Graduate School
Boston University School of Social Work/Boston University School of Education

Undergraduate School
University of Vermont

Mentor
Kevin Sullivan, Vice President, Strategic Corporate Relations, Babson College and Engagement and Rappaport Institute Advisory Board Member

Agency
City of Boston Public Schools

Supervisor
Harold Miller, Director of Opportunity Gaps and District Transformation

Description of Fellowship
Emy Takinami spent her summer at the Boston Public Schools’ Office of Opportunity Gaps, supporting their policy and implementation plan, which works to implement cultural proficiency across the district, dismantle structural barriers and provide greater access to opportunities in order to close the opportunity gap for students from historically marginalized backgrounds. Emy drafted a memo for the new superintendent, which summarized the role of the Office and outlined the next steps in the Implementation Plan, including the next steps for the new Superintendent in supporting the work of eradicating opportunity gaps at BPS. The memo included data at the student, school and system/district levels that highlighted the pressing need for full district support. Other projects Emy supported include: Developing a one-pager for the new superintendent on eliminating disproportionate discipline of students of color; Compiling and producing a list of recommendations from the OAG Task Force; and producing a one-pager for the Office of Opportunity Gaps, catered toward students and families as part of the Office’s wider goal of enhancing their marketing and communications plan.

“I feel empowered to continue raising my voice and claiming my seat at the table, to ensure all those who come after me experience the same sense of belongingness, and to continue advocating for the just and equitable city that we all deserve.” – Emy Takinami