Montserrat Garibay spent 25 years in public education and labor advocacy, from teaching bilingual pre-K in Austin to serving as Director of the U.S. Department of Education's Office of English Language Acquisition.

In this episode, she previews her Back to School conference session, "Building Power for English Learners: Organizing in a Changing Educational Landscape." She also touches on topics such as organizing and advocacy for EL programs, misconceptions about bilingual education, practical strategies for teachers without full program support, parent and family engagement, and why conference and community connections matter for educators working in isolation.

Alicia Stevens-Blair is an educational consultant, advocate, and cofounder of SustainED LLC, dedicated to empowering students and equipping educators with the tools they need to succeed. Throughout her career, she has championed the use of innovative educational resources—including emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence—to create inclusive and dynamic learning environments that inspire both students and teachers.

Tracy Hoover is an experienced educator, instructional coach, and lifelong learner who has proudly called Oklahoma home for the past 18 years. Originally from sunny Southern California, her early passion for science and love of animals initially inspired dreams of a career in veterinary medicine. However, she soon discovered her true calling in education—where she could ignite curiosity and inspire lifelong learning in others.

Stephanie Skidmore is a dedicated educator and instructional leader with a passion for helping students and teachers reach their fullest potential. Originally from Colorado, she came to Oklahoma for college and then began her teaching journey in Moscow, Russia—a transformative experience that deepened her commitment to building meaningful relationships and fostering student growth.

SustainED Impact Consulting

Today’s guest is Miguel A. Briones, an award-winning educator, community organizer, public speaker, and author. Miguel is also the founder of Know Culture Publishing, established in 2023 with the mission to empower marginalized communities impacted by generational trauma, systemic inequities, and cultural displacement. Through its work, Know Culture Publishing creates opportunities to share diverse stories, provide access to critical resources, and preserve local history, fostering a stronger sense of belonging through literature, performances, and heritage preservation. The organization also offers tailored content that addresses the social-emotional needs of individuals and families, providing practical strategies for building resilience and confidence while navigating life’s challenges. One of its upcoming projects, ¿Por qué Hoy?: Lupe Garcia and the East Austin IMOM’s, documents and honors the history and advocacy of grassroots changemakers, preserving their legacy for future generations.

Miguel Briones, who was born and raised in Central El Paso, Texas, credits his early life as a "travieso" with shaping the stories and cultural experiences that now inform his work. As the self-published author and illustrator of the bilingual children’s book Como Mi Padrino, Miguel has received the Honorable Mention Award for Best Latino-Themed Young Adult Book of 2023 from the International Latino Book Awards. His follow-up book, Macho No Machismo, has been widely acclaimed and added to over 30 public and school libraries across Texas. Through his writing and illustrations, Miguel’s hope is to inspire and empower future generations by uplifting the lived experiences, voices, and stories of Chicanos, Hispanics, Latinos, and all members of the Spanish-speaking community.

When he’s not writing or illustrating, Miguel enjoys writing music, volunteering with local and national organizations, and writing about himself in the third person. Whether through storytelling, publishing, or advocacy, Miguel is committed to amplifying voices, preserving culture, and helping communities heal and thrive.

Website: https://www.miguelbrioneswrites.com/

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