Commit to Leaders
Civic Voices Fellowship
Let’s provide students and families with more access to high-quality educational opportunities.
Our 2026 Civic Voices Fellows
A diverse group of leaders from across Dallas, bringing their voices, skills, and experiences to drive change in our community.
Alyssa Stiglets
Marketing and Communications, AnchorEd
Amy Lippa
Associate Director of Partnerships and Program Evaluation, The Educator Collective
Andjoua McLemore
Director of Community Engagement, Upbring
Ayesha Rodgers
Facilitator of Learning Development and Workforce Education, Dallas College
Azhalia Leal
Development Director, Somos Tejas
Carnell Brame
Project Manager, DART
Cassandra Garcia
College Success Director, Vickery Meadows Youth Development Foundation
Catherine Riggle
Director of Government & Community Relations, Children's Health
Chandra White
Director of Operations & Administration, Young Leaders Strong City
Clint Myers
Senior Software Engineer, Concan Consulting
Cristopher Edwards
Assistant Director of EDA Biotech Grant, Dallas College
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Cynthia Alva
Professor of ESOL, Dallas College
Daniela Saldana
Partner and Community Engagement Manager, Bachman Lake Together
David Hatteberg
Senior Portfolio Manager, Commit Partnership
Dawna Duke
Owner & Founder, STEMscapes Collab & Play Spaces
Destinee Merida
Director of Membership, Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas
Tarrance Jones
Federal Law Enforcement, Retired
Keshia Bruno
Managing Director, KMBH Group
Andjoua McLemore
Director of Community Engagement, Upbring
Freda Nelms
Director of Data Management & Reporting, Housing Forward
What you will gain:
Knowledge and skills
- Understanding education systems and governance: Gain insights into the structure of school districts, the roles of trustees and administrators, and how governance impacts student outcomes.
- Data-driven decision making: Learn how to analyze student achievement data, financial reports, and other key indicators to advocate effectively for policy changes.
- School finance and resource allocation: Understand how funding, budgeting, and human capital decisions impact school systems and student success.
- Strategic advocacy and leadership: Develop the ability to navigate systems, build coalitions and engage in meaningful advocacy to drive education policy changes.
- Effective communication and storytelling: Utilize storytelling, data, and active listening to influence decision-making and policy discussions.
- Questioning and critical thinking: Learn to ask strategic questions to drive behavior change, improve school performance, and hold decision-makers accountable.
2026 - 2027 Session dates
September 25-26, 2026 - Orientation weekend
October 30, 2026 - Governance and accountability
November 13, 2026 - Monitoring Progress
January 29, 2027 - Resource alignment
February 26, 2027 - Early learning
March 26, 2027 - College and career
April 30, 2027 - Postsecondary
May 14, 2027 - Leadership In action
Applications are now open for our 2026-2027 cohort in Dallas.
Questions? Please email Joey.Rodriguez@commitpartnership.org
Meet our alumni
We are a passionate, diverse, and dedicated team working in Dallas County to improve student outcomes and ensure every student of every race, socioeconomic status, language, and ability, is fully prepared to achieve their boldest dreams.
Highlights from our 2026 Fellowship
Want to be a part of our impact?
Invest
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