E3 Alliance Celebrates Its Core Value Torchbearers: Honoring Staff Leaders Who Illuminate the Path to Community Success

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Austin, Texas — January 19, 2026 — E3 Alliance is proud to recognize a new generation of inspiring leaders within our organization who exemplify our core values and drive progress within our community. These outstanding E3 staff members, our 2025 “Core Value Torchbearers,” serve as benchmarks for collaboration, innovation, and dedication—inspiring those around them to reach higher. 

The honorees were selected based on E3’s four pillars of excellence: 

• Trustworthy: Centering our work on data and information to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and equity. 

• Resolute: Serving as unwavering change agents driven to achieve equitable outcomes for all. 

• Collaborative: Learning from one another and leveraging collective strengths. 

• Intentional: Navigating critical details for systems transformation so individuals and communities thrive. 

Selected through a peer-recognition process, this year’s Torchbearers reflect an unwavering commitment to E3’s mission and culture. Their leadership embodies the spirit of excellence that drives the organization forward. 

The 2025 Core Value Torchbearers and (nominators) are: 

• Trustworthy: Annelies Rhodes, Senior Director of Research and Data (Kaci Kai) 

• Resolute: Maria Rosas, Community and Engagement Manager (Laura Koenig) 

• Collaborative: DeLonna Parrett, Development Associate (Lydia Nelson) 

• Intentional: Teri Clement, Director of School Transformation (Christie Hepburn) 

 This tradition—carried forward from 2024 honorees Lori Davis, Amy Harvard, Emily Pickens, Nwando Clyburn, and Katy Merriweather—celebrates those who uplift others and lead by example. 

By spotlighting our Torchbearers, E3 Alliance reaffirms its commitment to fostering excellence, empowering staff, and strengthening the community—one leader at a time.