We need your voice to define and shape the future of education in Los Angeles! Join Alliance College-Ready Public Schools as we host a series of community focus groups throughout Los Angeles

At Alliance, we recognize the crucial role that positive role models play when they rise up from within our own communities. This month, we’re highlighting the thought leadership of Judy Ivie Burton, one of our network’s beloved founders who gave Alliance scholars a shining example of just how far a world-class education can take them in a supportive, equitable learning environment.

Judy Ivie Burton grew up in California and, as the product of segregated schools (in action if not in name), she was determined to gain access to the same activities as her White counterparts.

“I really relate to these students. I grew up in the same area. I spent the four years here at ESAT. I got really comfortable with the teachers and the community around the school as well. And that’s really important to me because I’m all about community. I really want to make sure that the next generation is better than ours and we’re able to teach them how to solve problems better than we were back in our day.”