Meet the Team: Jessica Malek

Name: Jessica Malek
Role: Associate Director
When did you join the team: Summer 2021

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What about leadership development and supporting principals resonates with you most? 
I spent most of my career focused on creating opportunities for youth to dream big and fulfill their goals and aspirations in life.  This was and is my center and my passion.  If you talk to any kids though, you’ll find out pretty quick that they know how to dream big, and more often than you’d like, adults are unintentionally getting in the way.  We can’t expect students to have a growth mindset if we are stuck ourselves.

What is something you have learned or taken away from PIC’s sessions and core content areas?
If you always wait to produce “the big hit”, you might be waiting a very long time.  Progress is incremental and non-linear.

How would you define equity for public education?
Public education will be equitable when the misuse of power and influence to maintain a white status quo is acknowledged and eradicated.  

What three words would your community, family or friends use to describe you?
Warrior. Empath. Free-Spirit.

What energizes you outside of work?
I walk.  If I’m feeling great, I go for a walk.  If I’m feeling down, I go for a walk.  I live near White Rock Lake in Dallas, and I refer to it as one of the most optimistic places on earth.  Go for a walk on a Saturday or Sunday morning and look at all of the people walking, running, cycling, rollerblading, picnicking, fishing, photographing, napping in hammocks, reading, pushing strollers filled with kiddos (and doggies!)…You aren’t going to encounter a lot of pessimism. 

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