A father’s legacy runs deep. This photo, taken in 1981, captures me with my father, Mauricio Vigil—a guiding force in my life and one of the main reasons I entered the field of education. Although I lost him in 2023, his dedication to the communities he served continues to inspire me every day. His influence lives on, shaping the work I do and the impact I strive to make.
Dear Friends, Supporters and Community,
As we move into the fifth year of our organization, I find myself reflecting on the incredible lessons, challenges, and growth that have shaped who we are today. This milestone is not just about the passage of time — it’s about the clarity we’ve gained in understanding who we are, what we do best, and what we want to be known for in this vital work.
When we started out, it felt like there was this pressure to do a little bit of everything—as though that was what success looked like. But thanks to guidance from one of our dedicated program officers, we took the time to reflect deeply as an organization. We asked ourselves, “What is our expertise? What is our core purpose?” This process of introspection led us to firmly name our “what.”
The answer? It’s deeply rooted in our beginning. Eight years ago, when my co-founder and I left the classroom— one of us being pushed out of the profession—we knew we wanted to do one thing above all else: support teachers of color in both entering and thriving in the field. At our core, we are builders of a racially, linguistically, and ethnically diverse teacher workforce. That founding idea continues to guide us to this day. This year has brought its fair share of challenges—2024 was not without
its weight, especially at a time when political tension seeks to undermine the vital work of diversity, equity, and inclusion. These pressures could have made us hesitate. But our response has been clear and resolute: we are still here. We will not waver and will not stop fighting for what is right—supporting educators and uplifting great teaching.
Our team is built on a foundation of perseverance. We come from histories riddled with struggle, marginalization, and experiences of overcoming obstacles that would have held others back. These shared journeys have equipped us with resilience and determination to serve. Though we know the importance of taking care of ourselves along the way—and we remain intentional about doing so—we lead not with fear but with passion and purpose.
It’s my honor to have led this organization for the past five years. Reflecting on the longest job I’ve held before this—just one year—it’s safe to say this is more than “just a job” to me. I love what I do, and I’ve learned lessons here that will stay with me for a lifetime. It is the belief in what we are building that keeps me inspired, keeps me grounded, and keeps me hopeful for the road ahead.
In classrooms across Rhode Island and beyond, a quiet transformation is underway. Passionate individuals are stepping up to shape the next generation, driven by a desire to make a difference in young people’s lives. However, the path to becoming an effective educator has its challenges. The Equity Institute (ei) is committed to supporting these individuals and providing them with the resources and information they need to thrive.
This year has been one of evolution and meaningful impact. We’ve extended our programs to reach more educators, students, and community members than ever before, deepened our connections with the communities we serve, and witnessed the transformative power of empowering those at the heart of education. From the passionate educators shaping our future to the students whose potential inspires us daily to the families and local leaders creating spaces of growth, every individual plays an essential role in our mission. This report celebrates our participants’ achievements, our team’s dedication, and our supporters’ generosity, whose contributions fuel this shared vision.
Together, with each unique voice and effort, we are building a brighter, more inclusive future for education.
Equity Institute is a non-profit organization committed to creating equitable and sustainable learning environments. Recognizing that our education system often fails to serve those from underrepresented backgrounds, we strive to rectify these deep-seated issues by fostering a more inclusive, diverse, and fair education landscape.
Through strategic partnerships with schools and communities, we work to:
✦ Recruit, develop, support, and retain a thriving teacher base that reflects the diversity of our country.
✦ Facilitate interactive learning experiences that explore identity, language, and culture— essential elements that shape the academic and social development of learners.
✦ Create spaces where teachers, administrators, professionals, and community members connect through meaningful interactions and shared storytelling.
Karla E. Vigil, CEO Equity Institute
At the Equity Institute, we envision a future where every child, regardless of their background, can learn, grow, and thrive in an environment that embraces their unique identities. We imagine an education system where teachers reflect the diverse tapestry of their student body, where classrooms are vibrant with inclusive dialogues, and where schools serve as the bedrock of communities, fostering unity in diversity. Our vision is of a global village that comes together to raise a child, a village where every member — educators, parents, community leaders — plays an integral role in nurturing our future generation.
In this future, education is not just a pathway to opportunity but a journey of self-discovery and growth. In this world, every child can realize their potential, and every community can flourish.
We supported over 240 educators in our Educator Pathway Program, which provides multiple pathways to teacher certification.
Developed and launched an online digital platform, called the Educator Pathway Collective, designed as a central hub for all educator certification needs.
108
We distributed 108 Supportive Stipends this year, totaling $17,400 in financial support.
