Speakers
Advocacy & Policy
For a policymaker, few things are as powerful—or as persuasive—as stepping inside a charter school and seeing firsthand how students are learning, thriving, and benefiting. A well-planned school visit can shape understanding, shift perspectives, and build long-lasting champions for your community.
In this session, you’ll hear directly from experienced charter school leaders who have successfully hosted legislators and other key decision-makers. They’ll share practical strategies for designing meaningful visit agendas, showcasing your school’s unique strengths, and ensuring your students and staff shine. You’ll also learn what pitfalls to avoid, how to navigate tough questions, and how to frame your school’s story in ways that resonate across political lines.
Schedule permitting, a state legislator will join the conversation to offer an insider’s view of what makes a school visit truly memorable and why these experiences often influence policy decisions long after the tour ends.
Participants will leave with ready-to-use templates—including invitation language, sample visit itineraries, and follow-up messaging—so you can confidently engage your elected officials and make every visit a success.
Anne joined the Colorado League of Charter Schools as Director of Grassroots Advocacy, bringing a wealth of experience in criminal justice, organizational leadership, and community engagement. Originally from Côte d'Ivoire, she has lived in Aurora, Colorado, since 2001. Her career spans roles with the 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office and Arapahoe County Juvenile Probation Department, where she worked with both juveniles and adults, focusing on risk management, conflict resolution, and social program effectiveness.
A passionate advocate for educational equity, Anne is an active member of the African Leadership Group (ALG, USA), where she speaks on the importance of equal education in Colorado. She has testified before the Colorado Board of Education, addressed advocacy organizations, and led workshops for parents and education stakeholders.
Anne holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice from the University of Colorado Denver, a Master’s in Criminal Justice from Colorado Technical University, and a Doctorate in Management with a minor in Criminal Justice. In her free time, she enjoys exploring Colorado’s mountains and cherishing time with her family.