Far too often, students are spoken for. The Education Trust in Tennessee aims to provide a platform for the voices and opinions of students to come through. By equipping students to tell their own stories, we aim to provide a framework where students are the primary sources of knowledge and are empowered to bring about the change they wish to see in their schools and communities. 

Meet Our Student Leaders

Ruby Aguilar

Ruby Aguilar

Lipscomb University
Nashville
Community Partner: Pionero Scholars Program

Three words to describe you: sincere, brave, proactiveDream Job: Curriculum or Instructional Designer, or college professor for Latin American…

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Mateo Francisco Andres

Mateo Francisco Andres

12th grade, Fulton High School
Knoxville
Community Partner: Centro Hispano

Three words to describe you: self-driven, compassionate, inquisitiveDream Job: CEO of my own non-profitFavorite Food: carne asadaFavorite Quote: "Confidence…

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KaMaya Burrell

KaMaya Burrell

University of Tennessee
Chattanooga
Community Partner: TN NAACP

Three words to describe you: imaginative, loyal, diligentDream Job: healthcare CEO and open a hospital in my hometownFavorite Food:…

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William Collins

William Collins

Fisk University
Nashville

Three words to describe you: outgoing, bright, caringDream Job: criminal attorney/law professor and once retiring, a music professor or…

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Benjamin Concha

Benjamin Concha

8th grade, East Rich Middle School
Morristown
Community Partner: HOLA Lakeway

Three words to describe you: positive, thoughtful, open-mindedDream Job: making video gamesFavorite Food: chicken wingsFavorite Quote: "Fly like a…

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KEZ Echols

KEZ Echols

8th grade, Rose Park Middle
Nashville
Community Partner: My Brother's Keeper

Three words to describe you: funny, nice, sarcasticDream Job: Celebrity ChefFavorite food: BBQFavorite Quote: "Accept what is, let go…

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Ommay Farah

Ommay Farah

11th grade, Hume Fogg Academic Magnet
Nashville
Community Partner: Oasis Center

Three words to describe you: diligent, organized, attentiveDream Job: DoctorFavorite Food: Mango ice creamFavorite Quote: The man on top…

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Allie Garcia

Allie Garcia

Cumberland University
Lebanon

Three words to describe you: ambitious, dynamic, gratefulDream Job: advocacy/ nonprofit work or advocating in the legal field for…

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Brandon Goggins

Brandon Goggins

12th grade, Stewarts Creek High School
Smyrna
Community Partner: National Center for Teacher Residencies

Three words to describe you: outgoing, energetic, positiveDream Job: NBA sideline reporter/ sports journalistFavorite Food: Anything along the lines…

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Khadesha Gordon

Khadesha Gordon

University of Tennessee
Chattanooga
Community Partner: Mayor's Office, Chattanooga

Three words to describe you: smart, ambitious, analyticalDream Job: entertainment/business attorneyFavorite Food: salmonFavorite Quote: "Do or do not. There…

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Ashton Mayo-Beavers

Ashton Mayo-Beavers

12th grade, Chattanooga High School for Creative Arts
Chattanooga
Community Partner: Chattanooga Public Education Foundation

Three words to describe you: driven, goofy, enthusiasticDream Job: traveling research computer scientistFavorite Food: all Italian foodFavorite Quote: "When…

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Chinaya Mason

Chinaya Mason

Austin East Magnet High School

Three words to describe you: outspoken, driven, and wokeDream Job: trauma therapistFavorite Food: Chicken and riceFavorite Quote: “I want…

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Johanna Olvera

Johanna Olvera

12th grade, Freedom Prep Academy
Memphis
Community Partner: Freedom Prep Academy

Three words to describe you: creative, introverted, passionateDream Job: business ownerFavorite Food: PambazosFavorite Quote: “No matter who you are,…

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Kaleb Sy

Kaleb Sy

9th grade, T-STEM Academy East High School
Memphis
Community Partner: Stand for Children, Memphis

Three words to describe you: intelligent, fun, dedicatedDream Job: U.S. Senator and a criminal attorneyFavorite Food: BBQFavorite Quote: Colin…

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