Reflections from former colleagues and collaborators
“This testimonial is based on my experience as Silvia Honores’ supervisor for 6 years. Silvia’s job was to help lead a school system’s efforts to better serve Spanish-speaking parents and students, and she did it well. Silvia used good judgment in difficult situations, put clients’ needs first, was an effective problem-solver, and had the support and trust of school leaders and families. I could count on her to be responsible, responsive, and resilient. She also has good sense of humor and was a pleasure to work with.”
Ann Oxrieder
Assistant to the Superintendent (retired)
Bellevue School District, WA
“Silvia is such a committed social justice activist and educator. She has a strong passion to serve marginalized communities. Through the power of education, we connected as co-workers in Bellevue, Washington. Because of Silvia, the Bellevue community welcomed me with open arms. I learned so much from Silvia as she modeled what it looked like to center marginalized families’ and scholars’ voices while building the capacity of our school staff to think, engage, and act differently to ensure equity in education. She understood deeply what it takes to humanize our education system. I am so thankful that we crossed paths.”
Nikum Pon
Former colleague, Data & Equity Coordinator, Bellevue School District, WA
Director of Kingdom Schools & Teacher Training Program Asian Hope, Inc www.asianhope.org
Co-Founder Worthy & True www.worthyandtrue.org
“When I think of my time collaborating with Silvia, and being mentored by her, I am taken back to a time when I had many questions about my own identity. Because of Silvia’s advocacy, I was able to attend a Latinx Leadership retreat; Silvia would not answer my questions about whether I was Latina, Chicana, Mexican-American, Latinx…, but instead with patience and such empathy she responded with: “How exciting that you’ll get to discover your racial identity.” Silvia has always been a safe space to share, to question and also to be pushed to think deeper. In education we hear the term “warm demander” quite often, and in my time being mentored by Silvia, she was this to me. Silvia always knows who to tap into for their next steps of growth on their racial journey. For this, and so much more, I will always be so incredibly grateful that Silvia saw something in me that might not have been visible in a very white educational space. Silvia helped amplify my voice, helped me to not shy away from showing up as my authentic self, and always held space for me and other staff of color to be heard.”
Teresa García
5th Grade Teacher
Sherwood Elementary School, Bellevue, WA
“I’m glad to have partnered with Silvia during our time at Leadership Eastside. She was a wealth of knowledge in my journey of learning and a shining example of integrity for our group and so many others in the community.”
Meredith Bogguess
Classmate, Adaptive Leadership 2-year program Class of 2015
“Collaboration is an essential element in providing meaningful and practical services in community settings. I was privileged to work with Silvia Honores in a wrap-around, social services organization serving children and families. She had developed a curriculum and designed training to equip parents to fill leadership roles in schools and the community. My agency had clientele and a facility, Silvia had expertise and a passion to empower people to rise and succeed as fully franchised community members. Through collaboration we achieved outcomes beyond anything we might have done alone.”
Reverend Tom Brewer
“Silvia is a gem. When I first started working with Silvia, I was young and inexperienced -- Silvia guided and helped me navigate a complicated and oppressive system. Her depth of knowledge and sharp understanding of racial equity work sets her apart, and she has never hesitated to speak her mind or stand up for what’s right. Even when faced with unfair treatment, she remained steadfast — refusing to be silenced or discouraged. Silvia leads with integrity and is a highly skilled adaptive leader with deep expertise in racial justice work.”
Amy Li, PhD in School Psychology
Clinical Psychologist at Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic
“Silvia exemplifies visionary leadership, consistently offering professional development that challenges educators to critically reflect on their own biases and adopt practices that are not only inclusive but truly equitable and strengths-based. Her unique ability to facilitate courageous, often difficult, conversations in a reflective space allows educators and leaders to deepen their understanding and grow in their mindset and practice, ensuring that all students—particularly those from communities furthest from educational justice—receive the support they deserve. Beyond her work with educators, Silvia has been a tireless and passionate advocate for the Spanish-speaking community, playing a pivotal role in empowering families by providing critical resources and clear insights into the complexities of the U.S. education system. She has worked relentlessly to ensure that families are not only informed but also actively engaged in shaping educational policies and practices, creating a true partnership between schools and the communities they serve. Silvia’s advocacy extends to ensuring that student and family voices are not just heard, but deeply valued at all levels of decision-making. Her dedication and work have been vital in fostering an environment where every student, regardless of background or language, has the opportunity to thrive”
Monica Moon Davies
Multi-lingual Professional Development Coach and AVID District Director
Bellevue School District, WA
“I met Silvia over a decade ago when I was on the Eastside Pathways board. It was Silvia who first suggested that Eastside Pathways and its partners participate in the Courageous Conversations racial equity training. Those were the Eastside Pathways Partnership’s initial steps toward prioritizing racial equity and which led them in 2022 to make a commitment to racial equity and to write a racial equity pledge. Silvia recognized the power of community nonprofits and youth development organizations having the same training and approach to racial equity as the Bellevue School District. Silvia is passionate about racial equity and making sure that the color of their skin does not determine a child's success.”
Susan Sullivan
Former Eastside Pathways Board Member
“Silvia possesses a clear vision for equity and identifies clear pathways to achieve inclusion. She always speaks the truth. She does it humbly, softly and gently, but with strength. As a colleague in the Bellevue School District and a trusted equity specialist, I knew I could go to Silvia for great insights, great advice and great support to achieve our inclusion goals. I’m so grateful to have worked with and learned from Silvia!”
Jessica Heaton
Founder and Principal Consultant
Education for Liberation, LLC
“I first met Silvia in Bellevue around 2009. Later I had the pleasure to work with her as she was one of the Bellevue School District leaders delivering guidance around racial equity and the need for admin and staff to engage in courageous conversations about race and equity. Silvia was consistent in her advocacy for families and students who were being overlooked and thus not accessing resources related to old systems that perpetuated an education model that had been created to leave certain groups behind. Her voice and passion for justice was and is contagious.”
Karen Smith Fraser
Director of Operations
Africans on the Eastside, Bellevue