Bloomfield and Bridgeport Residents Honored for Work with Connecticut Students and Families

WATERBURY, Conn.—March 27, 2025 —The State Education Resource Center (SERC) has announced winners of the 2025 George A. Coleman Excellence in Equity Award. Martha C. Brackeen-Harris (Bloomfield) and Erick Rodriguez (Bridgeport) are this year's honorees.

Martha C. Brackeen-Harris is a retired educator with more than 40 years' experience as both a classroom teacher and administrator in public schools, independent schools and higher education settings. She is the founder and CEO of MBH Equity Associates, developing workshops for schools, collaborating with parent groups to aid their ability to become strong advocates for their children's education, and facilitating difficult conversations on issues of equity, inclusion, belonging and social justice. Ms. Brackeen-Harris is a founding member and served for 34 years as a trustee of the SPHERE Consortium of Independent Schools, an organization seeking to make Hartford area independent schools welcoming and safe and is currently the DEI consultant for The Connecticut Association of Boards of Education. She holds a bachelor's degree from the Pennsylvania State University and both a master's and doctoral degree from the University of Hartford.

Erick Rodriguez is a dedicated community advocate and volunteer based in Bridgeport, Connecticut, where he was born and raised. A graduate of Central High School, Erick has always been deeply connected to his hometown and has a passion for supporting its residents. His work focuses on helping those in need and striving to improve the lives of underserved families. Mr. Rodriguez serves as a Lead Parent Coordinator for Bridgeport Prospers, a partnership committed to advancing racial equity and addressing the root causes of systemic and institutionalized racism. As a Bridgeport Parent Ambassador, he has been actively involved in supporting various events including community forums, family outreach initiatives, and parent education programs. Erick's work directly impacts the families in Bridgeport as he strives to connect them with the resources and support they need to succeed. Erick has a creative side and is passionate about writing music, using it as an outlet for self-expression and a way to connect with others. He believes in the power of community support, and his motto, "If I got it, then you got it," reflects his generous spirit and commitment to helping others.

The George A. Coleman Excellence in Equity Award was named for a former Connecticut State Department of Education administrator and SERC Board member who has championed educational equity. The award honors and highlights the demonstration of extraordinary acts of commitment and courage to ensure all Connecticut students, especially students of color and culturally and linguistically diverse students, are valued and respected in their school experience.

Award recipients are selected based on their steadfast and unwavering action in:

• Advocating for children and families of color;
• Galvanizing individuals and coalitions toward equitable action;
• Taking risks in conversation and action regarding issues of equity for racially, linguistically and culturally diverse groups;
• Engaging the diverse needs of members of an education community and reconciling them toward a shared vision; and
• Furthering the exchange of information that affects thinking and effects conviction on matters of equity.

The State Education Resource Center (SERC) is a Waterbury, Connecticut based quasi-public agency providing resources, professional development, and a centralized library to educators, families, and community members in collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Education and other partners.

SERC believes that all students have the right to access opportunities and experiences that reflect and respect their differences and abilities. In Connecticut, educational outcomes for students of color, students who are English Language Learners, and students with disabilities continue to lag behind outcomes for other students. To help eliminate these opportunity gaps, SERC addresses institutionalized racism and other issues of social justice in schools and districts and both models and facilitates equity in education.

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