PHOENIX (March 17, 2021) – A for Arizona announced today that Arlahee Ruiz will be joining the non-profit as the Director of K-12 Outcomes & Community Outreach. In this role, Arlahee will serve as the liaison for civic organizations, community groups, civil rights organizations, and local businesses to identify areas for mission-aligned collaboration and form strong community-driven relationships.
“Arlahee has dedicated her career to helping and guiding students to be successful while inspiring a passion for learning,” said Emily Anne Gullickson, President and CEO of A for Arizona. “She deeply embodies our mission at A for Arizona, which is to build an education system that prepares every student to succeed in the competitive global economy and contribute to their local community. We welcome Arlahee to the team and look forward to the new partnerships and collaborations she will develop across the state.”
Arlahee previously served as a school leader at NFL YET College Prep Academy, a school within the Espiritu Schools network in South Phoenix, where she successfully transformed the operation to an “A” rated school and maintained an average of 90 percent student graduation and matriculation to post-secondary education.
“As an educator, I have seen firsthand the disparities within our public K-12 education system,” said Arlahee Ruiz. “But we have an opportunity to bridge the gaps and fundamentally change our approach to education in Arizona to empower school leaders to innovate and make the best decisions for their students. I am honored to join the A for Arizona team and look forward to working with like-hearted community leaders to better serve our students.”
Leveraging her past experience in developing a well-rounded educational program for marginalized youth, Arlahee’s passion is to provide opportunities for students similar to those she received when she migrated from Mexico at the age of 15. Arlahee was the recipient of the 2015 Charter School Transformational Leader of the Year award by the Arizona Charter Schools Association for her dedication and leadership to provide a better future for students.
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About A for Arizona
At A for Arizona, we firmly believe that expanding excellence is our best chance to ensure all K-12 students have access to, and benefit from, high-performing schools and all educational opportunities. We imagine a day where excellence has spread, and failure has fallen away, leaving only the best learning options available for all students.