CEO Karla E. Vigil Celebrates Team’s Resilience and New Cohort Model Success in Turbulent Year
A Global Village: Equity Institute’s Blueprint for an Inclusive Education Landscape
Our Principles: When Faced With Hard Decisions, We Draw on These to Help Guide Our Decision-Making Process
Victories in a Tense Year: Highlights Include New Funding
Educator Pathway Collective Connects
130+ Educators: A Digital Hub Supporting Participants’ Professional Growth, Collaboration, and Certification Needs
Institute’s Success Inspires Expansion: Philadelphia Targeted for Educator Pathway Program Growth
We Refuse to Leave Our People: A Funding Loss Becomes a Pivot to Deeper Support
Adapt and Thrive: The Small, Powerful Actions That Build a Diverse Educator Pipeline
The Pattern of the Whole: Our Participants’ Stories are the Living Map for the Future of Education
207 Voices Raised: Meetups Ignite Inspiration and Connection
The Dream Team: United by Passion, Driven by Purpose
Investing in Opportunity: Transparency and New Funding Power the Mission
Artifacts of Action: Propelling Our Values from Swag to Purpose
IT’S GOOD NEWS
WE PACK A
A PUNCH!
CEO Karla E. Vigil Celebrates Team’s Resilience and New Cohort Model Success in Turbulent Year
Dear Friends, Supporters, and Community,
2025, at times, felt like several years compressed into one, a year that once again felt heavy with the current administration working to undermine our work and efforts. However, in all that heaviness and challenge, I am filled with a lasting sense of hope and a profound admiration for the dedication of our core team. Though we are small, as one of our program officers so aptly put it, we pack “a lot of punch for our size.” I want to take a moment to thank and celebrate the individuals who pour their heart and soul into this work every single day.
A special shoutout to my fellow co-founder, Carlon Howard, whose vision and leadership continue to inspire us all; Katya Rodriguez, our Chief of Operations, who has been a steadfast force for the past five years; Arryana Olavarria, our Director of Educator Pathway Programs, whose optimism and enthusiasm drives our work forward; and Karla Castillo, our Educator Pathway Program Manager, whose passion for our people and commitment are unmatched. I am so proud of how much we have grown—both individually and as a team—and how deeply we remain connected to our purpose.
This year, Equity Institute has gained even greater clarity in our mission to support teacher assistants on their journey to becoming certified classroom teachers. One of our proudest accomplishments has been the launch of our new cohort model program, through which we successfully signed on 57 participants! This milestone is a testament to the power
of our work and the trust our community places in us.
Through a challenging yet rewarding year, our team remained focused on our work and mission. We have beautiful highlights from the year, and we have some pretty scary moments and questions we had to face, like, will we continue to get funding, are we being targeted by the administration and the conservative right groups? But, staying grounded in our emergent strategy principles and knowing the wins and challenges go hand in hand, we pushed forward. Take a look at a few of our 2025 highlights:
* Securing new funding from the Charles & Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation, which will help us expand our impact.
* Launching a newly restructured Educator Pathway Program (EPP) model to better serve our participants.
* Saying goodbye to a dear friend and designer, Sophie Engel, as she transitioned to a new role in another state.
* Being named in a Department of Justice lawsuit against the Rhode Island School of Education—a moment that tested our resilience and resolve.
* Welcoming two brilliant interns, DaQuan and Faizaan, from Brown University, who have brought fresh energy and ideas to our work.
* Hosting four meetups that brought
together over 200 people, fostering connection and collaboration within our community.
* Successfully recruiting five exceptional coaches to support our EPP participants on their journeys.
I am humbled and incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together. This report is a reflection of our collective efforts, our resilience, and our commitment to equity in education.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Here’s to continuing to grow, learn, and make an impact—together.
Peace and love, Karla E. Vigil
A GLOBAL VILLAGE
Equity Institute’s Blueprint for an Inclusive Education Landscape
Welcome to Equity Institute’s Annual Report, a document that is not just a review of the past year, but a testament to the power of a community committed to building opportunity and lasting change.
The work documented in these pages is guided by the fundamental purpose and future we are building.
Our Mission
Equity Institute (ei) is a non-profit organization committed to creating equitable and sustainable learning environments. Recognizing that the education system often fails to serve underrepresented groups, we strive to address these deep-seated issues by fostering a more inclusive, diverse, and fair educational 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.
Our Vision
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, building unity in diversity. Our vision is of a global village that comes together to raise a child. In this village, every member, including educators, parents, and 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, and every community can flourish.
