Celebrating Alumna Brandis Haugabrook, a Leader in Educational Equity
Brandis Haugabrook
As we embrace the holiday season and reflect on the year, there’s no better time to celebrate the inspiring journeys of those who are making a real impact in education.
Brandis Haugabrook’s (‘20 Greater Chicago–Northwest Indiana) story is one of passion, dedication, and a deep commitment to building equitable opportunities for all students. From her time in the classroom to her current role as Outreach and Engagement Manager at Hope Chicago, Brandis' path is a reminder that the work we do to uplift others is what creates lasting change. This festive season, we’re shining a light on her inspiring journey and the incredible work she’s doing to create pathways to success.
A Journey Driven by Purpose
Can you walk us through your career path and how you ended up where you are today?
My career has always been driven by a passion for educational equity and community engagement. I went to Spelman College, where I studied Spanish and Economics. I chose Spanish because I wanted to build connections across cultures, and Economics because I was fascinated by the systemic factors influencing opportunities and resources. These two areas allowed me to explore the intersection of culture, policy, and equity.
How did your time at Spelman College influence your career?
At Spelman, I served as a Human Rights Fellow in the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion under Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. That experience opened my eyes to the work that still needs to be done to ensure all students have equitable access to resources. It also showed me how fulfilling public sector work can be when you’re truly connected with your community.
After Spelman, you joined Teach For America. How did that experience shape your career?
Joining Teach For America in Chicago-Northwest Indiana deepened my commitment to education. I also earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education. As an elementary diverse learning educator, I worked with students across grade levels, developing personalized lessons for students with IEPs and small group sessions for English Language Learners. This solidified my passion for making education more equitable for every student.
What led you to transition from teaching to your current nonprofit role?
During my third year as a teacher, I was selected for the inaugural cohort of TFA’s Leaders of Color for Systems Change Fellowship. It gave me the courage to transition from the classroom to nonprofit work. Today, I work at Hope Chicago, where I manage outreach and engagement efforts, policy advocacy, and mentorship programs for Chicago Public School graduates. This role allows me to help students and families navigate the path to postsecondary education, and it’s driven by my deep belief that every student deserves access to the resources needed to succeed.
“[Teach For America] solidified my passion for making education more equitable for every student, especially those with diverse learning needs.”
Lessons from the Classroom: Patience, Relationships, and Celebrating Strengths
Reflecting on your time in the classroom, what was one of the most rewarding moments you experienced?
One of the most rewarding moments was working with a student from second through fourth grade. She struggled with math and often compared herself to her classmates. However, she discovered her strength in reading, and by fourth grade, she had exceeded her grade level in reading and transitioned back to a general education classroom. At the end of the year, I gave her a Spelman cap as a reminder of her potential and how far she had come.
How did that experience shape your approach to education and community work?
It taught me the importance of patience, relationship-building, and celebrating individual strengths. Success doesn’t look the same for every student, but when you meet them where they are, you can help unlock their full potential. It also reminded me of the power of representation—not just by talking about college, but by showing up as a source of support and encouragement. That’s the energy I aim to bring to all the spaces I’m in.
Embracing Balance: A Journey of Personal and Professional Growth
As you’ve grown in your career, what’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself that you didn’t know when you started out?
I’ve learned the importance of balance—personally and professionally. Early on, I felt the need to do it all, but as I’ve grown in my career and become a mom, I’ve realized that the most impactful work happens when I’m intentional about where and how I show up. It’s also important to find joy in things outside of work. Embracing my passions—education, youth engagement, and community service—has made my work more meaningful and fulfilling.
Looking Ahead: Goals for 2025 and the Future of Chicago Education
As we approach the new year, do you have any professional resolutions or goals for 2025?
For 2025, one of my goals is to build and strengthen my network. I’ve learned that collaboration is key to making a bigger impact. I also want to step into more leadership roles, both in my current position at Hope Chicago and in the other organizations I’m a part of, so I can have a larger influence on the changes I want to see.
“[In 2025] I’d love to see more consistent and equitable funding and resources for both PreK-12 and postsecondary education.”
When you think about Chicago’s education landscape, what changes would you like to see in the coming year?
I’d love to see more consistent and equitable funding and resources for both PreK-12 and postsecondary education. It’s a complex issue, and change won’t happen overnight, but I truly believe that every student deserves the same opportunities, regardless of where they’re from. With collaboration and intentional action, I’m hopeful that we’ll continue moving in the right direction.
A Legacy of Impact
As we celebrate the holiday season, it’s important to reflect on the work of individuals like As we celebrate the holidays and look ahead to our 25th year of impact in the Greater Chicago-Northwest Indiana region, we are uplifting incredible alumni like Brandis, whose dedication to educational equity continues to inspire and transform the lives of countless students and families. Her journey is a reminder that by working together, we can make a meaningful difference and create a more equitable future for all.
With the new year just around the corner, Brandis remains committed to her mission of breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for success in education. As we ring in 2025, let’s carry forward her passion for change, collaboration, and community—and remember that every small step we take contributes to a brighter future for all students.
“We all have a part to play in ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed,” Brandis says. And with her leadership, we’re one step closer to turning that vision into reality.