2022 Annual Report

Bridging Hope.
Connection. Learning.

JULY 1, 2021 - JUNE 30, 2022

To our partners and friends,

For many, 2022 was a year of retreat. Major news outlets reported then, and continue to highlight, the exodus of educators from the profession. The ongoing pandemic and deep mistrust in public institutions and government pushed many to their political and ideological corners—others into city council and school board meetings to express their anger, concerns, and fears.

Instability and uncertainty about the economy, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and extreme climate events that displaced many around the globe were among the most followed news stories of the year.

If you’ve been to Base Camp and Leadership Summit recently, you’ll be familiar with the mantra of Dr. Linda Cliatt-Wayman: “If you’re going to lead—lead.” If we are to realize our mission of building excellent and equitable schools, we have to be about the work of bridge-building, especially in times of uncertainty, division, and mistrust.

The same is true for the leaders we exist to serve. Whether it’s building new connections, closing gaps, eliminating barriers, or creating new pathways—leaders are the conduits for hope, connection, and learning.

2,173

leaders served

119

Districts and Organizations Served

Bridging Connection in FY2022 and Beyond: GLISI’s CEO/Executive Director Dr. Leslie Hazle Bussey alongside Georgia’s Teacher of the Year Michael Kabito and GOSA’s Dr. Chara N. Willaford.

907,483

Students served by glisi leaders

The story of 2022 is a story of GLISI as a bridge.

This year’s report is a series of three video shorts designed to illuminate our year as a resource, a trusted connector, and even, at times, as a source of refuge. We invite you to check out the video short 2022: A Year in Review to get a high-level sense of our impact, or to dive into two impact features that are stand-out examples of our efforts to bridge hope, connection, and learning. Of course, for each of the 2,173 leaders we reached this year, there is a powerful testimonial of uplift and transformation that is positively influencing the experience of school for the 907,483 students they serve. The voices we highlight here are a part of a much larger story that is not yet complete.

While we are proud to report that GLISI’s long-term partners outperform state cohort graduation rates, in particular for Black, Hispanic, and Students with Disabilities, we have not yet realized our vision of a Georgia where schools and communities pursue breakthrough success for all students regardless of race, geography, or family income. As we look toward 2023 and beyond, we remain affirmed in our conviction that leadership matters, and it is a critical lever in realizing the aspiration we hold for our youth and our communities.

Leslie Hazle Bussey, Ph.D.

CEO & Executive Director

Brooke Perez

Board Chair

Board of Directors

uplifting Our Mission

Our mission is fueled by a seasoned group of business and education thought leaders who are as passionate as we are about building excellent and equitable schools. The invaluable wisdom, counsel, and encouragement that radiates from our Board of Directors is a critical spark for the impact highlighted in this report.