A Conversation on Leadership with Elisa Villanueva Beard | SXSW EDU 2025 Rewind

As Teach For America approaches its 35th Anniversary, CEO Elisa Villanueva Beard will be stepping down this spring after 27 years of transformative leadership. In this conversation, moderated by Dan Porterfield from The Aspen Institute, they reflect on the lessons, challenges, and impact of Elisa’s tenure in the education ecosystem, and explore the challenges and opportunities facing the K-12 education system today.

Elisa joined Teach for America (TFA) 27 years ago after graduating from DePauw University and stayed due to the transformative power of education and the systemic barriers students face. Elisa’s leadership philosophy is heavily influenced by her background as a student athlete.

“Teachers change the world, and I want to be a part of that.”

Elisa Villanueva Beard
Chief Executive Officer, Teach For America

TFA is anchored around a 2030 goal: Doubling student outcomes that lead to economic mobility. Through providing core teachers, Ignite tutoring fellows, and alumni leadership, TFA tackles this goal through a strategic talent partner approach.

“I wanted to leave when things were going well – not because I was running from anything.”

Elisa Villanueva Beard

Elisa closes out the conversation with four pieces of advice for young leaders:

1. Say yes to opportunities even when you feel unready.
2. Trust your judgment and bring your full self.
3. Find sponsors and mentors.
4. Thrive where you are, and you’ll get noticed.

Watch the full Featured Session to learn more about TFA’s impact and the importance of great leadership:

Watch SXSW EDU 2025 On-Demand Content

Take a look back at SXSW EDU 2025 and relive exciting Keynotes, Featured Sessions, and more, now available to watch on our official YouTube channel, plus listen to hundreds of audio recordings in the schedule.

Stay tuned for more information about registration and participation opportunities for SXSW EDU 2026 coming later this summer.

Photo by Will Blake