2026 Future Leaders Academy:

Building Tomorrow’s
Changemakers

Apply Now!
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Are You Ready to Lead?

We’re building a pipeline of parents, caregivers, and grassroots advocates ready to champion educational equity across all public schools. Whether you want to run for office, support a local campaign, or elevate your civic leadership—this program is for you. 

Through this fellowship, you’ll build the skills and confidence to advocate for San Antonio’s families and schools:
  • Do you see yourself running for office one day or leading efforts that shape education in your community?
  • Are you searching for meaningful ways to organize with others and advocate for equity across public education?
  • Are you committed to putting students, parents, and community voices at the center of local decisions?
  • Are you passionate about creating lasting change so every child in San Antonio has access to a great public education?

If so, the Future Leaders Academy is where your advocacy journey begins!

Designed to Inspire Advocacy for Public Education

Skills You'll Develop

From immersive sessions to community conversations to 1:1 coaching, the Academy can help shape your advocacy impact:

  • Leadership Growth

Define your story, strengthen your voice, and cultivate leadership that inspires action around public education. 

  • Policy Insight

Understand education policy, reform history, and the local political landscape to advocate effectively. 

  • Campaign Strategies

Gain practical tools in campaign planning and coalition-building to move issues that matter to families. 

  • Community Advocacy

Master the art of engaging parents, educators, and neighbors to mobilize grassroots power. 

  • Innovative Problem Solving

Collaborate on solutions that advance equity and opportunity across all public schools. 

Alumni Benefits

Stay Connected, Stay Motivated

Explore the exclusive benefits and opportunities available to graduates of the Academy.

Let's Go

Remain connected to an exclusive network of FLA alumni and civic leaders affiliated with the program

FREE membership to Leadership for Educational Equity

Receive exclusive access to leadership opportunities in our city

Meet the Cohort

Get Ready to Be Inspired

Get to know the 15 dedicated parents, caregivers, and advocates in our Year 1 cohort shaping a stronger, more equitable future for San Antonio’s public schools.

Alyssa Freeney

Christy Ratliffe

Dr. Jeanie Murphy

Fiorella Fachini

Nestor Esparza

Frances Gallardo

Kizzie Thomas Calhoun

Janet Garcia

LaShawnda Moore

Tomás Sigala

Melissa Franklin

Mia Morris

Monique Sanchez

Nuria Diallo Padro

Tina Crews Carouthers

Success Stories

Leading by Example

Read inspiring testimonials showcasing the experiences of our alumni.

"The Future Leaders Academy gives you an opportunity to find ways to make change happen. Change can happen in many different ways and it is through speaking your truth and letting others know that your voice will be heard. Change can happen with one little thing at a time."

- LaShawnda

"Futuro Leaders Academy is a great program to start your journey in civic leadership and learn how to get involved in supporting the improvement of education policy in San Antonio. You will get to connect with other people focus on civic leadership and be part of a strong community of support."

- Fiorella

"I strongly believe Futuro's dedication to equipping and educating our communities parents, partners and youth champions is the most valuable and amazing thing to do and how it's done is phenomenal! Thank y'all so much! Looking forward to what is coming up next!"

- Frances

"It's a great program to connect with other like minded individuals and explore your path as leader in your community."

- Esparza

"I believe you should participate in a future leaders academy cohort to open your mind to other opportunities that you are very capable of. Even if you are uncertain now, still take the class to give yourself a chance at something greater."

- Monique

"Learn about your power and influence in your community. You can really run for office and there's help. FLA had great resources to learn."

- Christy

"People should participate in FLA because it's information that other people have to research and learn over multiple years, and pay others to gain experience. Here, it's given to you from mentors that are experienced in the field and that want to see us succeed rather than expect something out of it. Even when the program is done, you can ask for support and community through your cohort."

- Alyssa

"The plethora or knowledge and the wonderful experience is nothing short of amazing."

- Melissa

Futuro has created a course to prepare people to get involved in the community, civic duties and engagement. Futuro is giving selfless service to our city and I am passionate about helping in a way to build our children, families, and people up. Uplift and encourage one person can lead to encouraging many.

- Tina

Join the Academy

Be Part of Something Bigger

Apply today and take the first step toward becoming an advocate for families and a voice for stronger public schools across San Antonio.

Apply September 1
Apply Now

Know someone who is ready to lead? Nominate them here →

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Connect With Us

Not ready to apply?

Contact us or attend one of our upcoming info sessions →
Upcoming Info sessions

Happy Hour Events

  • Thursday, September 11th
  • 5:30 - 7:30pm
  • Elsewhere Bar
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  • Thursday, September 18th
  • 5:30 - 7:30pm
  • Cherrity Bar
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