Meet
Ismalis Nuñez
My Story
Long before I became a school social worker, district leader, or community leader, I was a GRPS student.
I attended Hall Elementary (now César E. Chávez Elementary), Zoo School, and City High School. Throughout my journey, I was surrounded by teachers, principals, counselors, secretaries, custodians, and so many other staff who believed in me, even when I didn't always believe in myself. They held me to high expectations, challenged me to grow, celebrated my successes, and helped me navigate life's challenges. They became my village.
That belief in public education wasn't limited to the classroom. It was part of my family. My grandfather dedicated his career to Grand Rapids Public Schools as a custodian, caring for the buildings and the students who learned in them. He reminded me that every role in a school matters and that every person contributes to a student's success. I was also fortunate to grow up in a family that believed in me, encouraged me, and taught me the importance of service, hard work, and giving back to the community.
As a Black Puerto Rican and Cuban American woman, I know what it feels like to love your school while not always feeling fully seen within it. I experienced both the incredible opportunities public education can provide and the challenges of navigating spaces where my identity, language, and culture were not always reflected or affirmed.
Those experiences shaped not only who I became, but also how I see the world. They taught me that relationships matter, representation matters, and every child deserves adults who believe in them and help them discover what is possible.
Those experiences shaped not only who I became, but also how I see the world. They taught me that relationships matter, representation matters, and every child deserves adults who believe in them and help them discover what is possible.
Centering students in every decision
My Drive
Education has always been at the center of my life, but my commitment to community extends beyond my career.
In 2020, I founded Anew Collective Consulting because I believe lasting change happens when people have the opportunity to learn, reflect, and grow together. Through Anew, I partner with school districts, nonprofits, and organizations across the country as a facilitator, coach, and consultant. I support individuals in exploring their identity and growing as leaders, while helping organizations build stronger relationships, strengthen public education, and better serve their communities. While my work has taken me across the country, it has always been grounded in the values I learned growing up in Grand Rapids, and I bring those lessons home to continue investing in the community that invested in me.
I also serve as the Co-President of the STEM Greenhouse Board of Directors, helping guide an organization dedicated to expanding STEM opportunities for young people. Through this role, I've gained valuable experience in nonprofit governance, strategic planning, and thoughtful decision-making that keeps kids of color at the center.
After spending nearly two decades building my career in Chicago and working with schools and organizations across the country, I chose to return home to Grand Rapids with deep intentionality. Coming home has allowed me to reconnect with family, strengthen community relationships, and continue investing in the city that first invested in me.
Whether I'm mentoring emerging leaders, volunteering, partnering with local organizations, or spending time with family and friends, I believe strong communities are built through relationships, trust, and showing up for one another.
What Gives Me Hope
Every day, I am reminded why I believe so deeply in public education and in the people who make it possible.
- I see students who continue to dream despite obstacles.
- I see educators who show up each day believing in the potential of every child.
- I see families who advocate tirelessly for their children.
- I see neighbors who invest their time, talents, and energy to strengthen our community.
Hope isn't something we wait for. It's something we create together through relationships, service, and a shared commitment to one another.
Paid for by the Committee To Elect Ismalis Nunez
1038 Benjamin Ave SE