Launched our School-Based Mental Health initiative, training over 115 educators and staff members to address students’ growing mental health needs.
Hosted engaging meetups that connected over 180 classroombased educators, paraprofessionals, and educational leaders.
516
This year, we delivered trainings to 516 educators and staff members across six school districts.
Angel From Teacher Assistant to Classroom Leader
Equity Institute is always right there asking, ‘how can I help you be successful?
watch the full video interview here
Angel, a dedicated teaching assistant, had a deep passion for education but lacked the formal qualifications to lead her own classroom. Balancing work, family, and the financial burden of higher education felt like an impossible dream. That’s where ei’s TA to BA Educator Pathway Program, in partnership with College Unbound, stepped in.
“The program gave me people I could turn to and talk to,” Angel explains. “Equity Institute was a place where I could get all kinds of help from, and the TA to BA Program became a community. It became a family.”
With ei’s guidance and financial assistance, Angel earned her bachelor’s degree and is now completing a program to receive her full teaching certification. “Equity Institute is always right there asking, ‘How can I help you be successful?’” she shares. “You have this whole circle around you that makes you want to drive forward and do better. It makes you feel like you’re not here by yourself. I have somebody who’s there.”
Angel’s success story is a testament to the power of ei’s TA to BA program. It demonstrates how the program supports dedicated individuals like Angel to overcome barriers and maximize their full potential as educators.
I received as a student and a TA to BA program participant was unmatched.
watch the full video interview here
Karla, a driven and passionate educator, was among the first to complete ei’s TA to BA Educator Pathway Program. She navigated the challenges of balancing her role as a teaching assistant with the demands of higher education, emerging with a bachelor’s degree and a renewed sense of purpose. But Karla’s journey didn’t end there.
Recognizing her dedication and firsthand experience, ei welcomed Karla back — this time as a Pathway Coach. Now, she walks alongside aspiring educators, guiding them on their own paths to success.
“The coaching experience I received as a student and a TA to BA program participant was unmatched,” Karla shares. “Now, as a Pathway Coach, I get to learn about participants’ families, their passions, their frustrations, what they’re happy about, and their life milestones, and through that, we’re able to set a pathway, set goals, and meet those goals.”
Karla’s story is a powerful testament to the cyclical nature of transformation. ei not only helped her achieve her goals but also enabled her to pay it forward, supporting a new generation of educators.
From Program Graduate to Guiding Light Karla C.
Veronica Finding Her Voice as a Leader and Advocate
“The
to
doors for me to really explore who I am as a leader, as an educator, as a mom, and be able to clearly see the goals I have for the future.
Veronica, a dedicated teaching assistant with a passion for helping students with special needs, always dreamed of expanding her impact beyond the classroom. However, the path to higher education felt daunting, especially with the demands of her job and family. ei’s TA to BA Educator Pathway Program provided the support and guidance she needed to turn her dream into reality.
“The TA to BA Program opened doors for me to really explore who I am as a leader, as an educator, as a mom, and be able to clearly see the goals I have for the future,” Veronica shares. “The support system within the TA to BA program and ei has been unmatched. For anything you need, there’s always someone within reach to connect with.”
With the program’s support, Veronica earned her bachelor’s degree, gaining the knowledge and confidence to pursue her passion for advocating for students with disabilities. Now, she’s setting her sights on a career in special education policy, where she can influence systemic change and create a more inclusive educational landscape for all learners.
A comprehensive initiative designed to support dedicated teaching assistants in pursuing their Bachelor’s degrees in education and becoming certified teachers. This program provides a structured pathway, resources, and personalized support to help participants achieve their goals.
✦ Financial Assistance: The program offers financial aid and scholarships to alleviate the cost of tuition, fees, and books, personal and emergency expenses making higher education more accessible.
✦ Academic Advising: Participants receive personalized guidance from academic advisors who help them navigate coursework and degree requirements to fulfill their certification.
✦ Pathway Coaching: Participants are paired with experienced pathway coaches who provide individualized support, encouragement, and guidance throughout the program and up until certification.
✦ This year, the TA to BA Educator Pathway Program welcomed 82 new teaching assistants across RI and Philadelphia.
✦ 71% of our alumni are enrolled in a graduate program towards licensure and/or serving as a lead teacher with emergency certification.
✦ Of those students, 20 have already successfully completed their degrees and transitioned into lead teaching roles, significantly impacting classrooms across their community.
