Nov. 10: Holy Conversation: The Education Achievement Gap in Austin 

Nov. 10:  Holy Conversation: The Education Achievement Gap in Austin 

This Holy Conversation will include a presentation by Dr. Rosamaria Murillo and Dr. Leah Newkirk Meunier of El Buen Samaritano, entitled Avanzando Futuros (Advancing the Future) through High Quality Education. Austin’s economic prosperity depends on a highly educated workforce. However, the quality of a child’s education often depends on their skin color and zip code. El Buen Samaritano is taking bold steps to level the playing field for the youth in our community. Join Dr. Murillo and Dr. Meunier as they explore the challenges facing Central Texas’ education system and how El Buen is leading innovative solutions to create an equitable future for all our neighbors.

• Dr. Rosamaria Murillo is the Chief Executive Officer of El Buen Samaritano, an outreach ministry that serves the Latino community of Central Texas by providing access to healthcare, education, food and essential needs. Dr. Murillo is a recognized public health advocate who has secured close to $100 million to focus on health and human services at the national, state, and local levels throughout her career. During the pandemic, Dr. Murillo led El Buen’s emergency response efforts to support thousands of families with access to food and basic needs, including managing distribution of $8 million in cash and rental assistance, virtual adult and youth education classes, and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccinations and health care resources. Dr. Murillo holds a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from the School of Business at Our Lady of the Lake University, a Master of Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. 
• Dr. Leah Newkirk Meunier is the Chief of Development and Communications at El Buen Samaritano. She has served the Austin nonprofit community for over 20 years, building pathways to success for children and families. Leah has taught Child Development at The University of Texas at Austin and served as a Master Teacher in UT’s Child and Family Laboratory School. Leah holds a B.S. in Psychology from Tulane University and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Sciences from UT Austin.

For the months of October and November, we will have Nitro Cold Brew coffee available in Crail C as we infuse our hearts and minds with some engaging theological topics. 

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