Contact:
Devin Boyle | 202.445.0416 | Devin@dfer.org
Christina M. Martínez | 602.316.9732 | Christina@dfer.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Arizona Education Champion Carlyle W. Begay Elected to State Senate
Appointed to Fill Arizona Legislative District 7
Phoenix, Arizona, August 6th, 2013 – Democrats for Education Reform Arizona (DFER-AZ) congratulates education advocate Carlyle W. Begay on his appointment to the Arizona Senate, organization officials announced today. Begay will represent District 7, which includes a significant portion of the Navajo Nation and seven other tribal communities.
“Carlyle is an education reformer at heart and a passionate defender of the rights of the Native American people and other marginalized groups,” said Christina Martínez, DFER-AZ state director. “He is a true champion for the people of Arizona who often get overlooked when it comes to having access to excellent schools. I am so very proud of him for the work he has done and the work he will continue to do as a senator!”
Born and raised on the Navajo Nation, Begay knows firsthand the inequalities in educational opportunities that can exist for minority and low-income groups. Because of his experiences, he has devoted much of his career to improving education for all and ensuring, regardless of location or race, every child receives the first-rate education they deserve.
Begay, a member of the DFER-AZ advisory board, has spent his career endeavoring to improve the quality of life for Arizona families through public policy and community service. He became involved in education while student teaching at the University of Arizona with the Collaboration for the Advancement of Teaching Technology and Science (CATTS), a program that partnered with local underserved school districts to improve students’ understanding of science, mathematics, and technology. He is currently a Principal at American Indian Health Management & Policy, Inc. (AIHMP), where he works tirelessly to encourage tribal leaders, community members, and all levels of government to develop comprehensive solutions to the many health care crises facing tribes today.
“Quality education is sometimes seen as a luxury—it comes down to the haves and have nots,” said Begay. “For decades Navajo and Indian people, and many low-income and minority students and families across the country, have struggled to gain access to great schools. As a senator I will fight to provide excellent schools and equitable funding to all Arizona’s kids.”
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About Democrats for Education Reform
Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) is a political action committee with 13 state offices whose mission is to encourage a more productive dialogue within the Democratic Party on the need to fundamentally reform American public education. DFER operates at all levels of government to educate elected officials and support reform-minded candidates for public office.