Celebrating Our 2025–2026 ORABSE Educator Grant Recipients
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
The Oregon Alliance of Black School Educators is proud to recognize the recipients of our 2025–2026 Educator Grant. This grant was created to invest in Black educators who are committed to growing their knowledge, strengthening their practice, and continuing to make a lasting impact in schools and communities across Oregon.
This year's recipients are pursuing advanced degrees, earning educational credentials, obtaining leadership licensure, and participating in professional development opportunities that will expand their ability to serve students, families, and fellow educators. Their dedication reflects ORABSE's commitment to investing in the excellence, leadership, and future of Black educators.
To celebrate our recipients, we invited each educator to share:
Their name, role, and school or district
A quote about education, Black educators, or why this work matters and/or
How the ORABSE Educator Grant will support their educational or professional journey
A photo so our community could celebrate alongside them
Oluwadara Elkanah
Dallas Independent School District
My name is Oluwadara Elkanah. I will be a resident Teacher in the Dallas Independent School District
“Students know that they can achieve the impossible when they see educators that reflect them.”
This grant will support my master's in Education at American University, allowing me to earn my MAT, with a certificate in Special Education & Mental Health. I'm excited to further my education while educating the future generation.
Dawnnesha W. Lasuncet
Equity & Inclusion Coordinator, Clackamas Education Service District
I was born with the right to pursue education freely and it's my duty to pay it forward. Many generations before and after me are counting on this.
This grant will support my journey to a Master's in Education Leadership (yay!). This second master's will enhance my resume, improve my leadership skills, and support the work of my Masters in Adult Education. Leadership development, professional learning, and coaching is vital to ensuring that education professionals' beliefs, behavior, and ways of being are cultivated to improve how we educate and engage students and families. I play a critical role in this ongoing work, and have been happy to be back in the "learner's" seat for a change.
Dominica Griffith
MESD / Helensview School
Every Black and Brown child deserves to see themselves represented in positions of leadership, education, and influence. I am proud to be part of that representation.
This grant will help me continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of students and special education. It will allow me to more closely support their individual IEP goals, celebrate their goal and provide personalized instruction and encouragement. They need to thrive, both academically and personally.
Xavier Davis
Teacher On Special Assignment for Equity and Inclusion
For myself, teaching black and brown children about the amazing triumphs of collective action that their ancestors achieved and giving them the tools to start making a difference today is what drives. My work is healing and joyful.
The ORABSE Educator Grant will support your educational and professional journey by assisting my pursuit of a Doctor of Education Leadership so that may continue the work will more skillful and trained eye towards making an impact.
Khadija Jones
Direct of Enrollment, Marketing and Community Engagement
Formally Academic Interventionist for PPS (laid off) and now the Direct of Enrollment, Marketing, Title I, and Community Engagement for Holy Redeemer Catholic School.
"If we want a beloved community, we must stand for justice" - Bell Hooks
Pursuing a Reading Endorsement will help me strengthen the literacy skills I already use every day and give me new tools to better support students who struggle with reading and dyslexia. I also run a book club called Girls Read Too (formerly Black Girls Book Club), where 3rd–5th grade girls build literacy, confidence, and community, and I’m passionate about helping Black and Brown girls see themselves as readers and making literacy a normal, celebrated part of our communities.
Timisha Wilson
LCSW, SSW, School Social Worker/PPS
“I’m blessed to work in education because the students are excellent teachers and I get to learn so much from them!”
Very grateful to ORABSE for the support I received to attend a conference space that honors my identity, affirms my responsibility of community and child development, and allowed me access to insight from other professionals who share similar mindsets, values, and who follow the same ethics.
Cassandra Hyman
Summer ESY Admin/PPS
“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” - Malcolm X
The grant I received helped to ensure that my tuition was paid and afforded me the opportunity to complete my principal license program.
We are honored to recognize these outstanding educators and celebrate their continued commitment to learning, leadership, and excellence. Congratulations to our 2025–2026 ORABSE Educator Grant recipients!
