Lily Eskelsen García, an alumnus of the University of Utah, holds the distinguished position of President of the National Education Association. As one of the preeminent labor leaders in the United States, she is also a seminal figure in Hispanic educational advocacy.

Her journey in the educational sector commenced humbly as a cafeteria worker, later transitioning to a kindergarten aide. Inspired by her colleagues, she pursued higher education, financing her academic journey through scholarships, student loans, and her endeavors as a folk singer. She graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Elementary Education and subsequently obtained a Master's degree in Instructional Technology.

Within a mere nine years of entering the teaching profession, she garnered the accolade of Utah Teacher of the Year. Utilizing this platform, she vociferously advocated for enhanced educational funding in Utah, culminating in her election as the President of the Utah Education Association a year later.

In addition to her educational roles, she has served as the President of the Utah State Retirement System—only the second woman to achieve this distinction—and helmed the Children at Risk Foundation. She has also participated in White House strategic sessions aimed at ameliorating Hispanic education.

A consummate coalition-builder, Lily has forged alliances across a spectrum of stakeholders, from parents and business leaders to civil rights organizations and advocates for marginalized communities. She made history as the first Hispanic candidate for Congress in her state, securing an impressive 45% of the vote against an incumbent while raising nearly one million dollars for her campaign.

Lily is an influential voice in the educational discourse, contributing regularly to her blog, "Lily’s Blackboard," and serving on the advisory board for Parenting's Mom Congress. Her insights have been featured in Parenting magazine and broadcast on platforms such as MSNBC and CNN en Español. Recognized by Education World as one of the "Best Conference Speakers," she has been the keynote speaker at numerous educational symposia across the nation.

In 2009, she was a finalist for Hispanic Business Magazine’s Woman of the Year, honored for her unwavering commitment to the teaching profession and her dedication to enriching the lives of children.

Lily subscribes to the philosophy that educators bear a sacrosanct responsibility to nurture the holistic development of their students, irrespective of their socio-economic or health conditions. She contends that this professional obligation extends to both individual and collective action aimed at actualizing the promise of public education and equipping every student for success.

Summer Vacation update: Summer may evoke images of leisurely beach reads and barbecues, but for many in the education sector, it's a season of diligent preparation for the upcoming academic year. As highlighted on LilysBlackboard.org, this period is crucial for teachers, faculty, and specialized instructional staff who attend workshops and conferences to enhance their expertise.

However, the unsung heroes of summer are the maintenance and custodial staff. These "guardians of the school environment" work exhaustive hours to refurbish and sanitize educational facilities. Their responsibilities range from floor restoration and classroom deep-cleaning to HVAC maintenance and landscape upkeep. Their meticulous efforts are not merely aesthetic; they set the tone for the academic year, creating environments that are conducive to learning and exploration.

Beyond their official duties, many custodians also serve as informal mentors to students, offering emotional support and guidance. As one custodian aptly put it, "first impressions are lasting impressions," emphasizing the impact of a well-maintained school on both parents and students.

So, as we enjoy our summer, let's extend our gratitude to these dedicated individuals who labor behind the scenes to ensure our educational spaces are safe, nurturing, and primed for academic success. Have a fulfilling summer!