Phoenix, AZ — From pay cuts to job loss to overall lack of resources for students, the Latino community is one of the populations that have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. One of the largest barriers Latino students face during the pandemic is lack of access to technology and WiFi during school closures. To lead the way in addressing the pressing educational needs of Latinos in Arizona during this crisis and beyond, ALL In Education names Stephanie Parra new Executive Director.
ALL In Education, an education advocacy group in Arizona that ensures communities most impacted by education inequities are the ones making decisions for ALL children, is particularly concerned with the substantial opportunity gap in academic success rate for Latino students, which has widened due to COVID-19. As a result, Parra plans to focus initial efforts on listening to affected communities through various platforms, meeting them where they are.
“There is major concern across the education community that many students in low-income households will not have the necessary resources and access to appropriate levels of at-home learning during school closures,” said Stephanie Parra, Executive Director for ALL In Education.
According to the Pew Research Center, about 50% of Latinos ages 18 to 29 – and a similar share of those ages 30 to 49 – say they or someone in their household has lost a job or has had their pay cut because of the coronavirus outbreak. Similarly, 39% of Latinos 50 and older have experienced the same, making them pressing issues that community leaders should acknowledge.
“To help address the needs of Latino students during the pandemic, ALL In Education will lead a series of virtual community conversations in Spanish and English, creating a virtual space to encourage parents and caregivers to ask questions and share concerns about the needs of their children during school closures,” added Parra.
Simultaneously, ALL In Education will host virtual roundtable discussions with leaders in the academic community to discuss the gaps that have widened for Latino students during the COVID-19 crisis.
The first virtual meeting for the community will take place Wednesday, April 22 at 7 p.m. Visit allineducation.org to learn how to participate and view all upcoming events throughout the state.
As the new Executive Director for ALL In Education, Parra is committed to addressing the pressing needs the Latino community faces in Arizona’s education system. Through her leadership, Parra aims for ALL In Education to ultimately develop a platform of priorities to address challenges Latino communities are facing in education and beyond.
“I’m excited to welcome Stephanie Parra as the new Executive Director for ALL In Education in Arizona,” said Luis Avila, Founder of ALL In Education. “She is an effective education advocate in our community and we are lucky to have her lead this organization. More importantly, we are thrilled about the opportunity to build alliances with Latinos and shape the present and future of our communities.”
Stephanie Parra is a first-generation American originally from Yuma, Arizona. As one of the first in her family to attend college, Parra saw first-hand the importance of education and the wonders it can do to develop a child’s life and future. She holds a Bachelor’s in Justice Studies and Psychology, and a Master’s in Higher and Postsecondary Education. Her passion for education led her to past roles at Teach For America, Arizona State University, T.W. Lewis Foundation, and the Arizona Education Association. Parra currently serves as the Governing Board President of the Phoenix Union High School District, representing Ward 3. She is passionate about ensuring every student in Arizona receives an excellent education and is adequately prepared to succeed in college, career, and life.
“I am thrilled to join ALL In Education as the Executive Director. This cause is exactly the kind of organization Arizona Latino students and families need to be successful; one that listens, values their perspective, and shares their experiences. I look forward to collaborating with our community and local leaders to move our Latino families forward and advance educational equity in Arizona,” said Parra.
