About the Office of Educational Advocacy (OEA)
Vision Statement:
The Office of Educational Advocacy exists to ensure that Wilmington’s students are consistently supported by the systems around them. It serves as the City’s connector and collaborative amplifier —bringing clarity to challenges, visibility to solutions, and coordination to efforts already underway.
Purpose:
Wilmington’s education landscape has been shaped by the dedication of many committed educators, civic leaders, advocacy groups, and commissions that have long worked to advance student outcomes. There have been many organizations and initiatives that have helped elevate critical conversations and drive meaningful, targeted improvements. However, despite this shared commitment, the system remains fragmented. The absence of sustained infrastructure has made it difficult to create sustained change and impact.
The Office of Educational Advocacy was established to meet this need. It brings something new to Wilmington’s education ecosystem: a permanent, city-led structure focused on bridging gaps, fostering alignment, and providing consistent engagement across systems, sectors, and communities.
Initial Strategic Priorities:
1. Coalition Building & Stakeholder Alignment
2. Parent-First Communications & Trust Building
3. Policy Visibility & Agenda Setting
Contact Dr. O
LaRetha “Dr. O” Odumosu, PhD
Director, Office of Educational Advocacy
City of Wilmington