The year covered in this report reflects our unwavering Bias Towards Action Guided by core principles such as our People-Centered Approach and our commitment to translating Power into Action , we have pushed the boundaries of what is possible. The data on the following pages clearly demonstrate a significant impact, emphasizing the powerful effect of our efforts within the community.
This year marks a critical pivot as we consolidate our efforts around a single, powerful strategy: The Educator Pathway Program (EPP). The single most effective way to ensure student success is to develop, support, and retain high-quality, reflective educators who mirror the communities they serve. This focused approach allows us to deploy our resources for maximum impact, creating a blueprint for professional development and retention that the entire field can adopt.
Our work is designed to be emotional, powerful, and dope! It speaks to our role as a catalyst in advancing excellence in education. This report is not a box to be checked; it is a shared story of progress made possible by our funders, partners, program participants, and community members, the true agents of change.
We invite you to explore the impact we’ve made together and to join us as we continue the journey toward opportunity for all.
In partnership,
The Equity Institute Team
OUR PRINCIPLES
When Faced With Hard Decisions, We Draw on These to Help Guide Our Decision-Making Process
* Outside The Box: We aim to think outside the box in everything we do.
* Transformative Leadership: We practice transformative leadership.
* Listen with why as a framework.
* Ask what you can learn from this.
* Assess how your real-time actions contribute to transforming the situation vs making it worse.
* Use your body, your gut, to assess a situation.
* Emergent Strategy: We use emergent strategy to solve problems and build trusting relationships.
* Change is constant, be like water.
* Less prep, more presence.
* Focus on critical connections more than critical mass - build resilience.
* People-Centered Approach: We believe in a people-centered approach and enlist the people most affected by an issue to identify solutions and the support they need for their success.
* Power into Action: We believe people have power and must be supported and trained to translate it into action for the benefit of historically underserved youth.
* Nimble and Flexible: We are nimble and flexible in our approach to justice work, responding in real time to the most critical problems.
* Racial Equity Lens: We practice through a racial equity lens.
* Lead with race explicitly.
* Acknowledge and understand disparities in data.
* Develop an awareness of the historical and current trauma of a community.
* Analyze power dynamics and the root cause of an issue.
* Worth, Dignity, and Equality: We believe learners need access to the resources necessary to build respect for the worth, dignity, and equality of every individual in our diverse society.
VICTORIES IN A
Highlights Include New Funding
* In a year marked by significant challenges, we feel proud to have demonstrated successful resource mobilization and strategic adaptation to better serve our community. The most substantial of these achievements was a multi-year grant of $250,000 per year from the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Foundation. In addition,we secured $31,250 in funding from the Gilbane Family Foundation directly translating to measurable relief and professional advancement for 57 participants. This support eliminated financial barriers to teacher certification and provided targeted resources for basic needs and wellness, allowing them to focus on successful program completion and career readiness.
* Despite the unexpected elimination of federal funding for a major state partnership to expand school-based mental health professionals, we swiftly responded. We shifted and integrated all aspiring mental health professionals into a dedicated track within the main Educator Pathway Program (EPP). This action maintained continuous support for a critical, diverse talent pipeline, ensuring these professionals continue their journey toward becoming certified counselors, social workers, and psychologists in educational settings.
* ei further solidified its core programming with the launch of a restructured, cohortbased EPP model . This innovation offers enhanced pathways for professional growth and impact. Beyond our core program, we successfully continued to strengthen our community-building network by hosting four dynamic community meetups throughout the school year. These intentional gatherings brought together over 200 educators and leaders to collaborate, share stories, and build a strong, supportive professional community.
This ongoing commitment is vital, securing the future for a critical, diverse group of aspiring counselors, social workers, and psychologists in educational settings. “ “
Digital Hub Supporting Participants’ Professional Growth, Collaboration, and Certification Needs
The Educator Pathway Collective (EPC) has established itself as a vital digital hub that supports aspiring educators on their certification journey, building collaboration and resource sharing across our pathway program. The EPC model champions job-embedded learning and peer mentorship, providing a single location for “Integrated Services” that include one-on-one coaching, comprehensive licensure preparation courses, and a wealth of professional resources. With over 130 members in its growing community, the platform’s impact is already measurable. A primary objective is to drive consistent engagement, with the current goal of increasing participant activity to 75%.
This year, our most active months were March and October, with 50% engagement in both.
