May 6, 2025


This Teacher Appreciation Week, New Leaders Council is proud to uplift the changemakers in our network who shape the future every single day, not just through lessons in a classroom, but by modeling leadership, equity, and resilience for the next generation. Across the country, NLC alumni are redefining what it means to be an educator, investing in their communities with purpose, passion, and a deep belief in the power of education to transform lives.


Trizel Leith – Challenging Injustice Through Education


Trizel Leith (NLC Broward 2024) is an ambitious educator and advocate committed to serving marginalized communities. She currently works in Broward County Public Institutions as a secondary teacher and academic advisor. A first-generation college graduate, Trizel holds a bachelor’s degree in Education and a Florida Educator Certification.

In 2023, she was honored with the Unsung Hero and Vice President’s Awards at Broward College for her dedication to supporting students and colleagues. Outside the classroom, she enjoys painting, traveling, and spending quality time with loved ones. Trizel is passionate about empowering the next generation to challenge inequity and become catalysts for change in their communities.


Trevor McGarrah – Syncing STEM with Joy


Trevor McGarrah (NLC Arkansas 2024) is a dedicated high school computer science and physics teacher in Searcy, Arkansas. Passionate about improving schools and learning outcomes statewide, he envisions an educational system that empowers every student. Trevor also advocates for equity, believing that every individual, regardless of identity, status, or belief, deserves equal rights and opportunities.

A proud husband and father of three, Trevor brings both professional expertise and personal commitment to his work. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics and a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Arkansas and is deeply committed to building a brighter future for Arkansas through education. Beyond the classroom, Trevor shares uplifting lip sync videos, many inspired by student requests, as a creative outlet and a way to bring joy to others. He hopes to grow this space into something more, offering encouragement, wisdom, and a dose of dad/teacher advice to anyone who needs it.



Sharice Richards – Guiding Teachers, Growing Leaders


Sharice Richards (NLC New York City 2024) (she/her) is a passionate educator and champion for equitable education. With over nine years of experience in childhood education, she has dedicated her career to supporting students, families, and new teachers across New York City’s five boroughs.

Sharice holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish Language & Literature from SUNY Potsdam and a master’s in Childhood Education from CUNY Queens College. A proud Brooklyn resident, she’s always in search of great books and meaningful ways to uplift her community. She is committed to empowering the next generation of educators and ensuring every child has access to the education they deserve.




From Broward County to Brooklyn to small-town Arkansas, these NLC leaders remind us that teaching is a revolutionary act. Whether they’re guiding first-generation students, mentoring new educators, or pushing for systemic change, their impact reaches far beyond school walls. This week, and every week, we honor their commitment to building a brighter, more just future, one student at a time.


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