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Humble Beginnings Motivate New CCS Board of Education Member
January 26, 2022 -- Christina Vera, the newest member of the Columbus City School Board, reflects on growing up here in Columbus. When Ms. Vera thinks back to when she was a little girl, she is instantly filled with gratitude, pride, and humility. Gratitude for all the community partners who played a significant role in supporting her and her family with essentials like clothing, food, and school supplies.
“I am the daughter of a hard-working Puerto Rican mother, who, like many families, struggled economically,” said Vera. “The Salvation Army provided Christmas gifts and food for my family often, and Charity Newsies was the agency that made sure I had school clothes and a coat. My childhood twenty-five years ago is very similar to what many of the students in the district and their families are still facing today.”
Vera said that even though she struggled academically, school was a safe haven for her. That’s one of the main reasons Mrs. Vera decided to serve on the Board of Education. The wife and mother of three was elected to the Columbus Board of Education this past November.
“My life is rooted in service and advocacy,” said Vera. “I remember in the third grade, Mrs. Hughes, a teacher’s instructional aide figured out I was significantly behind in reading. She advocated for me and became my tutor. By the end of the school year, I not only knew how to read but developed a love for creative writing. Little did Mrs. Hughes know that her willingness to go the extra mile would change the trajectory of my life. I knew then, like Mrs. Hughes, I wanted to go the extra mile for others.”
When Christina graduated from the former Brookhaven High School, she went on a different path than many of her peers.
“I didn’t go off or graduate from a big university; I stayed right here in Columbus and entered corporate America,” said Vera. “I found corporations that provided hands-on training and mentorship opportunities. I took the diploma and certification-based programs such as entrepreneurship, real estate, and grant writing, along with some college credit courses.”
Eventually, Christina found her true passion in the nonprofit sector and would go on to become a social entrepreneur. Eight years ago, she co-founded a non-profit organization called Femergy®, which provides career, leadership, wellness, and educational opportunities for girls and women here in Central Ohio and surrounding areas. What started as a mustard seed idea turned into a thriving, dependable community resource that has served thousands of young girls and women.
“It is definitely my passion and calling,” Vera said.
It’s that same commitment to change, mentorship, and forward-thinking that Christina Vera hopes to bring to the kids of the Columbus City School District as its newest board member.
“I’m on the front lines of this community, a community I have been a part of since I was five years old, and I am raising my children in. I take real pride in that,” said the social entrepreneur. “Looking at spreadsheets and data is important, but I see my role as a Columbus Board of Education member through the eyes and heart of an alumna, mother, and servant leader. I feel it is essential to listen, observe, and advocate for what our students need and rightfully deserve. I will and want to be the example of leading from a place of service where we authentically put the needs of the community first.”
Vera believes that through collaboration, innovation, transparency, and the willingness to go the extra mile, Columbus City Schools will not only be the largest urban school district in Ohio but a model district in the Midwest.