Additionally, 35 participants are enrolled in licensure exam preparation, with over 30,000 study minutes and 69 practice exams completed. The EPC’s focus on “Community and Development” and “Enhanced Support” ensures educators are not only prepared for testing but also equipped with the professional materials and skills necessary for career success. Looking ahead, we are focused on scaling the EPC’s impact through “Statewide Reach,” pursuing opportunities to position the platform as a state-wide test prep provider in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE). Furthermore, the organization plans to expand its “Higher Education Partnerships” to secure last-dollar scholarships for teacher education programs, utilizing the EPC to provide wraparound support for aspiring graduate program educators. Continued “Platform Refinement” is the final pillar of the strategy, aiming to achieve consistent engagement and maximize its effectiveness as a tool for educator retention and career growth.
A TENSE YEAR
Institute’s Success
Inspires Expansion
Philadelphia Targeted for Educator Pathway Program Growth
Building on the proven success of our EPP model in Rhode Island, we are set to expand our work and impact, committed to serving more educators and students across the region. This forward-looking strategy centers on two key areas. First, an expansion is planned for the next two years, with the immediate priority being the launch of the EPP model in Philadelphia, where we will leverage existing connections to forge new partnerships and support teacher assistants. Second, we are committed to deepening our partnerships with higher education institutions to secure funding for last-dollar scholarships, with the objective of providing this critical support to at least 50% of EPP participants. This effort leverages our existing relationships with partners like College Unbound and Western Governor’s University to help teacher assistants enroll, progress toward certification, and build their financial capacity.
We Refuse to Leave Our People
A Funding Loss Becomes a Pivot to Deeper Support
Equity Institute’s commitment to addressing the critical need for mental health professionals in education was tested this year with the unexpected elimination of federal funding for our planned specialized School-Based Mental Health Professional Pathway. Refusing to let participant journeys stop, we executed a strategic pivot, leveraging our existing program infrastructure to seamlessly integrate aspiring professionals into our current EPP model.
This action, rooted in our passion and dedication to serve our people and not leave them behind, highlights our ability to be flexible and nimble when necessary. We are committed to prioritizing people, ensuring continuous, comprehensive support through our core program, which provides Financial Assistance (stipends), Career Pathway Guidance (on graduate program requirements), and personalized Pathway Coaching. We understand that this ongoing commitment is vital, securing the future for a critical, diverse group of aspiring counselors, social workers, and psychologists in educational
ADAPT AND THRIVE
The Small, Powerful Actions That Build a Diverse Educator Pipeline
At the heart of our mission to create equitable and sustainable learning environments is the Educator Pathway Program (EPP), a focused, comprehensive model designed to develop, support, and retain highquality certified classroom educators from diverse backgrounds. This initiative is specifically designed to support dedicated teacher assistants currently working in Rhode Island public or charter schools, thereby investing in individuals already deeply connected to their school communities to create a more reflective and resilient teacher base, with the program currently designed to support up to 100 aspiring educators on this journey.
The EPP structure is built on three interconnected pillars of support, ensuring a holistic and personalized journey to certification. The first pillar is Individualized Pathway Coaching , where each participant is matched with a Pathway Coach for personalized, one-on-one sessions throughout the academic year. Coaches provide tailored guidance on academic planning, navigating state licensure steps, testing preparation, and developing actionable plans to overcome professional challenges.
The second and third pillars focus on community and financial access. The Cohort Experience and Community fosters a strong peer-support community by grouping participants into cohorts based on their certification readiness: Early Pathway (focusing on academic planning), In-Progress BA (focusing on coursework mapping and testing prep), and Career-Ready (focusing on job readiness and transition to a lead role). All participants attend regularly scheduled convenings throughout the year for community building, skills development, and shared storytelling. A core feature is Financial Stipends which provide direct financial support to participants to offset the costs and time commitment required for professional development, ensuring that economic barriers do not prevent dedicated individuals from becoming certified teachers.
These foundational pillars lead to strong outcomes. The program maintained an 86% retention rate among participants through individualized coaching, peer support, and financial stipends, which directly
addressed economic and logistical barriers to certification. We are actively working toward a program goal to achieve an 80% retention rate among graduates within the first three years of employment. Ultimately, the EPP successfully helps participants make demonstrable progress towards certification requirements and professional success, contributing to their Career Advancement
Total Participants
$43,576 Average Salary $24,000
211 Stipends Provided Totaling Over 186 Completed Coaching Sessions
$1,000+ Provided in Teaching Certification Exam Fees
11 Tests Completed to Date 41%
19%
Participants
THE PATTERN OF THE WHOLE
Our Participants’ Stories are the Living Map for the Future of Education
Nilton Cardenas (Featured Bottom Right)
Nilton Cardenas is a visual artist, muralist, educator, and community leader born in Lima, Peru, and now based in Providence, Rhode Island. Deeply influenced by the cultural heritage of his homeland, his work explores themes of identity, memory, migration, and social transformation, using paintings and murals as powerful tools for expression and collective reflection. His artistic practice, rooted in personal and cultural experience, proposes art as a space for resistance, healing, and social change. He has
participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions in the United States and abroad, with works held in both private and corporate collections.
