Marylin Monroy

Dr. Toya Abrams has spent her career helping students and educators, but leadership was never about moving further away from the classroom. It was about creating a greater impact.

As the principal at ASU Prep Digital Middle School, she found a culture that invests in people and believes relationships matter. For her, connection means understanding where someone has been, recognizing where they want to go and helping them get there. And having as much fun as possible while doing it.

At ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest, Tianna Griffin sees connection in the everyday moments between students, including the classmates who encourage each other, share different perspectives and create a space where everyone feels valued.

That same sense of belonging extends throughout the school community. Tianna loves the mutual respect she sees between leaders and teachers, teachers and students and everyone who plays a role in helping children succeed.

After years of advocating for a more personalized, student-centered approach to education, she says she finally found a place where those beliefs are shared and put into practice every day.

A sense of peace swept over Junius during his job interview at ASU Prep. Walking through the doors and around the campus, he saw people from different backgrounds smiling, connecting and creating something together.

Now, he fully understands why it felt so special then and has ever since. It’s what happens when leaders trust people to chase big ideas, innovate and feel empowered by knowing their voices matter.

For Junius, connection comes down to making positive deposits in people’s lives and leaving every interaction a little better than you found it.