Meet Our 2025 SELI Fellows

The Southern Education Leadership Initiative (SELI) provides young leaders with hands-on experience supporting organizations that work to create school systems giving Black and Brown children access to the educational opportunities they deserve. This year, 17 stellar candidates rose to the top of the competitive applicant pool. The 2025 cohort of exceptional young leaders represents schools across the nation, including 5 Historically Black Colleges and Universities. During their fellowship, these SELI fellows will work in nonprofits, state agencies, school districts, and universities on issues of educational opportunity.

Bradley Brazell (he/him)

University of South CarolinaTexas Appleseed

Bradley Brazell is a Ph.D. student in Social Foundations of Education at the University of South Carolina. A native of South Carolina, he brings years of experience as a former K-12 educator and education researcher. This summer, Bradley will be placed with Texas Appleseed, a public interest justice center that promotes social, economic, and racial justice through data-driven policy analysis, public education, and legal advocacy. Bradley is a past Teacher of the Year at the school where he taught Social Studies and previously served as a board member for a statewide professional association for teachers. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys studying piano and spending time with his three nieces and nephews.