"It’s like coming back home”

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We are thrilled to welcome José F. Oliva to the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation Board of Trustees!

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Years ago, José F. Oliva was a ZSR intern and fellow. Today, he is a leader in public education and a respected partner of many grantee organizations. His personal and professional experience will add tremendous value to ZSR's Board of Trustees and to our collective efforts to serve the people of North Carolina.

Today’s announcement date holds special significance for José because it marks thirteen years since he immigrated to the United States from Guatemala.

On January 16, 2011, at age 15, José arrived in Greensboro, NC, speaking very little English. He enrolled in Doris Henderson Newcomers School, a Guilford County public school that helps immigrants and their families transition to life in the United States.

He worked hard to learn English, and his efforts caught the attention of district leaders, who asked him to join the superintendent’s student advisory council. That experience introduced him to public service and civic engagement.

Later, while a student at Guilford College, José completed a summer internship at ZSR. A year later as he was about to graduate college, he applied and was selected for the two-year ZSR Fellowship.

In 2021, José joined Guilford County Schools (GCS). During his time at GCS, Oliva successfully spearheaded a $1.7 billion school bond information campaign, the largest school bond in North Carolina’s history at the time; led the superintendent’s transition and organizational alignment to improve student achievement at scale; and executed the launch of Better Together, a new strategic direction for GCS informed by more than 200 community conversations with 8,000 total stakeholders. José is the first Latino to serve as chief of staff of a large urban district in NC.
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José F. Oliva speaks at the opening of Sylvia Mendez Newcomers School in October 2023. Photo credit: Guilford County Schools
As a ZSR trustee, José will bring to the Foundation his experience in public service and a deep commitment to ZSR’s mission to improve the quality of life for all North Carolinians.

“There are very few foundations with such a broad mission,” José says. “ZSR has the tools and commitment needed to help make our state a great place for all North Carolinians, especially those who are most impacted by structural and historical inequities. I look forward to working with ZSR staff and trustees to drive positive change here in NC.”

Please join us in welcoming José (back) to ZSR!

Learn more about José ([link removed]é-f-oliva-joins-zsr-board-trustees)

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