“I grew up learning that all people deserve an opportunity and that we have a responsibility to each other to create those opportunities when we can. I grew up seeing that strength doesn't come from wielding power, but from empowering people. I grew up experiencing the impact of sitting at tables big enough for everybody and every voice. And I've made it my personal and professional mission to make sure that wherever I go, I continue to build big enough tables for everyone.”
Northern Michigan University 2012 secondary education graduate Megan Persons described the values she ascribes to in her life and career—values she said she believes her alma mater also embodies—while accepting one of two NMU Outstanding Young Alumni Awards. She demonstrates that commitment daily as Grand Rapids Public Schools' enrollment equity coordinator, working to maximize learning opportunities for the district's 14,000 students spread among 40 schools.
“This work is important to me, because I believe that the only way that we can achieve equitable outcomes is by first providing equitable access. That's even more important in a district like mine, where many of our scholars come from historically marginalized backgrounds and under-resourced communities,” Persons said at the awards luncheon.
“This means that sometimes my days are spent working with an individual caregiver to identify the needs of their child. Sometimes it's collaborating with different departments to determine how we can eliminate external barriers for school, and other times it's facilitating professional learning around creating safe and inclusive learning environments for our queer-identifying youth. Every day looks a little bit different, but the same central tenant is woven through all of them: just make more room.”
Persons shared a profound and deeply personal example of what access and inclusion look like in a tangible sense. Partly fueled by her son's passion for the sport, she worked with a varsity coach to establish the Grand Rapids Union youth football program—the first in the district's 150-year history. It is open to all youth, regardless of their school, background, gender, prior experience or ability to pay.
The Grand Rapids Union youth football program started as a fall tackle program with two teams and about 40 players. Since then, it has expanded to include winter clinics, summer camps, and a spring seven-on-seven league coached by middle and high school players. In its first four years, participation has grown to more than 400 total athletes across all programs.
“I understand the link between academics and extracurriculars, the importance of belonging and its impact on success for students in schools. As a parent, I watched my son develop as a football player, but I also watched him flourish as a learner and a leader. He aged out of the program, but he is still playing football for his school, and he continues to volunteer his time as a coach, connecting to kids who are literally following in his footsteps. My son is thriving academically and athletically, and he truly belongs to a community of people who care about him and his success. That is what I hope for all of the children in my hometown of Grand Rapids, because that is what they deserve. I'd like to thank NMU for modeling for me how to provide that kind of opportunity.”
Persons said Northern felt like a second home and afforded her many options for involvement. As a freshman, she was a custodial worker in her residence hall. As a sophomore, she became hall president, and by her junior year, she was a resident advisor. Persons helped launch a group called Women for Women, now known as Feminism for All. She served as a member of the Student Finance Committee, New Student Orientation staff and Campus Visit Staff.
“I double majored in history and English education, tacked on a gender and sexuality studies minor, and even had the opportunity to take an independent studies course with a professor who was willing to help me individualize my education. I also built profoundly meaningful relationships with professors who cared about me—not just as a student, but as a person. I'd like to encourage all of you in this room to keep creating more opportunities for others; to keep building bigger tables.”
Persons also holds a master's degree in urban education from Davenport University. She has spent her entire tenure as an educator with Grand Rapids Public Schools, for which she co-founded and currently chairs the LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee for GRPS. She also sits on the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce's OutPro Council.
Some of Persons' significant achievements include completion of the New and Aspiring Leaders Program through the Harvard Graduate School of Education (2015), receiving the West Michigan Woman Emerging Leader Brilliance Award (2021), and being named a 40 Under 40 award winner by the Grand Rapids Business Journal (2022).
NMU Alumni Relations invites nominations for its annual awards program. For more information, visit nmu.edu/alumni/awards, email alumni@nmu.edu or call 906-227-2610.