Public Education Advocacy Award
About the Award
The Public Education Advocacy Award was first given in 2024. The award celebrates community by recognizing individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to public education in Seattle. Recipients are chosen by the Alliance president for their support aligning with our mission of advancing educational justice and racial equity for students in Seattle Public Schools.
2026: Jill Geary
Jill Geary’s decades-long career as an attorney, administrative law judge, and education policy leader has consistently centered equity, collaboration, and the belief that strong public schools are foundational to thriving communities. She also served as an elected Seattle Public Schools School Board Director from 2015–2019.
During her tenure on the Seattle School Board, Geary helped guide policy decisions and oversight affecting thousands of students and families, with particular attention to strengthening special education services and improving collaboration between schools and communities. Her career in family and special education law further exemplifies her commitment to ensuring every child has access to the support and opportunities they need to thrive.
Today, Geary continues to advocate for children and families through her leadership in the legal community. She currently serves as the first Chair of the King County Bar Association’s Child Law Section, which provides collaboration, mentorship, and volunteer opportunities for child advocates throughout King county.
2025: Brent Jones, Ph.D.
Dr. Brent Jones, a proud graduate of Seattle Public Schools and current superintendent, is being recognized for his courageous leadership and steadfast dedication to educational justice. Under his guidance, Seattle Public Schools navigated through some of the most complex and challenging years in recent history—from pandemic recovery and structural budget shortfalls to reimagining systems to better serve students, families and educators.
Dr. Jones’ vision as superintendent—to ensure every student has access to high-quality instructional time, intellectually ambitious curriculum, culturally responsive experiences and ample opportunities for self-identity and success—aligns fully with the Alliance’s mission. We have been honored to walk alongside Dr. Jones in service of Seattle’s students, and his commitment to partnership has strengthened our collective ability to respond to urgent needs and drive systemic change.
2025: Southeast Seattle Education Coalition
Southeast Seattle Education Coalition (SESEC) has stood as a trusted convener and a powerful force for change, advocating for students and families in Southeast Seattle and beyond. Their mission—to rally communities of color and ensure all children receive an excellent, equitable education—aligns closely with the values and vision of the Alliance.
SESEC’s work is deeply rooted in community and authentically sharing power with community. Their coalition-based model brings together community organizations, schools, parents, and educators to drive culturally responsive advocacy and dismantle systemic barriers to equity. Their efforts to amplify community voice and dismantle systemic barriers have not only elevated conversations around equity—they’ve driven meaningful change.
As a thought partner to the Alliance and Seattle Public Schools, and a leader in racial equity policy, SESEC continues to advance solutions grounded in the lived experiences of Southeast Seattle families. Whether organizing town halls or engaging in culturally responsive advocacy programs, SESEC consistently centers those most affected by inequities—and brings others to the table to listen, learn, and act.
2024: Nathaniel 'Nate' Miles
Nathaniel ‘Nate’ Miles’ longstanding commitment to the Alliance for Education, spanning over twelve years of dedicated service on our Board of Directors, underscores his deep-rooted passion for educational equity and excellence. Throughout his tenure, he has been a steadfast advocate for marginalized communities, working diligently to ensure that students of all backgrounds have access to the resources and opportunities needed to thrive.
Locally, Miles’ advocacy efforts have been instrumental in promoting economic opportunity for Black families and communities, championing critical investments in education, and leading initiatives aimed at addressing systemic barriers to success. Miles played an instrumental role in the establishment of the Seattle Public Schools Office of African American Male Achievement (AAMA) that stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to empowering Black students and dismantling inequitable structures within our educational system.
