As we’ve moved through the first quarter of 2026, I am filled with gratitude — and with a deep sense of purpose. 

In January, we welcomed two extraordinary leaders to the EIF team: Natalie Young Williams, JD as our new Chief Impact Officer and Dr. Micaela Herndon as our first-ever Managing Director of Workforce. Together they represent something significant: EIF's unwavering commitment not just to getting students into college, but to ensuring they have real, viable pathways to meaningful careers and economic mobility on the other side. 

We also have exciting news to share — as of February, EIF is now serving students in 10 school districts across Dallas County. We are thrilled to welcome Carrollton-Farmers Branch and Irving ISD into the EIF network, and we are grateful to every district partner who trusts us to walk alongside their students. 

None of this happens without you — our advisors, our partners, our donors, and our community. The stories in this newsletter are a reflection of what is possible when we stay focused on what matters most: students. 

Thank you for being part of this work. As always, hit reply — we love hearing from you. 

With gratitude, Susanna

Natalie Young Williams officially joined EIF as Chief Impact Officer on January 5, 2026. In this role, Natalie will lead EIF's impact strategy, strengthen partnerships, and build upon EIF's advising model to ensure students not only access postsecondary opportunities — but persist, complete, and thrive. 

Natalie joins EIF from Tarrant To & Through (T3) Partnership, where she served as President & CEO, and was named a 2025 Great Woman of Texas for her impact, innovation, and commitment to community-centered change. She brings clarity, courage, and an unshakable belief in what's possible for students.  

Read the full press release here. 



EIF has also made a historic hire of EIF's first-ever Managing Director of Workforce: Dr. Micaela Herndon. This brand-new role reflects EIF's deepening commitment to career readiness and economic mobility for the students we serve. 

With more than 15 years of experience in workforce development and career readiness, Micaela will build and lead EIF's comprehensive workforce development strategy, deepening collaborations with employers, education partners, and community-based organizations. 

"Workforce readiness is no longer optional — it is essential to fulfilling the promise we make to students and families. Dr. Herndon brings the rare combination of deep labor-market expertise, strategic vision, and an unwavering belief in students' potential," said Dr. Russell, EIF's CEO. 

Read the full press release here. 

123 Advisors. 10 Colleges. One Powerful Day.

On February 9, 2026, Education is Freedom, in collaboration with the Economic Mobility Center and Dallas County Promise, brought together all EIF advisors and staff and representatives from each of the 10 Dallas County Promise partner colleges and universities — under one roof at Southern Methodist University, with one shared purpose: ensuring every Dallas County high school student has a clear, supported pathway to college and career success. 

Attending college representatives shared everything our advisors need to know — from admissions requirements and financial aid deadlines to campus culture and student support services — so that EIF advisors can better match each interested high school student with the college that fits them best.  



This convening showed how through strengthening advising practices, shared learning, and cross-institution collaboration, EIF continues to expand opportunity and remove barriers for students and families. 

Click the image above for a video recap. 

College Visits, Fairs & Student Wins Across the EIF Network 

EIF advisors across our 10 districts have been busy creating life-changing opportunities for students this semester — from college visits and admissions drives to scholarships and national recognition. 

Taking the College Tour 

Students from Garland ISD's Lakeview Centennial High School visited Grambling University — and the trip was nothing short of transformational. By the time the visit was over, 4 students committed to Grambling on the spot. That's the power of seeing a campus in person.

Meanwhile, 35 Grand Prairie High School students took an inspiring tour of Paul Quinn College, exploring what their future could look like on a college campus. 

UTA Admissions Drives were held at Mesquite ISD's Horn High School and Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD's Turner High School among others, connecting students directly with admissions representatives and giving them real, actionable next steps toward enrollment.



Scholarships & National Recognition 

Our students are earning the recognition they deserve — and then some. 

Jessica, an EIF Scholar at Mesquite High School, has been named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist — an achievement that places her among the top academic performers in the entire country. We are so proud! 

20 students across EIF partner schools were named finalists for QuestBridge — a highly competitive national program that connects high-achieving students in low-income communities with full scholarships to the nation's leading colleges. Finalists were named at the following high schools: Dallas ISD’s Irma Rangel (6) and Gilliam (1); Grand Prairie ISD's Dubiski (5); Garland ISD’s South Garland (2); and Mesquite ISD’s North Mesquite (2), Vanguard (2), Mesquite (1), and West Mesquite (1).

And in a remarkable showing, 30 EIF students received scholarships from Southern Illinois University — including Samantha, who earned the prestigious Chancellor's full-ride scholarship. Samantha, we are beaming with pride for you! 

Education is Freedom's Community and Family Engagement team rallied the entire EIF staff this past holiday season for a donation drive that warmed both hearts and homes across Dallas. 

Staff collected and donated approximately 300 pounds of food to Brother Bill's Helping Hand (West Dallas Campus) — a community staple providing food assistance to families in need. Visit bbhh.org to learn more. 

The team also donated approximately 100 jackets, coats, and accessories — including scarves, gloves, and blankets — to the Inspired Vision Compassion Center in Pleasant Grove, ensuring neighbors had what they needed to get through the winter season. Learn more at ivcompassion.org. 



The drive is a reminder that EIF's commitment to community doesn't stop at the school door. Our team shows up — for students, for families, and for neighbors. 

From EIF Advising to SMU to Giving Back — Kamila's Story 

Some stories remind us exactly why this work matters. Kamila Vargas-Gonzalez is one of them. 

Kamila was advised by EIF during her high school years and received a Dallas County Promise scholarship to attend Southern Methodist University. In May 2025, she walked across that stage and earned her degree. Today, Kamila is back in the community where she grew up, serving as Development and Communications Coordinator for Bachman Lake Together — pouring her talent and energy into the very neighborhood that shaped her. 

Kamila's journey — from EIF advising to a college diploma to community leadership — is exactly the cycle of impact that Education is Freedom exists to spark. 

Her story was recently featured on the cover of the Dallas Morning News Sunday print edition (February 15, 2026) in an article by Wilborn P. Nobles III titled "From promise to paycheck: How Dallas is building a path to a living-wage future." 

📰 Read the article here (Dallas Morning News subscription may be required) 

March to College Madness — College Registration Rally 🎓

Hosted by Education is Freedom | Supported by Communities Foundation of Texas 

📅 Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM 

📍 Dallas College Mountain View Campus



It's time to make it official! EIF's College Registration Rally will bring students and college partners together to help students who have been accepted to participating universities complete their college registration on the spot. College partners in attendance include Sam Houston State University, Midwestern State University, Texas Woman's University, University of North Texas, and Southern Illinois University. 

Open to students accepted to participating universities from our partner districts:  

For more information, contact Ray Merrill, rmerrill@educationisfreedom.org.

11th Annual An Evening with the Stars ⭐

Honoring High-Achieving Scholars 

📅 Tuesday, April 21, 2026 | 7:00 – 8:30 PM 

📍 Frontiers of Flight Museum 

Each year, EIF celebrates high-achieving EIF Scholars — select students from each district we serve — at our most elegant and inspiring event of the year. This year marks our 11th Annual An Evening with the Stars, and we would love your support in making it unforgettable. 

If you are interested in sponsoring the event or contributing to scholarships for our EIF Scholars, please contact Corinne Fiagome, Senior Development Director at cfiagome@educationisfreedom.org or 214-432-8558.