Deborah Gist

Who is the person who had the most effect or influence on you growing up?
Definitely my mom. She has dealt with a lot of adversity in her life — childhood poverty, death, illness and chronic pain — but through it all she has faith, humor, joy and grit.

Tell us about a book or film or work of art that has influenced you.
When I was a new teacher, working in a high-poverty community, I read Jonathan Kozol's Savage Inequalities. His book made me even more committed to education and spurred my passion to make a real difference for children living in poverty.

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