The inaugural cohort of the Lenfest Future Educators Academy met with the Chief Education Officer of The City of Philadelphia, Dr. Debora Carrera, to discuss her journey to a successful career in education advocacy. The program was launched in partnership with The Center for Black Educator Development in August 2025 for high school students to explore careers in education through professional mentorship and hands-on training. Throughout their experience, students are empowered through shadowing opportunities to put their skills of curriculum creation and building classroom culture into action. 

This meeting, which took place at The Mayor’s Office of Education headquarters adjacent to City Hall, was initiated by the students who were inspired by Dr. Carrera’s keynote address at Temple’s Youth in Education Summit last fall. Students identified with Dr. Carrera’s story of being raised in North Philadelphia and maneuvering systemic obstacles to achieve her dreams and she assured them if she can do it, so can they!  Eager to share their motivation for pursuing careers in education, the group emphasized the need for greater representation and expressed their desire to serve as an inspiration to their peers. Dr. Carrera encouraged the students to continue to take advantage of networking opportunities like this one because “If you do not want to be seen, you won’t be.”