Commit to Leaders
Civic Voices Fellowship
Let’s provide students and families with more access to high-quality educational opportunities.
Applications for the 2026–27 Civic Voices Fellowship cohort are now closed. Applications for the 2027–28 fellowship class will open in Spring 2027.
Our 2027 Civic Voices Fellows
A diverse group of leaders from across Dallas, bringing their voices, skills, and experiences to drive change in our community.
Ahava Silkey-Jones
Executive Director, Dallas Arts District
Alexandra Lane
Senior Vice President, Commercial Real Estate, Commerce Bank
Angella Estess
Foundations Relations Manager, United to Learn
Audrey Harwell
Development Manager, The Concilio
Cameron Hedden
Director, Special Assistant to the Chiefs, The Commit Partnership
Candace Sledge
Community Impact Manager, Dallas Mavericks
Candice Lott
Director of Development, American Heart Association
Cristian Diaz
Staffer, Congresswoman Julie Johnson
Dante Branch
Associate Director of Undergraduate Admission, Southern Methodist University
Donte Watlington
Production Support Analyst, iCapital
Dr. Michelle Neely
Executive Director of Teaching & Learning, Duncanville ISD
Emanuel Salinas Saucedo
Director of Finance and Operations, United to Learn
Grace Lu
AI Program Operations Associate, Educate Texas/Communities Foundation of Texas
James McCollister
Professor, Dallas College
Jasmine Ray
Manager of Communications & Engagement, The Commit Partnership
Jose Martinez
Program Director, Right a School
Mary Klein
Lead Project Manager, Fueled
Alexandra Lane
Senior Vice President, Commercial Real Estate, Commerce Bank
Ahava Silkey-Jones
Executive Director, Dallas Arts District
Mark Zeske
Owner, Love Irving
What you will gain:
Knowledge and skills
- Understanding education systems and governance: Gain insights into the structure of school districts, the roles of trustees and administrators, and how governance impacts student outcomes.
- Data-driven decision making: Learn how to analyze student achievement data, financial reports, and other key indicators to advocate effectively for policy changes.
- School finance and resource allocation: Understand how funding, budgeting, and human capital decisions impact school systems and student success.
- Strategic advocacy and leadership: Develop the ability to navigate systems, build coalitions and engage in meaningful advocacy to drive education policy changes.
- Effective communication and storytelling: Utilize storytelling, data, and active listening to influence decision-making and policy discussions.
- Questioning and critical thinking: Learn to ask strategic questions to drive behavior change, improve school performance, and hold decision-makers accountable.
2026 - 2027 Session dates
September 25-26, 2026 - Orientation weekend
October 30, 2026 - Governance and accountability
November 13, 2026 - Monitoring Progress
January 29, 2027 - Resource alignment
February 26, 2027 - Early learning
March 26, 2027 - College and career
April 30, 2027 - Postsecondary
May 14, 2027 - Leadership In action
Questions? Please email kaci.wright@commitpartnership.org
Meet our alumni
We are a passionate, diverse, and dedicated team working in Dallas County to improve student outcomes and ensure every student of every race, socioeconomic status, language, and ability, is fully prepared to achieve their boldest dreams.
Highlights from our 2026 Fellowship
In Year 1 of DCCS, coaches across Dallas County reported stronger confidence, deeper collaboration, and immediate application of new skills. See what else Year 1 of DCCS made possible:
DCCS SY25-26 Impact Report
Want to be a part of our impact?
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