Obama Appoints Shakira to Advisory Commission
Colombian singer Shakira knows a thing or two about educating children. At least that's what Obama must be thinking, as the White House has just appointed the "Whenever, Wherever" singer to the President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, according to a statement released on Wednesday.
While this appointment probably comes as a surprise to many — if not all — people out there who associate Shakira with the Grammys and soccer, the singer has actually been heavily involved in children's programs in Latin America. There's the Barefoot Foundation, which she founded, which creates schools and educational projects in Colombia, South Africa, and Haiti. Also, according to the White House's statement, she was made "a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund in 2003, where she promotes the expansion and improvement of comprehensive early childhood care and education across the world.”
The commission — which will also include former Montgomery Board of Education president Nancy Navarro, executive director of the Partnership for Community Action Adrián A. Pedroza and the superintendent of a high school district in Phoenix Dr. Kent P. Scribner — will advise Obama and Education Secretary Arne Duncan on issues related to the educational success of Hispanic students.
- Log in or register to post comments
- Email this page
About Us
District Administration is the most widely received, most regularly read publication for K12 district-level school leaders nationwide.
Comments
Shakira's Appointment to Advisory Board
This month we are celebrating Hispanics and their contributions to the United States. On this note, are there no young United States citizens who have Latino backgrounds (who are celebrities), that can better serve the population of Latino children? I find it amazing that with the talent of Americans who have diverse cultural backgrounds, they are not identified and highlighted for their richness of knowledge. As a first generation child of immigrant parents, I feel it is imperative that the role models we use have a stake in the United States and with these children and their education. Shakira cannot vote, as she is not a citizen. How will she influence educational policy to help these children have a more productive future in their new "home" country? The intention to highlight this indidvidual is admirable, but may also be frustrating because this woman's passion for change is limited by the restrictions placed upon her because she is not a citizen of the United States. Having the ability to vote, would put that person in a leadership role,giving them a more powerful voice in our country at large. Working with a population of young women with diverse cultural backgrounds daily, I have come to realize that empowering and highlighting women is an important fight that will help with educating all populations through the use of voting and changing policy.
Thank you,
Emanuela Sullivan
Assistant Principal
Sacred Heart Academy
Hempstead, NY