Meet Cathy Chen-Arriaga and Jonathan "JJ" Childress
The College of Education Advisory Board's newest members, Cathy Chen-Arriaga and Jonathan "JJ" Childress, have both dedicated years to the advancement of our region through education and technology. They were named to the College of Education Advisory Board in March 2023.
Learn about their backgrounds, why they value education, and how they believe the college can continue to positively impact the region.
Cathy Chen-Arriaga
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in New York City – lived in Queens and went to high school in Manhattan.
What is your current role?
My current role is Executive Director of Fab Lab El Paso.
What was your favorite subject, and how did that shape your educational journey and career trajectory?
I’ve always found it hard to pick just one favorite subject and an area of specialization. Throughout my educational journey, I've been drawn to a diverse range of topics, from literature and philosophy to science and technology. Rather than following a traditional academic path, I've sought out opportunities to explore different fields through internships, workshops and independent study. For example, I've taken courses in coding and generative design while also pursuing advocacy projects and getting certified in business skills.
By combining different areas of knowledge, we gain a more comprehensive understanding of the world and approach problems from multiple perspectives. While it can be challenging to navigate a path that doesn't fit neatly into traditional educational models, I've found that pursuing a variety of interests has enriched my life and opened up exciting opportunities such as founding a non-profit and producing a PBS documentary film.
How can the College of Education shape the future of our region?
The College of Education has a unique opportunity to shape the future of the region by promoting inclusive innovation in the education ecosystem and preparing educators for success in the 21st century. By prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion in its teacher preparation programs, the College of Education can help create a more diverse and culturally responsive teaching workforce that better reflects the needs and experiences of the students it serves. There’s a pressing need to address the teacher shortage in the region by developing incentivizing recruitment and retention programs that attract and retain talented and diverse educators. The College of Education can prepare educators for success in the 21st century by providing training in emerging technologies, innovative teaching methods and culturally responsive pedagogy. Furthermore, the College of Education can help bridge stakeholders in the education/workforce ecosystem from schools and ISDs to industry and employers to ensure that educators are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today's rapidly changing educational landscape.
What is an important quality in an educator?
There are two critical qualities that educators will have to do to be successful in the age of disruptive technologies. First is the ability to adapt to digital tools and technology. With the growing prevalence of online and hybrid learning environments, educators must be able to use technology effectively to deliver high-quality instruction and teach students to “learn how to learn.” The second and most important quality of an educator is the essential work of nurturing, mentorship and human relationship building – something that will be very difficult for machines to replace. They should be able to establish a strong rapport with their students and provide them with the guidance, support and motivation they need to succeed academically and personally.
Why is education important to you?
A well-educated workforce is essential for economic growth, innovation and global competitiveness. Educated individuals have higher earning potential, greater job security and are better positioned to adapt to changing economic conditions. Education promotes democratic values such as tolerance, respect and social justice. Studies have shown that educated individuals are more likely to participate in civic life, make informed decisions and hold their governments accountable. Education is a key tool for ensuring growth towards a more equitable future as it provides individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to address complex global challenges such as climate change, inequality and social injustice. It’s not an overstatement to say that education is a fundamental human right and essential for navigating a rapidly changing world.
As an advisory board member, how do you plan to help the college innovate and continue to positively impact our region?
I plan to help the college innovate and positively impact the region by focusing on technology innovation, accessibility and storytelling. This means exploring ways to leverage technology to enhance the learning experience, improve accessibility and tell compelling stories about the impact of education on people's lives. I will work with the board to identify new technologies and platforms that can improve accessibility for students, such as adaptive learning tools, mobile apps, and virtual and augmented reality. By embracing these technologies, we can make education more accessible to a wider range of learners. In addition, I believe that storytelling is a powerful tool for promoting the value of education and inspiring others to pursue their dreams. As an advisory board member, I will work to highlight the stories of students, faculty and alumni who have been positively impacted by the college. By sharing these stories through social media, videos and other channels, we can help to inspire and motivate others to pursue their educational goals.
JJ Childress
Where did you grow up?
Born and raised El Pasoan
What is your current role?
TechSpark Texas Manager, US Greenfield Lead
What was your favorite subject, and how did that shape your educational journey and career trajectory?
I love history and how the actions of the past shape today and inform the future. I studied business and have landed in the tech industry now, but business and technology are all shaped by historical forces culminating into the present moment. Throughout my educational journey and even now in my career, I ground myself in the history of a subject and look to see how things can go faster or be made better.
How can the College of Education shape the future of our region?
The College of Education is the producing the talent that will equip our region with the thinkers and the doers that will allow us to take the stage as a globally competitive city.
What is an important quality in an educator?
I think being focused on the individual student and recognizing that there are several forms of intelligence is key. Meeting the student where they are and helping them achieve their educational outcomes and unlock their own unique superpowers will go a long way in building life-long learners.
Why is education important to you?
Education has created opportunities for me to provide positive impact on my community and provide for my family. My father was an educator, my wife is an educator and the way that people’s destinies have changed through great educators and a great education has never been lost on me.
As an advisory board member, how do you plan to help the college innovate and continue to positively impact our region?
I get to see education systems across the country and the world through my current role. One thing that stands out about the Borderplex is our region’s remoteness that has created a tight network of interdependency across all levels of education. This connectedness creates the ability to be agile and responsive to develop the talent needed to help our region thrive. I hope to bring the best practices from across the country into our area and then leverage our agility to become leaders in educational attainment.
