Speaker: Jeanne McKenna
What inspired you to become part of SAAEF?
Jeanne McKenna: Hi, my name is Jeanne McKenna, and I represent South Dakota. Becoming a South Dakota Adult Education and Family Literacy Fellow has been an incredible opportunity to advocate for a cause I'm so deeply passionate about -- lifelong learning and literacy for all. I've always believed that education is the most powerful tool people can use to transform their lives, not only for themselves but for their families and communities. Through my journey as a former public school teacher and administrator and coach, I've witnessed firsthand how access to education empowers individuals to become better providers, stronger leaders, and more engaged citizens. This is why I am committed to advocacy and securing funding for adult education. Thanks to our work on the SAAEF Fellowship this year, I have learned just how important this is. I've also learned many new strategies for advocating for adult education. Everyone, regardless of age or background, deserves a chance to learn, grow, and achieve their full potential. As a young boy, my father's education was taken from him in order to work the beet fields. My father was insistent that all of his children received an excellent education. I am sure that this drives a big part of my passion. I'm a first generation university graduate. We are so lucky to witness student success stories over and over because of our programming. This is why we do it. I am honored to have been a part of this cohort and to work alongside others who share the vision of a more educated and empowered society. If you have the opportunity at all, I would say sign up for this wonderful advocacy work, and you guys have a good day. Continue what you're doing. It's very important.
What were your biggest accomplishments during your SAAEF fellowship?
Jeanne McKenna: I feel like my biggest accomplishments during my SAAEF fellowship were probably just that point of really understanding how important it is to do the advocacy work. I have contacted one of our state senators and visited with him adult ed and now in Washington DC he's actually been assigned to the education committee and hopefully he will continue to support adult education, and he has sent me a couple of letters stating that that he appreciated my input and so I think just knowing that the people that really make the decisions for us are listening and so we need to make sure that we keep talking to them.
What would you like to say to someone in the field who is unsure if they have what it takes to be an advocate?
Jeanne McKenna: I think if you're unsure about what it takes to be an advocate, you have to realize you're in the field already, you are an advocate. Think about when you go even to a restaurant and how you talk about what you do when somebody asks you and how passionate you are about that. You're already advocating. So joining the fellowship really arms you with those extra tools that you need to really develop your advocacy and continue in your work. Continue your passion.
