I am a third-generation Mexican-American, born in Sonoma, California to a white father and a Mexican mother. My father traces his roots to England, Ireland, Scotland. On my mother’s side, my great-grandparents immigrated to the US from Mexico. My personal journey of finding pride in my heritage and connection to my Latina roots has been complicated.

In January, 2021, The Mind Trust announced the extension of Community Learning Sites through June 4. Ever since, Community Learning Sites have continued to serve students, providing safe, supportive in-person options. With the majority of Indianapolis school districts’ spring breaks ahead from March 22 – April 2, multiple Community Learning Sites are committed to remaining open to support students over break.

Three years ago, The Mind Trust created our Talent Innovation Fund to provide local schools, school networks, and education organizations the opportunity to develop innovative talent solutions focused on attracting and retaining high-quality educators.

After joining the Mind Trust in July 2018, Patrick Jones spent the first two years of his tenure supporting and coaching Fellows through the school development process. But just a few months into the pandemic, he was presented with a new opportunity and a new challenge with his promotion to Senior Vice President of Leadership and Equity in July 2020.

With four kids under the age of ten, two of them engaged in eLearning, and Lauren Rush and her husband both working from home, two problems Lauren says she has not experienced during the pandemic are boredom and loneliness. “The pandemic has required me to be more flexible in supporting on the kid front, helping them maintain their sanity alongside getting my work done, often at different times.”