Elevating Education and Equity Through Strategic Partnership

Gabriella Barbosa, a Senior Portfolio Manager at Ballmer Group, believes deeply in the transformative power of education. At Ballmer Group, her role is dedicated to improving economic mobility for children and families nationwide, primarily through strategic investments in K-12 education.

“Education is one of the greatest tools that children and families can use to improve their economic mobility,” Gabriella explains.

Ballmer Group actively invests in initiatives and organizations that demonstrate tangible results for improving economic outcomes. Gabriella oversees the K-12 education portfolio, collaborating with passionate leaders and organizations committed to systemic improvement in education and equity. One of Ballmer’s key investments is the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), specifically through the California Black Educators Initiative.

“We view the National Board very highly—this is actually our main grant when it comes to teacher retention,” Gabriella shares.

California, and Los Angeles County specifically, face a critical shortage of educators, particularly Black educators. Gabriella points to troubling statistics that underscore the urgency of this issue:

“Since 2016, Los Angeles County has lost approximately 100 Black teachers each school year,” Gabriella emphasizes.

Ballmer Group and the National Board are strategically addressing this crisis through targeted support and retention efforts within the California Black Educators Initiative. The initiative aims to significantly increase the number of Black teachers who achieve National Board certification. This certification is not merely symbolic—it’s proven through research to impact student performance and outcomes positively.

Gabriella outlines the ambitious goal clearly:

"When we increase the number of teachers who have their National Board Certification, students have greater academic success. The correlation is clear.”

Gabriella's passion for educational equity and economic mobility intersects powerfully in this initiative. Ballmer Group's support extends beyond certification itself, providing crucial resources and advocacy to ensure that Black educators not only remain in the classroom but thrive as leaders in their communities.

“We see this initiative supporting Black teachers, children, and families, ensuring they have the resources to thrive in school and beyond,” says Gabriella.

For Gabriela and Ballmer Group, collaboration with the National Board and the California Black Educators Initiative represents more than an educational strategy—it's a commitment to equity, opportunity, and the transformative power of education. Ultimately, Gabriella’s vision and Ballmer Group’s investment represent a future where teachers are valued, classrooms are strengthened, and communities prosper.

“Supporting educators and investing in their professional growth through National Board Certification means investing directly into the long-term well-being and economic mobility of our communities.”