Today we’d like to introduce you to Latoya Holman.
Hi Latoya, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I was born and raised in Sacramento, California. My parents were raised in the south, and much of their life experience was filtered through discrimination and hatred. Although our world was different then, my family stayed strong, and they raised me to learn the lessons of the past but to continue to do my part to shape the future for those like me who need my support. In order to be successful in my parents’ eyes, education was the key. Education is Freedom. Today, I understand that, and I work every day to ensure that whatever barriers our young people are facing to achieve a solid education, that I try and eliminate them.
I was raised in an all-white community and was “othered” in many ways until I reached adulthood. I know what it’s like to not have the same things that others did and to be bullied as a result. I’m so proud of my work with PEF as we work daily to provide school supplies to students so that they are just as prepared as the other young people in their classrooms. We make sure that they can not only do their work in the classroom but also at home. Homework requires extra supplies that cost a lot of money now that many families can no longer afford. I am also able to use my cultural experiences to engage diverse community organizations and individuals in the work of the PEF. For example, our Black Girl Magic Juneteenth Jubilee is a result of knowing the potential of all aspects of our community to come together in honor of our country’s history to support Black girls. Although some of our history is dark, we have the opportunity to shine a light on the lessons learned and create a bright path for so many.
As I continue to work with our community to improve our public education system, I’m reminded of how fortunate I was to get a great education in a safe environment with everything that I needed to get there to fully participate. It is critical that we all do a gut check and ask ourselves, “What are you doing to help kids succeed the way you have?” If you do not have a strong answer, I believe you should continue that reflection and take action immediately.
Nevada and California are home to me. My strength as a leader is a result of education, preparation, and the environmental experiences provided by these wonderful states. If asked to choose one, I will always refuse. I claim them both!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like any route to a destination, it is filled with twists and turns, bumps and smooth pathways. It took me quite some time to find my voice. I have experienced discrimination, sexism, and narcissism along my journey. Much of it I have compartmentalized in order to stay focused, positive, and simply to survive. It is the harsher experiences that sparked so much growth in my life and my career. I would not be the person that I am today without these difficult times. From making fun of my hair and cruel comments about the products used by Black women to being isolated in small offices away from others to prevent me from showing my gifts and my true brilliance. I understand now that I will not be stopped unless I limit myself.
Women have such a unique way of leading. It’s a superpower if embraced. Black women have a uniqueness and gifts that have been inherited and harnessed. We just need the freedom to let them out and shine. I’m using my powers in the pursuit of the authentic love of and for humanity, beginning with our children.
As you know, we’re big fans of Public Education Foundation. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Every one of our public school students should have access to a high-quality K-12 education that paves the way for a bright future. We also want to grow and thrive as communities – and our economic success is directly linked with our schools’ ability to nurture an educated, skilled workforce. The Public Education Foundation (PEF) is a Las Vegas nonprofit organization rallying communities to make an immediate and sustained positive impact that will help improve our schools and support our students.
We make a difference for students, teachers, and families by:
Providing at least $6 million in scholarship funds each year so students can pursue their college and career dreams through Scholarships Plus.
Giving our students the tools they need to participate in the classroom and do their homework by providing free and low-cost supplies to their teachers through the PEF Teacher Superstore.
Putting more qualified teachers in the classroom by preparing school employees for a fast-track teacher training program and mentoring them during their first three years in the classroom through Teacher Pathway.
Addressing chronic student absenteeism that spiked after the pandemic by helping to lead the Go to Grow Coalition, housed at NVFamily.org. This community response wraps families with support to remove barriers to school attendance and success.
Improving childhood literacy rates in partnership with CCSD and Spread the Word Nevada through the Book Bus, which connects students with free books to increase literacy and spark interest in reading among students and their families.
Engaging the community in supporting our schools by building a robust volunteer program to give members of our community opportunities to support our public-school students.
While most of our work is focused on Clark County, Nevada, and the students and educators in the Clark County School District, we are incredibly proud of our Scholarships Plus program, which has a nationwide impact.
The Public Education Foundation (PEF) is proud of the impact educators have on our community and of the powerful African American women and Hispanic and Latino people who have rooted themselves as sources of encouragement and inspiration, championing the educational journey of our youth.
In honor of the phenomenal women of the Black Girl Magic Scholarship, PEF hosts the annual Black Girl Magic Juneteenth Jubilee Luncheon: Education IS Freedom. Celebrated in concert with the Juneteenth holiday, also known as Freedom Day, the Luncheon inspires and motivates all attendees to invest in education while fostering a deeper sense of fellowship, unity in our community, and an appreciation for diversity in education and other professional spaces.
In honor of the phenomenal people of the Hispanic and Latino Legacy Scholarship, PEF hosts the annual Hispanic and Latino Legacy Dinner. Funds raised during the dinner contribute to support the Hispanic and Latino Legacy Scholarship to provide educational opportunities for four young people of Hispanic or Latino descent.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you.
Luck. I think I am lucky! I’m sure it’s played a role. I also believe that my gifts were inherited from my ancestors, and I am a result of thousands of dreams. Of Black men and Black women wanting to be the most idealized versions of themselves and, moreover, wanting that for their children. I am the realization of my ancestors’ dreams. So lucky? Absolutely! The part that luck plays is in the people who have been part of my journey. All kinds of people from every walk of life. I love diversity and was raised around it in California and Nevada. It’s this rich diversity that has made my work possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: thepef.org
- Instagram: instagram.com/thepeftoday
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThePublicEducationFoundation
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-public-education-foundation/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThePEFtoday
Image Credits
Public Education Foundation
Jerry Metellus
