Storytelling & Visibility
At the heart of BLAC’s approach is the belief that representation matters. By showcasing real-life journeys through its BIPOC Spotlights series and the Our Faces Our Voices podcast, BLAC brings visibility to students and families who are often overlooked in traditional narratives. These platforms highlight resilience, achievement, and cultural pride, offering both inspiration to students and affirmation to families.
BLAC is enhancing the stories and achievements of Students of Color (SOC) Alumni by launching targeted social media hashtags such as #blacksuccessfromehs, #asiansuccessfromehs, and #latinxsuccessfromehs. These hashtags celebrate individual success stories, increasing visibility and fostering deeper connections among current and former SOC members.​
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See some of the key themes below and learn more about Spotlighted Graduates from BLAC
First-Generation Identity and Access to Opportunity
A number of alumni spoke about being the first in their families to attend college or private/independent schools, often navigating complex systems with limited support or guidance. These stories reflect the transformative power of access and how institutional support and scholarships opened doors to life-changing opportunities.
Kyrie K. York – Union College 2003 of Schenectady, NY
Gained admission to Union through a scholarship for first-generation college students and later became an educator and behavioral coach.
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James Lee – Pennsylvania State University 2000 of University Park, PA
Immigrated from South Korea and had to adapt to a new country and school system, ultimately rising to lead IT infrastructure programs for the federal government.
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Daniel Call – Tooele High School 1994 of Tooele, UT
A first-generation Latinx student who became an ethnic studies teacher and educational leader in the Tacoma area, using his background to connect with students.
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Career Reinvention and Adaptability
These alumni demonstrate how career paths are rarely linear. Whether motivated by life-changing events, evolving passions, or new opportunities, they successfully pivoted from one professional identity to another—often blending personal values with professional growth.
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Annabel Quintero – University of Washington 1997 of Seattle, WA
Survived 9/11 and shifted her career from communications to diversity leadership, focusing on healing and representation through storytelling.
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Barbara Bai – Episcopal High School 2008 of Alexandria, VA
Moved from public policy to working in the startup tech and health care innovation space, driven by a desire to make a tangible impact.
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Octavio Peralta – Episcopal High School 2000 of Alexandria, VA
After a career in restaurant management, he returned to school to pursue medicine and is now building a new career in dermatology.
Mentorship and Giving Back to Community
For many alumni, success led to a deep desire to return the favor by supporting others. Whether through formal roles in education or nonprofit leadership, these individuals turned their personal journeys into vehicles for mentorship and systemic change.
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Patricia Sasser – The Madeira School 1995 of McLean, VA
Became Assistant Head of School for Equity and Inclusion, building a career around student advocacy, educational access, and institutional transformation.
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Keith Wilkerson – Princeton University 1997 of Princeton, NJ
Founded CollegeThoughts to help students of color and their families navigate the college admissions process with confidence and transparency.
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Marcell Crawford – The College of William & Mary 2012 of Williamsburg, VA
Centered his professional work in student support and DEIB, drawing on his own experiences navigating predominantly white institutions.
Power of Early Educational Belonging
A sense of belonging in formative academic spaces empowered these alumni to envision greater futures for themselves. Independent schools played a key role in validating their identities and fostering confidence that extended into college and career.
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Jonathan Lee – Episcopal High School 2001 of Alexandria, VA
Cites his EHS experience as foundational to his leadership in education and the founding of BLAC, which helps extend those same opportunities to others.
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Rodney V. Rice – Episcopal High School 1979 of Alexandria, VA
Mentorship and community at EHS propelled his lifelong commitment to educational equity and social responsibility.
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Mahalia Gayle, Ph.D. – Lakeside Schoo 1990 of Seattle, WA
Found intellectual challenge and support at Lakeside, which helped her as a first-generation American to pursue a global career in education and leadership.
Multigenerational Impact and Family Legacies
Some alumni were inspired by family members or now actively shape the lives of the next generation, whether through their own children or broader community mentorship. Their stories reflect how educational access ripples across generations and reinforces cultural pride and leadership.
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Craig Dixon – Episcopal High School 1993 of Alexandria, VA
Co-founded The St. James wellness enterprise with his brother, drawing on family values and a legacy of Black excellence and discipline.
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Rodney Robinson – Episcopal High School 1986 of Alexandria, VA
Works in the tech sector and serves on the EHS Board of Trustees while raising daughters and giving back through educational service.
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Renee John Howard – Episcopal High School 2007 of Alexandria, VA
Participated in global service programs and now mentors students entering the tech field, continuing a legacy of global learning and service.
Commitment to Educational Justice and DEIB
A strong throughline in many profiles is the dedication to dismantling inequities and building inclusive environments in schools, nonprofits, and workplaces. These leaders are creating structural change from within, driven by their own lived experiences as students of color in independent schools.
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Audrey Jordan, Ph.D. – Virginia Commonwealth University 1990 of Richmond, VA
Veteran DEIB and racial equity consultant and coach, supporting nonprofits, schools, and corporate teams with a focus on transformative justice.
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Jessica Bantam – University of Virginia 1998 of Charlottesville, VA
DEIB strategist and design consultant using human-centered methodologies to foster inclusion and innovation in learning spaces.
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Ayodele Harrison – O’Dea High School 1996 of Seattle, WA
Leads national programs focused on uplifting Black male educators and fostering student-centered school cultures across the U.S.