✦ 127 total participants
✦ 108 Supportive Stipends have been distributed this year, totaling $17,400 in financial support
Moving forward, we aim to serve more aspiring educators across Rhode Island and beyond. To reflect this growth and our evolving mission, we have rebranded the program. The title “TA2BA” will no longer be used; instead, we’re adopting the name “Educator Pathway Program.” This change better represents the initiative’s purpose and the dedicated work behind it. Our ultimate goal remains steadfast: to graduate participants, certify them, and successfully place them into classrooms where they will make a meaningful difference in education.
Thanks to generous funding from the Rhode Island Foundation, ei is excited to announce a groundbreaking initiative in partnership with BloomBoard, Apprenticeship Rhode Island, and Newport Public Schools: the development of a new teacher apprenticeship program in Newport. This program will create a pathway for aspiring educators to gain practical experience, earn credentials, and launch their careers in the classroom.
This collaborative effort addresses Newport’s growing need for qualified teachers by providing a structured and supportive apprenticeship model. Aspiring teachers will be paired with experienced mentors in real classrooms, gaining invaluable hands-on experience while working towards their teaching credentials.
This initiative is still in the development phase, with plans to launch in the near future. We are committed to creating a program that effectively prepares aspiring educators for success in the classroom and strengthens the educational landscape of Newport.
✦ Mentorship & Guidance: Apprentices will receive individualized support from experienced mentor teachers, fostering their growth and confidence.
✦ Real-World Experience: Apprentices will actively participate in classroom activities, developing practical skills and building relationships with students.
✦ Earn-While-You-Learn Model: The program will offer a sustainable pathway for individuals to pursue their teaching careers while earning a living.
✦ Collaboration & Innovation: By partnering with BloomBoard, Apprenticeship Rhode Island, and Newport Public Schools, ei will leverage expertise and resources to create a cuttingedge apprenticeship program.
Shaelyn Trudeau, Paraprofessional, Newport
With funding from the Rhode Island Department of Education, we are developing a new SchoolBased Mental Health Professional Pathway Program, modeled after the successful TA to BA Educator Pathway Program. This initiative aims to address the critical need for mental health professionals in educational settings by providing a clear and supportive pathway for aspiring professionals to gain the necessary skills and credentials.
This new program will leverage the proven framework of the TA to BA program, adapting it to the specific needs of aspiring schoolbased mental health professionals. It will also utilize the dynamic online community of the Educator Pathway Collective to enhance collaboration, resource sharing, and peer support.
We are excited about the future of our program, which is currently in the planning and development phase. With the support of our dedicated partners, our primary goal is to launch a program that creates meaningful opportunities for individuals to enter the mental health field. Our focus will be on supporting those from underserved and historically marginalized communities, aiming to reduce barriers and provide pathways into this vital area of work.
Like the TA to BA program, this pathway will feature:
✦ Financial Assistance: To help alleviate the financial burden of pursuing education and certification.
✦ Academic Advising: To guide participants through program requirements and career pathways.
✦ Pathway Coaching: To provide personalized support and mentorship throughout the journey.
Jennifer Gaviria, Behavioral Health Professional, MSW, LICSM
This online platform is a vibrant online community designed to support aspiring educators on their journey towards becoming classroom teachers with long-term impact. This digital space provides a platform for connection, collaboration, and resource-sharing, fostering a sense of belonging among aspiring teachers.
✦ Tailored Approach: A personalized support system aligns directly with educators’ certification journeys and the specific goals of organizational partners.
✦ Metrics & Progress Tracking: Gain valuable insights through detailed metrics that track educator engagement. Progress tracking tools also ensure seamless monitoring of milestones for participants and partners alike.
✦ Customization: Enjoy a fully customized space that’s thoughtfully designed to meet your community’s unique needs while maintaining a visually appealing aesthetic.
✦ Test Preparation Support: Members receive access to test preparation resources, study groups, and practice exams to help them succeed on required certification exams.
Since its launch this year, the Educator Pathway Collective has grown to over 80 members. The platform has facilitated countless connections and provided a vital support system for aspiring educators navigating the challenges and triumphs of their journey.
As we pilot this online platform, we plan to focus on analyzing participant data. We’ll be closely tracking how different features — such as tailored test prep resources, personalized progress tracking, and collaborative community engagement — support educators both in achieving certification and staying connected in the field. Based on these insights, our goal for next year is to further refine the platform, incorporating enhancements that make it even more effective. Additionally, we aim to offer this innovative platform to school districts, creating a broader reach and providing even greater support for education professionals.
Our trainings are a vital component in equipping educators with the skills and tools needed to create sustainable and equitable learning environments.
