Dear John,

I have some bittersweet news to share with you today. After serving as AQE’s Executive Director for three years and being with the organization for more than a decade, I will be stepping down from my role in the middle of November to embark on a new journey. I’m thrilled to share that I will be taking on the role of Co-Director at the New York State Working Families Party (NYWFP).

In this new role, I will be working alongside Ana María Archila, a dedicated advocate who shares our unwavering commitment to workers’ rights, immigrant rights, women’s rights, and the LGBTQ+ community. Together at the NYS WFP, we will continue to fight for equitable public education funding and universal childcare. Our missions of AQE and WFP are deeply aligned, as both are dedicated to addressing the many of the challenges that parents, educators and families face. I am confident that our paths and work will continue to overlap in the years to come.

I am excited to announce that Marina Marcou-O’Malley and Zakiyah Ansari will step up as interim co-executive directors to lead AQE. Marina and Zakiyah have been instrumental in our policy and advocacy work across the state and hold the expertise and vision needed to guide this organization during this new chapter. AQE remains committed to its mission of ensuring equity in public education, expanding access to high quality early childhood education and disrupting the school to prison pipeline.

Please join me in welcoming our interim co-executive directors, Marina and Zakiyah, and accept my humble gratitude for this incredible journey you’ve allowed me to share with you this past decade. Stay tuned for an upcoming announcement regarding the search for a new Executive Director as we build upon the legacy we’ve created together.

In solidarity,