In a powerful evening of reflection, inspiration, and celebration, the Brooklyn College Educational Leadership Program welcomed Christina Foti, deputy chancellor of the Division of Inclusive and Accessible Learning (DIAL) for New York City Public Schools, to honor its graduating cohort on May 22. Foti, a champion for equity and access in education, leads the charge at DIAL in ensuring that students who have been marginalized historically—particularly those in special education and multilingual learning—receive the resources and opportunities they deserve. “When students are denied access to inclusive, high-quality learning, they are being denied opportunity,” Foti said. “That’s why the work of leadership—your work—is not only instructional. It’s civic. It’s human. It’s deeply moral.” Her keynote address resonated deeply with the audience, urging future school leaders to see their roles not just as administrators, but as stewards of equity and humanity. “Leadership doesn’t grow in isolation,” she reminded them. “It grows in relationships. It grows through shared struggle and shared responsibility.” Foti closed with a stirring call to action for the soon-to-be leaders stepping into schools across New York City: “Lead with clarity, but also with compassion. Lead with urgency, but also with patience. Listen well. Reflect often. Keep children and families at the center of your decisions.” The event also featured words of wisdom from Educational Leadership Program Director and Professor Gerald Maraia, Dean of the School of Education María R. Scharrón-del Río, and Professor David Bloomfield. The evening culminated with heartfelt speeches by student representatives Connor Burgevin, Nindja Castro, and Chana Kashi, each nominated by their cohort to speak on behalf of their peers.
