Asia Hoe, Senior Product Designer

Describe the importance of promoting inclusivity and incorporating anti-racist instruction in the classroom.

To uproot bias and racism, we must begin where it is planted; at school, and ideally, in the home. Hatred is learned, not inborn; education is a natural remedy.

Heather (Witcher) Sweeny, Strategic Customer Success Manager

What motivates you to work at Newsela?

Newsela is a place that I have found to be inclusive of all and wants to make sure all students have "windows, mirrors & sliding glass-door" experiences when using Newsela. Being able to ensure that students and educators of all backgrounds, demographics and identities are represented motivates me.

YaQwasia Clerveau, Demand Generation Program Manager

Describe a Black person who has impacted your journey as a Black American.

The writing of James Baldwin introduced me to the breadth of the Black experience in America. As an important voice of the Civil Rights movement, I draw inspiration from his cautionary tale.

Brittany Boyd, Professional Learning Manager

Describe the importance of promoting inclusivity and incorporating anti-racist instruction in the classroom.

Students absorb everything, even the things we don't intend to give them. If we consistently focus on inclusivity and anti-bias anti-racist practices, our students can absorb those values.

Stephawn Newsom, Enterprise Customer Success Manager

What motivates you to work at Newsela?

As a former educator, I feel a deep responsibility and obligation to provide all students with high quality instruction that not only deepens their academic knowledge but develops them as people. Developing the head and heart to create knowledgeable, empathic, and compassionate members of society. Newsela provides a platform that enhances this knowledge and allows for both teacher and student development of examining the world around us.

Amesia Harris, School Partnership Sales

Describe the importance of promoting inclusivity and incorporating anti-racist instruction in the classroom.

It's necessary that the youth be aware about the importance of inclusivity for all races and the need to eradicate racial biases. The youth shape our world's future and are leaders in training. Incorporating anti-bias, anti-racism teaching at a foundational level within the classroom will inevitably lead to a more unified nation that is culturally aware.

Stephanie Walden, Director of School Partnerships

What motivates you to work at Newsela?

My daughter is my motivation. Understanding that I am her best advocate, I have always been a very involved parent. Throughout her K-12 career, I volunteered often and became known as the school Mom or as the kids would call me "Mama Shorty". Throughout those years I saw the inequity amongst students. I made it my mission to try and supply additional support to teachers and students to help with closing the gaps. In working at Newsela, I truly believe that our offerings support closing the equity gaps that live amongst our students and schools.

Emily Taylor, Product Manager

What motivates you to work at Newsela?

I'm a former classroom teacher and have always felt called to work in education. Everyone at Newsela puts students and teachers first in everything we do, which is why I've felt at home here for the past six years.

Laurence Hall, District Partnerships

Describe a Black person who has impacted your journey as a Black American.

Dave Chappelle has always been one of my favorite comedians, but more than that one of my favorite commentators on social justice and the "truth" behind life in America. I really appreciate how transparent he is at times in his messaging so that people are able to process difficult concepts like race, gender, and politics through analogies that make it simple for all to understand.