OUR BEGINNINGS WERE HUMBLE
The history of Champions for Educational Empowerment began with Debbie Carlsen’s experience running for a school board director position in 2023. During her campaign, she discovered that Seattle lacked a dedicated support system to help school board candidates navigate the complexities and unique dynamics of running for this important role. This realization underscored the need for a program that could provide resources and guidance, particularly for those who may be new to the political landscape. By addressing this gap, Champions for Educational Empowerment aimed to advocate for a structure that would empower future candidates and strengthen the overall governance of the school board.
Others soon joined in the vision to create a pathway for passionate and concerned educational advocates to step forward and run for school board director. Joining Debbie in establishing Champions for Educational Empowerment are Lisa Rivera, a former school board director, and Janai Ray, a former school board candidate.
This group of advocates is committed to empowering individuals with lived experiences in the school system, ensuring that diverse voices can contribute to effective governance in education. Through this initiative, we aim to inspire and support candidates who are determined to make a positive impact in their communities. Together, this dedicated team of educational advocates is organizing a Seattle School Board training series called "Learning Together."
This series will be led by experts in the education field and will explore a range of important topics. These topics include foundational knowledge of school board governance, the district landscape, the roles of school board directors, funding and budgeting, equity, campaign strategies, and more.
Others soon joined in the vision to create a pathway for passionate and concerned educational advocates to step forward and run for school board director. Joining Debbie in establishing Champions for Educational Empowerment are Lisa Rivera, a former school board director, and Janai Ray, a former school board candidate.
This group of advocates is committed to empowering individuals with lived experiences in the school system, ensuring that diverse voices can contribute to effective governance in education. Through this initiative, we aim to inspire and support candidates who are determined to make a positive impact in their communities. Together, this dedicated team of educational advocates is organizing a Seattle School Board training series called "Learning Together."
This series will be led by experts in the education field and will explore a range of important topics. These topics include foundational knowledge of school board governance, the district landscape, the roles of school board directors, funding and budgeting, equity, campaign strategies, and more.
THE ORGANIZERS
Debbie Carlsen |
Lisa Rivera |
Janai Ray |
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Debbie Carlsen serves as the Director of the Early Learning Coalition of Snohomish County, where she leads a transformative cross-sector Early Learning Leadership Council dedicated to advancing early learning initiatives based on principles of racial equity. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with Children’s Alliance to amplify the voices of children and families across the state and held the position of Interim Policy Director for NAMI Washington. In 2023, she ran in a consequential school board election, addressing issues that continue to affect the Seattle School District. In 2016, she was appointed by Councilmember Dave Upthegrove to serve a four-year term on the Best Start for Kids Advisory Board, where she discovered her passion for early learning and education.
With nearly two decades of experience in the nonprofit sector, Debbie has dedicated the majority of her career to advocating for worker rights and housing justice. She co-founded and was the executive director of a local LGBTQIA+ organization for eleven years, initially known as LGBTQ Allyship and now Queer Power Alliance, through which she championed economic and housing justice for the LGBTQIA+ community. She played a pivotal role in advocating for the establishment of the Seattle Department of Labor Standards, initiated the first LGBTQIA+ renters' rights program in collaboration with the City of Seattle, developed the inaugural South King County LGBTQIA+ Housing Coalition, and implemented the first statewide LGBTQIA+ Housing Leadership Development Training. Additionally, she partnered with Entre Hermanos to form the first regional Queer the Census Coalition. As a committed advocate for disability rights, racial equity, gender equality, LGBTQIA+ issues, and class transformation, Debbie endeavors to apply an intersectional perspective to every project, program, training, or professional engagement in which she participates. She currently holds the position of Training and Education Chair for the National Women's Political Caucus of Washington and is a proud Girl Scouts Troop Leader for her seven-year-old daughter. |
Lisa Rivera is a dedicated advocate for public education, students, and communities. A former Seattle Public Schools Board Director, she has spent years championing equitable and well-funded schools while uplifting the voices of students, families, and educators. Lisa’s passion for service extends beyond education—she is a committed volunteer for social justice initiatives, environmental causes, and leadership development.
With a background in journalism as a former newspaper reporter, Lisa brings a deep understanding of community issues and the power of storytelling to her advocacy work. She currently serves as Vice Chair of the 46th District Democrats and is a board member of the Urban Native Education Alliance, where she continues to work toward inclusive and effective policies for historically underserved communities. During her tenure on the Seattle Public Schools Board of Directors, Lisa was a graduate of the Washington State School Directors Association’s 2022 Leadership WASSDA Cohort, a rigorous 10-month program focused on leadership development, governance, and educational policy. Through this experience, she collaborated with state and local leaders to navigate complex challenges facing public education. Lisa became involved with Champions for Educational Empowerment after experiencing firsthand the challenges of running for school board. Recognizing the steep learning curve, she is committed to demystifying the campaign process and supporting future leaders. With Seattle Public Schools’ billion-dollar budget and evolving governance structures, Lisa is determined to help prospective board members feel informed, empowered, and ready to make a meaningful impact on public education. |
As a real estate professional, Janai has spent years helping families find not just houses, but homes–places where children can grow, learn, and thrive. Through this work she has seen firsthand how strong schools create strong communities and she is committed to ensuring every child has access to a high-quality education.
Janai started her campaign as a PTSA President for McClure Middle School and former Seattle school board candidate. Now, she is ready to serve in a new way-by bringing a thoughtful, community-focused perspective to the local school board. With a deep passion for student success, Janai is committed to making lasting improvements in our schools. Our children deserve the best opportunities, and through advocacy, outreach, and action, Champions for Educational Empowerment is dedicated to building a brighter future—one school board at a time. |