Dr. Shonda Ambers-Phillips

Grateful for the opportunity and honored to serve the students and families of CPS!

Columbia Public Schools named Shonda Ambers-Phillips its chief equity officer. She has 25 years of experience in education and leadership roles. See link below ⬇️

📸 Provided by Columbia Public Schools

I am excited to share that I have accepted the position of Chief Equity Officer with Columbia Public Schools.

I am deeply honored by the opportunity to serve alongside students, families, educators, staff, and community partners in a district committed to student success, excellence, and opportunity.

Educational equity is the commitment to creating the conditions where every student has access to the support, resources, opportunities, and learning environments needed to reach their full potential. Educational equity is achieved if how one fares was no longer predictable by any social, cultural, or economic factor.

This work requires us to listen, learn, examine our systems, remove barriers, and partner with communities to ensure every student is seen, valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

I look forward to joining the CPS family and partnering with this incredible community. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important work and I am ready to serve.

www.cpsk12.org

Last night, I had the privilege of attending the Racial Healing + Justice Fund Kickoff at the Northside Movement Center. The event celebrated the selection of tornado recovery grantees by the Community Governance Board and highlighted the power of community-led healing, organizing, and systems change.

Congratulations to the seven organizations awarded one-time crisis response grants for their leadership and commitment to supporting North St. Louis communities:

⭐ 314Oasis
⭐ 4theVille
⭐ Action St. Louis
⭐ Black Healers Collective
⭐ Dream Builders for Equity
⭐ Chosen For Change
⭐ St. James AME Church

The evening was a powerful reminder that recovery is about more than rebuilding structures; it is about restoring hope, strengthening communities, and investing in the people doing the work on the ground every day.

Thank you to Forward Through Ferguson, the Community Governance Board (CGB), and all community partners for creating opportunities that center healing, justice, and equity. I look forward to seeing the continued impact of this important work throughout our region.

For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

When your work aligns with your purpose, it becomes more than a job. It becomes a mission or calling.

There is something powerful about doing work that fulfills you, challenges you, and allows you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. Passion fuels perseverance, purpose provides direction, and fulfillment comes from knowing that you love what you do and it matters.

Life is too short to spend your days disconnected from the work that brings you joy. Find what inspires you, embrace what energizes you, and give your best to work that reflects your values and strengths.

Love what you do. Lead with purpose. Make a difference.

God knows my heart desires.

For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

🙏

Every morning, my sister and my cousin send me a daily inspirational message. What may seem like a simple gesture has become a meaningful part of my routine helping me ground myself, center my intentions, and begin each day with purpose and reflection.

As May came to a close and June began, the messages felt especially timely and impactful. They served as reminders to stay focused, grateful, and intentional, even amid life's busyness.

I felt compelled to share these messages because you never know who may need a little encouragement, perspective, or inspiration today. Sometimes a few thoughtful words can shift a mindset, renew a spirit, or provide exactly what someone needs to hear.

Thank you to these women in my life for consistently pouring positivity into the lives of others. Your messages are making a difference.

We celebrate the Class of 2026! They have demonstrated resilience, determination, achievement, and the ability to rise to challenges with courage and purpose.

As you leave behind the halls of MRH and begin the next chapter of your journey, remember that success is not measured only by titles or accomplishments, but by the character you demonstrate, the kindness you show others, and the impact you make in your communities.

We are proud of all you have achieved and excited for all that lies ahead. Whether your path leads to college, career, military service, or new opportunities, know that you carry with you the support and pride of this entire district.

Continue to dream boldly, work diligently, and lead with integrity. The future is bright because of students like you.

Congratulations, Class of 2026. We wish you continued success and happiness in all that you do.

Celebrating milestones across MRH today- 2nd grade sing-along, 6th grade graduation, and closed the evening with 8th grade graduation ceremony.

Each of these moments represents more than an ending; they mark new beginnings, growth, and adventure. Step forward with confidence, curiosity, and resilience.

Grateful to our educators, families, and staff who continue to nurture, support, and pour into them every step of the way.

As we celebrate their next chapters, we are also reminded that new chapters continue for all of us as adults, whether in learning, leadership, or life transitions of our own.

Here’s to the next chapter and all that’s ahead!

Forward Through Ferguson is hosting a Racial Healing + Justice Fund Kickoff on Wednesday, June 10th at 6-8 pm at Northside Movement Center (5939 Goodfellow Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63147). The kickoff will celebrate the selection of tornado recovery grantees by the Community Governance Board, discuss the future of the Fund, and share next steps for getting involved. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is encouraged.