The SDCOE Lighthouse Awards are given annually to people who are beacons in the educational community by channeling and leading others in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Honorees were recognized during the 2023 Equity Conference in late January.

 Molly Engblom, No Place for Hate Lighthouse Award
The No Place for Hate Award is given to an active No Place for Hate member who demobstrates leadership in their role both on campus and in the community.

Molly Engblom is a school counselor for Tierra Bonita Elementary School and runs the campus No Place for Hate program. She supports students who make the pledge to help create an accepting, No Place for Hate community. Molly is committed to supporting students in a variety of ways through activities that are valuable, engaging and restorative. She ensures her campus has inclusive learning environments for all students. 

Tram Le-Harkins, Turnaround Teacher Award
The Turnaround Teacher Lighthouse Award honors a teacher who embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion, and has helped achieve positive social and academic outcomes for students.

Tram Le-Harkins is an English Teacher at Mt. Carmel High School, where she is a strong voice and advocate for the school’s equity work. She openly shares her personal experiences and encourages others to share their own in order to help the community understand racial challenges some face.  In her Ethnic Literature class, she provides opportunities for students to discuss their personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences as it relates to the role of race in their lives and in broader society.