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Recognizing Principal Dr. Fatima Lawson for her outstanding contributions to education and as a proud recipient of the 2024 National Distinguished Principal Award.
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WHEREAS Dr. Fatima Lawson has dedicated over 30 years of her life to the field of education, serving as a principled leader, advocate, and role model for students, families, and educators in the State of Minnesota and beyond; and
WHEREAS she grew up in Kano, Northern Nigeria and had to overcome significant societal barriers to pursue and excel in western education, ultimately earning degrees in French, Portuguese, Linguistics, and Educational Administration, culminating in a Ph.D. in Educational Policy and Administration from the University of Minnesota; and
WHEREAS she has applied her education, skills and life experience across public and private educational settings, impacting students from the elementary to university level; and
WHEREAS her passion to see young people excel, shines through her interactions with her students as you hear them excitedly calling her name across the halls or running up to her on the playground at Highwood Hills Elementary here on the Eastside of Saint Paul. It is evident that this is not just a job or a career but her purpose; and
WHEREAS she was instrumental in founding one of Saint Paul's most successful language immersion schools, where she served as principal for 12 years, and is currently pioneering a polytechnic program that expands educational access and opportunity for all students; and
WHEREAS her life and work exemplify a deep commitment to educational equity, especially for disadvantaged populations, and her efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including being named Minnesota’s 2024 National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) National Distinguished Principal; and
WHEREAS her global vision and leadership have been recognized internationally, including her selection by the U.S. State Department to participate in a Mandela-Washington Fellowship exchange, where she led education and empowerment workshops in South Africa; and
WHEREAS in addition to her work in schools, Dr. Lawson has been a dynamic contributor to community initiatives, serving in leadership roles including Committee Chair of the Minnesota Elementary Principals’ Association’s Legislative Committee, President-Elect of the Board of Books for Africa, and executive board member of the Minnesota Institute for Nigeria’s Development (MIND); and
WHEREAS Dr. Lawson has further demonstrated civic leadership through her service on the Governor’s Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage, the Education Advisory Board at North Hennepin Community College, and numerous national and international organizations; and
WHEREAS Dr. Lawson embodies a community connector, and her life is a testament to the power of perseverance, education, service, and commitment to equity and social justice, and her accomplishments have brought pride and inspiration to the City of Saint Paul; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Saint Paul City Council hereby honors Principal Dr. Fatima Lawson for her accomplishment as the 2024 NAESP National Distinguished Principal awardee, her exemplary career, visionary leadership, and lifelong commitment to equity and excellence in education; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Saint Paul City Council and the City of Saint Paul hereby proclaims Thursday, June 12th, 2025, Principal Dr. Fatima Lawson Day.