The Power in Education

"We are all connected to succeed, and good leaders do this. Tomorrow's future is sitting in our classrooms. And they are our responsibility. That means everyone in here, and those who are watching the screen. We must believe in their brilliance, and remind them by teaching them that there indeed is power in education."
Nadia Lopez is the founding principal of Mott Hall Bridges Academy, in Brownsville, Brooklyn, one of the most underserved and violent neighborhoods in New York, where she is showing the world how underprivileged communities can beat the odds and create positive institutions that have a global impact. She believes that kids are our future, and it's crucial they believe it themselves. Lopez is encouraged and inspired to see children overcome the "beautiful challenges" of Brownsville and works hard to ensure that they are admitted into some of the most competitive high schools in New York City. She became a viral sensation after one of her students was featured on the popular blog, Humans of New York, where he praised Lopez as the most influential person in his life. In 2015 a HONY fundraiser raised $1.4 million to take Lopez's students on college trips that include Harvard University, Summer STEAM programs and college scholarships. Lopez also continues to impact the lives of children through her "She Is Me" and "I Matter" initiatives, which have served thousands of youth throughout Central Brooklyn by providing workshops, forums and mentoring. In this short, energizing talk Nadia shares how she helps her scholars envision a brighter future for themselves and their families. TRULY INSPIRING STORY.
-- Watch How Dr. Nadia Lopez is Building a Bridge to the Future for Inner City Scholars
-- Watch Mott Hall Bridges Academy scholars visit Harvard
-- Watch Why Principals Matter