United to Learn is pleased to welcome the 2025–2026 Policy Study cohort. Now in its fifth year, this initiative brings together a cross-sector group of leaders to examine how Dallas became a city that leads the nation in both economic growth and child poverty—and to consider how we can work together to strengthen public education and our communities so every child can thrive.
Why This Work Matters
Students’ learning is shaped by more than classroom instruction. Housing stability, access to healthcare and nutritious food, neighborhood safety, and transportation all influence whether students feel ready to learn each day. Today, less than half of Dallas third graders are reading on grade level, a key milestone for long-term academic success. Ensuring strong public schools means understanding and addressing the broader conditions that support student well-being.
Policy Study offers a structured space to learn about the systems and policies that influence these conditions — from housing and infrastructure to healthcare, criminal justice, and voting. The goal is not to prescribe solutions, but to build shared understanding and thoughtful dialogue that can inform action.
Program Design
From October through May, cohort members meet monthly to:
- Explore curated readings, research, and policy perspectives
- Hear from subject-matter experts and community leaders
- Engage in conversation and reflection that is constructive and judgment-free
- Strengthen relationships that support ongoing collaboration across sectors
Some sessions may also include optional field visits or hands-on opportunities to see how policy plays out in practice.
Who’s in the room (at a glance)
This year’s cohort brings a wide range of lived and professional experience across sectors and roles:
- 42% are current/former educators or work in education advocacy
- 23% are current/former United to Learn Liaisons or Advisory Council members
- 38% serve in senior organizational leadership
- 42% represent corporate/consulting professions
- 68% bring professional experience aligned to Policy Study content areas
- 58% serve in organizations working in education, health, housing, or infrastructure
This diversity of experience strengthens the discussion and fosters more informed, collaborative approaches to supporting public education.
Meet the 2025–2026 Policy Study Cohort
- Devron Armstrong, Senior Manager Early Learning, The Commit Partnership
- Lisa Bracken, Director of Education, KERA
- Victoria Brown, Principal, Elemental Advisors
- Dr. Michelle L. Coleman, Assistant Principal, Dallas ISD
- Jonathan Dant, Deputy Chief of Primary Schools, Uplift Education
- Prisma Y. Garcia, District 4 Trustee, Dallas ISD
- David Guedry, Partner, McDermott Will & Schulte
- Darla Halbert, Educator, The Compass School of Texas
- Morris Herman, Private Wealth Advisor, Goldman Sachs
- Olga Martinez Hickman, Ph.D., Executive Director, Bachman Lake Together
- Beth Huddleston, Partner, H+M Advisory Group
- DeVon Lang, Regional President, Truist Bank
- Chaundra Macklin, Retired Principal, Dallas ISD
- Brad Mashburn, Director of Development, Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity
- M May, Director of Community and Belonging, Good Shepherd Episcopal School
- Alicia McGlinchey, Partner, Social Venture Partners Dallas
- Ryan Meyer, Partner, Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP
- Leigh Stieglitz Morales, Documentary Filmmaker, Mockingbird Media
- Pam Nicholson, Interim Head of School, Incarnation Academy
- Greg Oertel, Director of Philanthropic Services, Communities Foundation of Texas
- Toni DeGuire Parker, Vice President, Growth & Partnerships, MGT
- Maggie J. Parker, Founder, Managing Partner, Innovan Neighborhoods
- Bill Payne, President, Druid Hills Capital, LLC
- Alexia Piquet, Learning Environments Director, United to Learn
- Kelly Maher Thomas, Director of Philanthropic Strategy, UT Southwestern Medical Center
- Martha Thomas, Co-Founder, The Defensive Line
Together, we’re learning, collaborating, and taking informed next steps to support thriving Dallas ISD campuses and stronger neighborhoods across our city.
Interested in a future cohort? The next Policy Study begins October 2026. To learn more, click here or email questions to [email protected]. Check out last year’s cohort.