March is Women's History Month, dating back to 1981, a national celebration of the contributions women have made to the United States. This year, we will be sharing and celebrating some of the women at RPS and their contributions to Rochester Public Schools!
It's the last week of Women's History Month, and today, we want you to meet Amelia. As one of the District's American Indian Liaisons, she works to educate staff, students, and families on American Indian Education as well as supporting our Indigenous students. #WomeninRPS
Amelia Cordell, American Indian Liaison
How would you describe your role or daily responsibilities?
As the coordinator of American Indian Education, my daily responsibilities vary from working 1-1 with Indigenous students to offering professional development for staff districtwide, and empowering our Indigenous families.
What women have influenced you in your life?
My mother: Colleen Cordell. She is a strong Indigenous woman who has supported me through all stages of my life.
My Kunsi's: My grandmothers who have been the backbone of our families and our indigenous communities for generations.
All women of color who are breaking cycles, changing narratives, and continuing to do the best they can for future generations.
What do you hope your role in education does to inspire students?
Growing up, I knew I wanted to be a teacher, specifically a teacher for Indigenous students. I wish I would have had an Indigenous teacher growing up. I hope students and families see that we (Indigenous people) are doing big things and that they, too, are capable of doing whatever they want. This role allows students to work with Indigenous leaders who will support them in all their dreams.
What do you do in your free time?
My wife and I like to watch movies, go to powwows, be supportive and safe aunties, and spend time with our boys (Neville, our dog, and Beasty, our cat). I also like to read, bead, dance, sing, listen, watch true-crime podcasts, re-watch and read Harry Potter, go thrift shopping, and research/learn anything about our Indigenous culture.
After raising her children and putting them through Rochester Public Schools, Sue began her career in our Registration and Records Department, where she assists families to begin their education experience at RPS.
Susan Lee, Registration and Records 
How would you describe your role or daily responsibilities?
My role in Registration and Records is primarily to enroll students of all ages in Rochester Public Schools. Every day, I see kids and parents from all corners of Rochester and all corners of the world coming to RPS to start or continue on their academic path. In addition, I process all sorts of requests for school records from families moving across the country, alumni seeking a career change, and from the military with a recruit. The varied tasks from day to day are part of what keeps me coming back for more. The kids' bright smiles and the parents' eager faces confirm that I'm in the right place doing the right thing.
What brings you joy in your role?
I get joy from thriving amidst the chaos, completing a difficult task well, assisting a bewildered family through the maze of enrollment forms, and especially from seeing students excited to get to their new school.
What women have influenced you in your life?
Many women have influenced me, but the biggest influence has been the amazing women we have right here at RPS. From my time raising kids through RPS until my career at RPS, I've been surrounded by supportive and knowledgeable female teachers, support staff, and administrators. Each one provided a new insight, a greater perspective, and a chance to learn from them. I'm incredibly grateful for these women who have enhanced my journey.
What do you hope your role in education does to inspire students?
I hope to inspire the students I meet to keep moving forward. To keep "doing the thing" - whether that's admitting you've screwed up, asking your parent or teacher for help, figuring out how to get to school, or simply showing up. Many times, the registration process can be a fresh start for our students, and I hope to give them the hope they need to continue moving toward their goals.
Not all of our experiences through the school system are the same. Marian, is one of our teachers at Apex Recovery School, which provides hope and support for students in recovery from substance use and mental health disorders. Learn more about Marian:
Marian Holtorf-Jewell, APEX Teacher at RALC
How would you describe your role or daily responsibilities?
I teach humanities at APEX Recovery School, which is an RPS high school for students in recovery from substance use disorder. We are in our 8th academic year and based out of the ALC.
What brings you joy in your role?
There are so many things that bring me complete joy in my job. I have the privilege of teaching students who have been through a great deal, more than most of us can imagine. Regardless, our students challenge themselves fearlessly to grow and find a better life. One of my greatest joys is having a front-row seat to this journey, and I get to be a part of it in some small way.
What are some barriers that you may have faced or that women face today in your role/department/career?
As a female educator, I have long observed the disparity between female staff and male leadership in our field. In my 18 years as an educator, I have had the privilege of working with many amazing leaders, some female and some male. Yet, as we are all aware, this disparity sends an implicit message that females don't have the same leadership abilities as males, and it does so to all humans in the organization, not just the adults (I recently overheard a 1st-grade student say with shock, "girls can be principals?"). In recent years, I have seen this disparity get smaller in RPS; however, there is still significant work to do. I hope for a better representation of ALL under-represented professionals in our leadership positions. Our students deserve it!
What is something you have achieved that you are most proud of?
I am proud that I have worked with teenagers for 20+ years, and they still like having me as a teacher (well, most days)!