Morning Keynote

Potential is universal. Opportunity is not.
Let’s not count anyone out.

Abstract: No one would have thought, as I wasted away in a Colombian orphanage, that I would one day be paid to attend an Ivy League university, that I would be nominated for a Pulitzer prize, that I would write a successful book, that I would be awarded an honorary doctorate, that I would tour the country speaking about the propulsive nature of education. But that’s exactly what happened. And that’s exactly what can happen to other students when we don’t count kids out. Let’s not look at a sea of new faces and see loss, but hope and potential, that bell curve that means some will go to Harvard and some will go to the trades. But none of these children will get anywhere without our love, compassion, encouragement and knowledge.

Jo Napolitano

Jo Napolitano spent nearly two decades reporting for The New York Times, Chicago Tribune and Newsday before winning a Spencer Education Fellowship to Columbia University in 2016. It was through this remarkable opportunity that she wrote The School I Deserve: Six Young Refugees and Their Fight for Equality in America (Beacon Press, 2021.) While she has reported on many topics throughout her award-winning career, education remains her primary focus, and for good reason: It was the only means through which she would escape poverty. Napolitano was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 2025 for her 17-month long investigation of enrollment discrimination against older immigrant students and earned an honorary doctorate from Molloy University based on her work. She believes no child’s life should be left to chance.

Afternoon Plenary

Advocating for Immigrant Rights in Education: Building Inclusive Classrooms and School Communities

Abstract: This session highlights the importance of advocating for immigrant students’ educational rights and building inclusive school communities. It explores equitable access, culturally responsive teaching, family engagement, and collaborative advocacy. Through shared responsibility and meaningful action, educators and community leaders can create welcoming learning environments where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Alondra Garcia

Alondra García is a 1st generation former DACA recipient, a current U-visa holder, the proud daughter of immigrant workers, and an MPS Bilingual Teacher at Allen-Field Elementary. Being raised in the heart of the Southside of Milwaukee for the past 25 years after leaving her hometown, Morelia, in Mexico as a young 2-year-old, she has learned to love the place she now calls home. She has had the honor to serve the community she proudly identifies with and advocates for in and out of the classroom. She strongly believes in the power of community, resilience, and truth. Being a first generation undocumented educator, Alondra, has come across many challenges due to her identity. Nonetheless, she has learned to embrace her identity and use it to empower herself in her journey to educate others about the immigrant community and their contribution to society.