Past TLS Speakers

As Executive Director of the State of Black Arizona, Teniqua Broughton has proven efficacy in enhancing systems, educating communities, and equipping citizens of Arizona. She is passionate about using data to advance the organization’s mission by compelling both leadership and the grassroot community to create solutions that benefit the lives of others. Teniqua’s proved her […]

Tristan John-Jandles is an honors pre-law junior at Grand Canyon University, where he is committed to exploring the intersection of law and education administration. Tristan is passionate about enhancing education in Arizona as he firmly believes that every individual deserves access to quality education. He is deeply appreciative of the Arizona Alliance for Black School

Max Goshert serves as the senior director of the Enterprise Policy Analysis Group at Arizona State University. His team analyzes federal and state policy to help university leadership understand the public policy landscape. Max also serves as the assistant research director for the non-partisan think tank the Grand Canyon Institute; his research focuses on public

Dr. Patricia Neff is Director of Education Enrichment and Children’s Ministry at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Iowa State University, and her Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University. Dr. Neff has taught at the Pre-school, Elementary, Junior High and High School levels. Her love for teaching and making a

Lynn F. Mackey is a native Houstonian. She is a graduate of the University of Houston with a degree in Marketing and Accounting. Upon graduation, she fulfilled one of her many passions by becoming an educator in the Houston Independent School District. After working with the Houston Independent School District, Lynn decided to transition to

“My name is Sabra Ahmed and I am 18 years old.  I graduated from Veritas Preparatory Academy and will attend Harvard College this fall. I plan to study Philosophy and Economics, attend law school, and become an attorney!” 

My name is Naomi, I am a South Phoenix native and a senior in High School. I am committed to excellence in my education by maintaining a 4.1 GPA all while also achieving at a high level in track and field as I am currently ranked #3 in the 400 meters for the Mexico Under 18

Gregory Facey is a husband and father of children with hearing loss. For the last 15 years, Gregory has been helping his community with a focus on elevating equitable access to educational resources for youth. He served on the Citizens’ Commission on Public Service and Compensation in Tucson Arizona. Greg has been a panelist for the

Dr. Donna Jagielski is a STEM-based educational leader with over 20 years of experience in the K-12 system serving as a teacher, instructional coach, STEM specialist, and principal. She has focused much of her career serving Title 1 schools and providing equitable opportunities for youth and adults from underrepresented, underserved, and especially justice-impacted populations. In 2016

Renee Aguilar, Assistant Director at Cultural Coalition, Inc, has dedicated her career to the greater Phoenix arts and culture community. She has held positions within some of Arizona’s amazing cultural institutions including Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix Center for the Arts, Pueblo Grande Museum, and the Arizona State Capitol Museum. She received her B.A. in anthropology from