Nilton received his academic training at the Instituto Superior de Arte y Diseño José Sabogal in Lima and, after moving to Rhode Island, continued to expand his artistic knowledge and practice. In 2023, he earned a degree from College Unbound, further deepening his commitment to social impact through art and strengthening his ongoing professional growth. Alongside his artistic practice, Nilton continues to work as an educator in
Providence Public Schools, supporting students’ learning and growth beyond the arts. He has also shared his artistic skills and knowledge through years of collaboration with community programs and organizations, creating spaces of creativity and connection for children, youth, and adults. Additionally, he has served on the boards of cultural organizations, including Sol Gallery and the Cranston Arts Commission.
Recognized for his dedication to art as a catalyst for community transformation, Nilton Cardenas bridges his creative vision with a strong educational and
social vocation. His work has expanded access to the arts in diverse communities, establishing him as a key figure in Rhode Island’s artistic and cultural landscape.
Obdulia CedronCardenas (Featured Bottom Left)
Originally from Lima, Peru, Obdulia grew up in a family that valued education, spirituality, and service. Her journey to becoming an educator has been shaped by her experiences as a multilingual immigrant and her passion for fostering inclusive classrooms. After arriving in the U.S. with a foundation in English, she worked various jobs before finding her calling as a teacher’s assistant, where she developed a deep commitment to supporting high school students.
Currently, Obdulia works at the Sherlock Center and is enrolled in the Language Masters Program at Rhode Island College (RIC). Drawing from her own challenges with language barriers and cultural identity, she is dedicated to creating spaces where linguistic diversity is celebrated, and students are inspired to think critically, build resilience, and strive for success. Obdulia was also one of the speakers at our November Meetup, where she shared her inspiring story.
“ “-EPP Participant
Without this program I wouldn’t have been able to get as far as I have so far.
Claribel Urena (Featured Bottom Left)
Claribel Urena is a dedicated educator and mother of four who has demonstrated remarkable leadership in overcoming significant personal and professional barriers. She began her journey at Times2 Academy in Providence as a 1:1 paraprofessional and has since stepped confidently into a role as a Kindergarten teacher, teaching under an emergency certification after graduating from College Unbound (CU).
Claribel’s inspiring story and journey were highlighted when she spoke at our May Meetup, where she shared her experiences and commitment to advancing educational equity. She is a fierce advocate for her students and their families, actively partnering with organizations such as Parents Leading for Educational Equity (PLEE) to deepen her understanding of Individualized Learning Plan (IEP) rights and better support her community.
Donald Etheridge (Featured Bottom Right)
In a victory that underscores the power of persistence, Educator Pathway Program (EPP) participant Donald Etheridge successfully passed his Praxis Core Reading exam, marking a significant step toward completing his Master’s Degree in Special Education from Western Governors University (WGU). Currently working as a dedicated Teacher Assistant, Don embodies a profound love for the classroom and a strong will to achieve his goals.
Despite facing hard health setbacks this year, Don’s determination remains unbroken. Having completed all required coursework for his degree, he is now focused on finishing his SPED Praxis requirements before moving on to student teaching. Known for the confidence of a master educator, Don’s success is a shining example of resilience within the EPP community and a testament to his deep commitment to his students and the teaching profession.
207 VOICES
Meetups Ignite Inspiration and Connection
We recognize the power of connection and storytelling and the importance of building a strong, supportive community for educators, particularly those from historically underrepresented backgrounds. This year felt more important than ever to be in community. We successfully hosted four impactful meetups, creating intentional spaces for networking, bridging ideas, professional development, and inspiration. These gatherings engaged 207 unique participants and featured 12 inspiring speakers, igniting valuable connections, building collaboration, and amplifying the voices of educators across the community.
These meetups are more than just gatherings; they are designed to offer concrete opportunities for growth and action. Attendees were able to connect with peers educators, nonprofit professionals, and supporters—to share experiences and build a sense of belonging. They heard from inspiring leaders who shared their insights and strategies for creating equitable and inclusive educational landscapes. Ultimately, participants discovered ways to get involved and actively contribute to our mission, reinforcing our dedication to long-lasting change and a people-centered approach.
