Greetings, Charterfolk!
We are proud to announce the 2026 Brian’s Voice Award winners!
Please join us in congratulating this year’s honorees— three extraordinary individuals whose stories moved us, challenged us, and reminded us of what’s possible when we speak with courage and purpose.
These contributors truly brought it— sharing perspectives that resonated deeply with our community and prompted people to think, talk, and take action. Their voices show precisely what the CharterFolk movement is all about: keeping it real, moving with urgency, and fighting for equity and excellence for every student.
Here’s a quick look at what made their pieces stand out and why readers voted for them:
Dr. Fatih Bogrek, Superintendent of LISA Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas – Two Decades of Innovation: The Story of LISA Academy: A longitudinal view of how consistency, STEM focus, and community trust can build one of the nation’s largest charter networks.
Adkeem Jackson, the Senior Director of Community Mobilization for the Massachusetts Charter Public School Association (MCPSA) – A Recipe for Community Mobilization Success: Building Effective Charter Public School Advocacy: A practical look at how authentic community engagement and disciplined organizing can build lasting charter advocacy power and influence policy outcomes.
Vashaunta Harris, Vice President of Professional Networks at the National Charter Schools Institute. – Designing Forward: What Today’s Students Will Need Tomorrow: A future-oriented lens on school design that challenges leaders to prepare students for life beyond graduation and not just test scores.
The Brian’s Voice Awards are named in memory of our dear friend and CharterFolk inspiration, Brian Bennett, whose voice and vision continue to guide us. These awards are more than a recognition of great writing—they are a celebration of storytelling as a force for change and a tribute to all those working to elevate truth and purpose in our shared mission.
In honor of their achievement, each winner will receive $1,000 to host a gathering where their communities can further discuss issues highlighted in the author’s pieces. We hope to hear and share any new insights that come from these celebrations.
We encourage you to share suggestions for future columns and remain committed to amplifying the voices of charter folk!
To everyone who voted, nominated, or took the time to read and reflect: thank you. This tradition thrives because of your engagement and your belief in the power of our collective voice.