Leah Banks
• Leah Banks is the School Performance Coach and Equity Leader at Meade Middle School. In these roles she analyzes data, identifies disparities in achievement, and intentionally works to dismantle barriers so that every child has access to opportunity, belonging, and success. Outside of her duty day, Ms. Banks has been a presenter at the National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity. She is also committed to the practice of mentorship, by mentoring school staff and her EmpowerME mentoring group, which serves as a safe, affirming space for girls ages 11 to 14.
Andre Dillard
• Andre Dillard serves as the Director of Mentorship Programs for Anne Arundel County Public Schools. Under his leadership, the #BePresent Volunteer Program has flourished across the county, as well as the growing list of partner organizations that provide resources and opportunities to all levels across AACPS. Mr. Dillard’s black boy mentor program focused on providing outreach experiences for young male students, including organizing a boat trip to go fishing on the Chesapeake Bay. Similarly, staff send their unique proposals and he approves funding to enable students to experience a variety of mentorship initiatives.
Patricia Richardson
• Patricia Richardson serves as the Community Schools Program Manager at the Phoenix Academy in Annapolis. In this role, she goes above and beyond to meet the needs of the students, staff, and broader school community by organizing food bags and maintaining a food pantry that is accessible to anyone in need. Ms. Richardson also plans enriching experiences for students, including outings to Topgolf, the movie theater, and even trips to Pennsylvania and New York, allowing students to expand their possibilities beyond the boundaries of Anne Arundel County. She further motivates students' success by hosting community resource fairs, providing students opportunities to engage with local organizations and strengthening their sense of belonging.
Vanessa Rivera
• Vanessa Rivera is a Special Education and Spanish teacher at Arundel High School. In this role, she has helped to stabilize the school's World Languages program and bolstered the Special Education team. These notable accomplishments occurred while the school was transitioning in a new principal and new World Languages Department Chair. Outside of her duty day, Ms. Rivera serves as a parent volunteer for the school booster club, as well as a parent representative on the Teacher of the Year Committee for the 21st Century Education organization. Arundel High students, teachers, and community all benefit from her many contributions.