This year, we expanded its reach by offering sessions across multiple school districts throughout Rhode Island. Drawing on years of facilitator expertise, we developed four core training sessions designed to address critical areas of education and community development. The Foundations training sessions include Educational Equity: Defining and Applying Equitable Practices in Communities, Digging Deep: Understanding Social Identity in the Classroom, Uncovering the Roots of Racism: A Historical Exploration for Educators, and Taking Action: Understanding Implicit Bias to Advance Inclusion. Developed in collaboration with leading content experts and seasoned facilitators, these trainings are helping transform school learning communities.
Our impact further expanded through a significant partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Education. Together, we’ve been working to support student mental health initiatives by extending our training programs to School-Based Mental Health (SBMH) professionals. By bridging these crucial topics with mental health, we continue to lay a foundation for meaningful change in schools statewide.
✦ This year, we delivered trainings to 516 educators and staff members across six school districts.
✦ Post-training surveys showed a 94% increase in understanding and application of diversity, equity, and inclusion-related concepts that will help participants build more equitable schools.
✦ 94% of participants are taking action to address educational inequities within their districts and improving their schools.
✦ Designed to complement our professional training experience, our newly developed learning workbook is an essential tool for educators. Each section invites you to learn, dream, and reflect, ensuring a deep and meaningful engagement with the content.
Symbols used in our new workbook to denote each session
✦ Looking ahead to next year, we are excited to continue our collaboration with RIDE to support their schoolbased mental health professionals. Building on this successful partnership, we aim to expand our offerings to additional school districts, broadening the impact of our training program. Our plans also include extending our reach further across the New England area, ensuring that even more schools and communities benefit from our expertise and resources.
Pages from our new workbook:
ei recognizes the power of connection and the importance of building a strong, supportive community for educators. Our meetups provide an intentional space for networking, professional development, and inspiration, particularly for those from historically underrepresented communities.
These events go beyond casual networking. They offer opportunities to:
✦ Connect with Peers: Educators, nonprofit professionals, and supporters come together to share experiences, build relationships, and foster a sense of belonging.
✦ Hear from Inspiring Leaders: Community leaders and changemakers share their stories, insights, and strategies for creating a more equitable and inclusive educational landscape.
✦ Discover Ways to Get Involved: Attendees learn about opportunities to contribute to the mission of ei and make a difference in their communities.
✦ This year, ei hosted six impactful meetups, engaging 212 unique participants. These gatherings have sparked valuable connections, build collaboration, and amplified the voices of educators from diverse backgrounds.
✦ This year 18 speakers shared their stories and experiences.
Osiris Grafals, Lead teacher, Children’s Friends
Ayana
Bass and Ramona Bass-Kolobe
February Meetup Speakers
Voices of Justice: Educational Equity Through Storytelling
✦ Ramona Bass-Kolobe, Performing Artist/Storyteller, Educator, Anthropologist
✦ Ayana Bass, Elementary Special Educator, Ed. Equity Advocate
✦ Paige Clausius-Parks, Executive Director Rhode Island Kids Count
✦ April Brown, Co-Director of Langston Hughes Society and Director of the Racial and Environmental Justice Committee
Unlocking Potential: Philanthropy and Funding Impactful Work
✦ Precious Lopez, Regional Program Officer Schott Foundation for Public Education
✦ Christina Turner, Vice President Programs and Grantmaking, Cambridge Comunity Foundation
Our Teachers, Our Mirrors: Increasing Teacher Diversity
✦ Erica Campbell, Academic Advisor at The MET High School, Founder Mini Entrepreneurs of RI
✦ Randy Buck, Executive Director, Pawtucket School District
✦ Arryana Olavarria, Director of Pathway Programs, Equity Institute
Celebrating Transformative Educators: TA2BA Graduation
✦ Ysidra Polanco, Paraprofessional, Providence
✦ Shaelyn Trudeau, Paraprofessional, Newport
✦ Osiris Grafals, Teacher Assistant, Highlander Charter School
Building Bridges, Shaping Futures: A Celebration for Educators
✦ Kevin Montoya, K-8 Principal, Segue Institute for Learning
✦ Paula Guidales, Fellow Academic Teacher, Segue Institute for Learning
✦ Mimi Tsiane, Head of School, Legacy High School
Gather & Grow: Cultivating Well-being in Education
✦ Tulani Freeman, School Psychologist, Providence School Department
✦ Jennifer Gaviria, Behavioral Health Professional, MSW, LICSM
✦ Ramonita Martinez, School Counselor, Leviton Dual Language School
We are a dedicated group of leaders with diverse backgrounds and experiences, united by a shared commitment to meaningfully shape change. Together, we collaborate with passion and purpose to make a lasting impact in the communities we serve.
