corps members, alumni, and the students and communities they serve.

Normandi Amprey is a servant leader who is committed to equity, education, and community empowerment.

Looking back on their Teach For America experience, Paige Andersen recognizes how they grew along with their students. As a Memphis 2018 corps member, Paige discovered the power of joy and how that translates into personal fulfillment.