The language, theories, and concepts I have learned in PLI have strengthened my identity as a social justice leader. I learned how to disrupt injustice from Theoharis, utilize Yosso’s community cultural wealth, and apply Moll’s funds of knowledge. I soaked in Dewey’s words on the role of democracy in education, bell hooks’ passion in seeing marginalization as a site of resistance, john powell’s speech on bridging and building belonging, and Jeff Duncan-Andrade’s rose-out-of-concrete metaphor illustrating critical hope. Empowered with the voices and vision of these courageous leaders, I now teach and lead with a greater purpose and urgency.”

My experience with PLI was deeply insightful and an opportunity to examine and understand by own privileges, biases and stereotypes. The first summer course with Dr. Cooper was the perfect choice to set the trajectory of the program. PLI broadened my outlook and allowed me to understand how systemic racism and organizational structures that are created to uplift white people are embedded in our schools, communities, and country, and how these negatively impact the lives of people of color and those form lower socioeconomic communities on a daily basis. PLI gave me the tools to feel empowered to engage in difficult conversations that address these issues and work towards become an agent of change.”