Karla E. Vigil Chief Executive Officer
“
At my core, I’m an educator, and when we teach, we have the power to impact people, create change, and inspire others to reach their full potential. Education transforms lives, and knowing that what I do can spark that transformation drives me every single day.
I was brought to this work by a desire to heal, to uplift, to create spaces where everyone can thrive. This is not just work; it’s a calling, a commitment to building a world where everyone can live and love fully.
Carlon Howard Chief Impact Officer
Katya M. Rodriguez Roman Chief of Staff
“Our education system was not designed to be equitable and working towards sustainable change can feel like an impossible task; however, programming like ours changes the lives of those we serve right now and brings us closer to better education for all.
“ June Jordan once said “we are the ones we’ve been waiting for”, and I think that applies to this work. If we want to not only recruit, but retain teachers of color, we have to invest in our teachers of color.
Karla Castillo Educator Pathway Coach
Arryana
Olavarria
Director of Educator Pathway Programs
“
I’m proud of the relationships I’ve built with our participants, the trust we’ve established, and the way we’ve navigated challenges together. Every success they achieve feels like a shared victory, and that’s what keeps me motivated every day.
Education is one of the cornerstones of how we learn to relate to the world. Every student deserves a teacher who can understand, care, and relate to them. I am the person I am because of teachers along the way who took the time to love, care, and be patient with me.
Sophie Engel Design Lead
✦ Michaela Pommells, Training and Curriculum Development, Corajus
✦ Dirk Wallace, Financial Consultant, Wallace Consultant LLC
✦ Tanya Paperny, Marketing & Communications, Tanya Paperny Consulting LLC
✦ Dulari Tahbildar, Facilitator, Dulari Tahbildar Coaching & Consulting
✦ Maureen Sigler, Facilitator, MKS Education Partners LLC
✦ Cristóbal D. Bustos, CAPS Studios
✦ Dominique Sindayiganza, Sindayiganza Photography
✦ Justin Case, JUSTINCASE MEDIA INC
✦ Doug Johnson, Retired Financial Advisor and Business Manager
✦ Ashlie Grilz, AG Group Consulting/ Principal & Founder
✦ Dorien Agyapon, Vice President of Operations, Eve by Boz
✦ Christina Turner, Vice President of Programs and Grantmaking, Cambridge Community Foundation
✦ Karla E. Vigil, Chief Executive Officer, Equity Institute
✦ Carlon Howard, Chief Impact Officer, Equity Institute
This year, we partnered with many organizations that share our commitment to supporting educators and promoting a more equitable educational landscape. Their dedication and collaboration have been instrumental in our work, and we would like to express our deepest gratitude to each of our partners for their unwavering support.
✦ Norwalk Public Schools
✦ Pawtucket School Department
✦ Rhode Island Department of Education (Educators of Color Committee)
✦ North Providence School Department
✦ Coventry Public Schools
✦ Johnston Public Schools
✦ Segue Institute for Learning
✦ Exeter-West Greenwich Regional School District
✦ College Unbound
✦ Western Governors University
✦ Rhode Island School for Progressive Education
✦ Newport School District
✦ Bloomboard, Inc
✦ National Education Association Rhode Island
✦ AmeriCorps Rhode Island Network
✦ International Association of Career Coaches
✦ MightyNetworks
✦ Study.com
✦ Apprenticeship Rhode Island
Aubrey Schabowsky Director of the Transformative Education Pathway at College Unbound
We sincerely thank all our donors and supporters who made this year’s achievements possible. Your generosity is transforming the lives of educators and students.
✦ Barr Foundation
✦ Rhode Island Foundation
✦ Gilbane Family Foundation
✦ Papitto Opportunity Connection
✦ Nellie Mae Education Foundation
✦ The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
✦ United States Department of Education
In 2024, we proudly introduced a range of exciting new swag. Each item is designed to tell the story of our work, embody our mission, and represent our brand. While these items are not yet available for purchase, online sales are coming soon!
for taking the time to read our impact report. We are endlessly grateful for your support and the collective effort of those who stand alongside us. From our dedicated team to the people of Providence and the greater community of our small but mighty state, we are privileged to be part of a place where individuals come together, stand up, and fight for what is right.
Our work is far from over, and we invite you to be part of this journey. Whether you choose to join us, donate, or simply spread the word, every action matters.
to another year of progress, hope, and impact!