Meet Our Spring 2024 CEHD Degree Celebration Speakers!
As we eagerly anticipate the Spring 2024 College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) Degree Celebration, we are thrilled to introduce the exceptional individuals who have been selected to share their wisdom, passion, and inspiring journeys with this year’s graduating class. Learn more about our Degree Celebration speakers, Gabe Segal and Emma Fleming, below!
Gabe Segal
A Champion of Compassion and Education
Our featured speaker, Gabe Segal, is an alum of the CEHD Education Leadership program who embodies the spirit of service and advocacy in the field of education. His story is one of resilience, empathy, and unwavering dedication to making a difference in the lives of others. In Spring 2020, amidst the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Segal utilized his stimulus check funds to pay off school meal debt at Sleepy Hollow Elementary in Falls Church, VA, where he taught. Motivated by the struggles faced by his students’ families, Segal vowed to alleviate school meal debt wherever his career took him.
In 2023, Segal accepted a position at Herndon Middle School, his childhood community, only to discover staggering amounts of meal debt. Undeterred, he embarked on a mission to raise awareness and support from the community. His tireless efforts garnered local and national attention, including appearances on Live with Kelly & Mark and features in the Washington Post. Through his advocacy and the community’s generosity, Segal raised over $50,000 and counting, transforming the lives of countless students and families.
Today, Segal serves as an educator at Herndon High School, teaching Special Education and Algebra while continuing his advocacy work to address school meal debt on local, state, and federal levels. His commitment to compassion, equity, and student welfare exemplifies the values we uphold in CEHD.
Emma Fleming
Embracing Passion, Igniting Change
Our student speaker, Emma Fleming, epitomizes the transformative power of resilience and self-discovery in the pursuit of one’s calling. Fleming started her undergraduate journey at Mason in a different major, only to realize that her true passion lay within the classroom.
Embracing the vibrant community and unparalleled support of the CEHD Elementary Education program, Fleming flourished, finding her niche and igniting her passion for teaching. Reflecting on her journey, Fleming acknowledges the profound impact of her professors, peers, and mentors, whose unwavering support shaped her into the educator she is today.
As she prepares to graduate, Fleming looks forward to channeling her passion and expertise into her role as a fourth grade teacher in Fairfax County Public Schools. With a vision of creating a classroom where students thrive, feel connected, and become critical thinkers and compassionate community members, Fleming embodies the spirit of excellence and dedication that defines our CEHD graduates.
Join Us in Celebration!
We invite you to join us in celebrating the remarkable achievements and inspiring journeys of Gabe Segal, Emma Fleming, and our Spring 2024 graduating class at the CEHD Degree Celebration on Saturday, May 11, at 10:00 am in the EagleBank Arena.