February Meetup
The Power of Connection
* Nicole-Nzinga Darden: Special Education Teacher, Providence School District
* Jude Amoako: Founder & Chief Storyteller, Based on a True Story (BOATS)
* Kia Minor: Director of Career Development and Education, Inspiring Minds
May Meetup
Leading Boldly: Embodying Hope and Action in Education
* Kevin Matta: Senior Director, People & Culture at United Way
* Jo’Nella Queen Gueye: Executive Director and Head of School at Olea Montessori School
* Claribel Pinales: Teacher Assistant, Times2 Academy
September Meetup
Shaping Our World: Back to Inspire and Lead
* Mariahadessa Ekere Talliee: Artist, poet, and scholar
* Medina Jenkins: Teacher Assistant & Educator Pathway Program Participant
* Ramel Moore: Motivational speaker, facilitator, mentor, and leadership coach
November Meetup
Holding Ground, Finding Joy: Strengthening Community Through Learning, Leading, and Connection
* Denezia Fahie: Executive Director, Providence Student Union
* Kinzel Thomas: Vice President of Equity and Community Development, Family Service of Rhode Island (FSRI)
“My favorite part is how their speakers motivate me to keep believing my dreams.” Feb Meetup Attendee
“Thank you for always creating a space for connection, inspiration and sharing.” Feb Meetup Attendee
“I can tell everything is genuine and it’s real people talking about real things.” May Meetup Attendee
VOICES RAISED
THE DREAM TEAM
United by Passion, Driven by Purpose
Rooted in our diverse backgrounds, we are a collective of leaders who take profound pride in serving our people and creating impact in the education world. We pour our heart, soul, and passion into this work every day, and this commitment drives our continuous journey to build a more diverse teacher workforce. Our lasting impact emerges directly from the intentional connections we build.
A Grateful Farewell to Doug Johnson
Doug Johnson has served on our board for the last four years, and his contributions to the Equity Institute have been invaluable. From advising us on our finances and programming to asking us important questions about how to navigate challenging times, his guidance has been essential. We are so deeply grateful to have had Doug on our team, and we will miss him.
Welcome Andrea Wolfe to the Board
We are pleased to welcome Andrea Wolfe as a valued addition to the Equity Institute Board of Directors starting in 2026. Andrea currently serves as the President & CEO of Mass Insight and leads efforts to advance educational equity. Previously, she was Mass Insight’s founding Chief Advancement Officer and held leadership roles at Propel America. Originally from Bolivia, Andrea began her career as a bilingual teacher, holds a degree from the University of Notre Dame, and serves on the board of The Boston Schools Fund.
Our Board Members
* 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
Doug Johnson Board Member
Karla E. Vigil CEO
Carlon Howard CDO
Katya M. Rodriguez Roman COO
Arryana Olavarria Director of Educator Pathway Programs
Karla Castillo Program Manager
Our 2025 Consultants
* Michaela Pommells, Training and Curriculum Development, Corajus
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
* Gilbane Family Foundation
* Nellie Mae Education Foundation
* Papitto Opportunity Connection
* Rhode Island Foundation
* The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
* Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation
Our Partners
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 steady support.
Colleges and Universities (IHE Partners)
* College Unbound
* Rhode Island School for Progressive Education
* Western Governors University
* ExcEL Leadership Academy
Schools and Districts (LEA Partners)
* Achievement First Mayoral Academy
* Blackstone Valley Preparatory Mayoral Academy
* Exeter-West Greenwich Regional Public Schools
* Johnston Public Schools
* Newport Public Schools
* North Providence Public Schools
* Pawtucket School Department
* Segue Institute for Learning
* Coventry Public Schools Local and State Government
* Rhode Island Department of Education (State Education Agency)
Nonprofit and Workforce Organizations
* Coalition for a Multilingual RI
* City Year Providence
* National Educators Association
* Rhode Island Education Collective
* Teach for America Rhode Island
ARTIFACTS OF ACTION
Propelling Our Values from Swag to Purpose
Equity Institute’s merchandise is an extension of our commitment to intentional design and a powerful tool for communication with our community, participants, and fellow leaders. We don’t just create swag; we craft meaningful artifacts and products that embody our mission. From Principle cards that keep our core values top of mind to our vibrant bags (in Yellow, Blue, Orange, and Purple) and classic hats (in black and white), every item is thoughtfully designed.
Our care package boxes distributed during EPP orientation, contents of which are shown below, are our way of saying, and showing, “We Are Here.” This idea and process are inspired by the Health Equity Collective, a growing national community of predominantly BIPOC health and equity leaders who
gathered in 2020 to envision a future for health justice and address systems of oppression in health care. Each item in the box was intentionally curated to align the session activities and fit with the theme of Resilience and Joy, Renewed
