“In the age of being woke, people assume that because they’re in education or because they work in our schools, it automatically makes them anti-racist,” says KIPP Infinity Elementary dean Eric Cato. “But being just an ally is not enough,” he argues.

FIRST has allowed our students to see themselves as the next Leland Melvin or Katherine Johnson — it’s provided inspiration for them to dream BIG and believe that they CAN do anything in the world of STEM despite what society says.

What I have learned since then, is that nice is the most powerful tool on the path to prosperity. If used correctly, it opens up a world of possibilities for our students. For me, leading with kindness has made all the difference in the world.