Dr. Graciela Slesaransky-Poe, professor of Education, was named a 2017 Champion of Social Justice by the Parent Education and Advocacy Leadership (PEAL) Center. She was recognized for “her work in creating welcoming, inclusive, and safe schools and organizations for gender non-binary and transgender children, youth, and adults,” with a focus on supporting educators and families in transforming schools and organizations into places where members of all genders and sexual orientations feel safe and included.

During her acceptance speech at the sixth annual Inclusion Awards Dinner on Oct. 13, Dr. Slesaransky-Poe thanked the organization and said, “[Y]ou help us grow and advance these efforts. You give light, love, and life to this offshoot of your own work, of your vision, your mission, your commitment, and dedication to inclusive practices, equality, and social justice.”

PEAL is an organization of parents of children with disabilities and special healthcare needs who educate children and youth who have disabilities and their families.

Dr. Slesaransky-Poe is a founding member of Education Deans for Equity and Justice, as well as the National Advisory Council of Welcoming Schools for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). She received the Arcadia University Ally Award in 2014 and Pennsylvania’s Education for All Coalition Inc.’s Patricia J. Creegan Award for Excellence in Inclusive Education in 2011.