On Wednesday, February 25 and Thursday, February 26, I attended the Opportunity Nation Summit, which left me motivated and inspired. Each year Opportunity Nation, a national campaign of more than 300 businesses, nonprofits, and educational institutions dedicated to ensuring economic mobility and closing the opportunity gaps in America, brings together leaders from across the country who are dedicated to their mission.
PAF alumnus Paul Kendrick, CCAS BA ’05 MPA ’07 led the Summit and I was selected as an Opportunity Leader, along with First Year PAF, Chelsea Lenhart.
The Summit was one of those defining moments in my career where I realized that I was in the right place doing the right work. It was refreshing to be surrounded by people dedicated to making a difference in the world and advocating for the millions of underprivileged and underserved youth in this country. Ranging from a man who started his own homeless shelter to Ferguson movement organizers, the leaders were a diverse group of America’s finest change agents.
The first day consisted of advocating for Opportunity Nation’s agenda on Capitol Hill. I had the opportunity to meet with representatives from both of my home state’s offices to discuss the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, juvenile justice reform, and college affordability. Discussing issues that I not only care about, but I’m also learning about in my courses, proved to be invaluable for my academic and professional growth.
My job was pretty easy since both my Senators are on board with Opportunity Nation’s mission, but I was able to create new connections. After discussing Senator Chris Coons’ (D-DE) American Dream Accounts Act, a bill that supports college savings, Opportunity Nation leaders joined in on supporting the bill.
The Opportunity Nation Summit also gave me the opportunity to share my personal story and why I’m passionate about education reform with hundreds of attendees. After my speech, a representative from my Governor’s office reached out to me about meeting with the Governor the next day.
Although I missed Senator Cory Booker’s speech, I shared my thoughts on expanding educational opportunity in Delaware and closing the achievement gap with Governor Jack Markell on Day 2 of the Summit. Speaking with him was one of the most valuable experiences I’ve had, and I was even able to connect with his education policy advisor afterwards. My family in Delaware couldn’t be more proud.
I left the Opportunity Nation Summit feeling fired up and ready to make a difference in the world, even if it’s just by helping one child. To be connected with people fighting for those who often go unheard, and who are inherently humble and compassionate, was truly inspiring. The connections I made and the skills and information I learned will stick with me throughout my career.
I am so proud that a PAF alumnus is dedicated to a campaign like Opportunity Nation, and I cannot wait to attend the Summit again next year! To learn more about Opportunity Nation and to find out the state of opportunity in your hometown, visit http://opportunitynation.org.