Hats Off Corporation was founded by Elaine Mercedes Mendoza--an Author and Speaker--that promotes diversity and inclusion.  The goal of this Non-Profit is to close the inequality gap in public schools.  As an avid traveler, Elaine observed how other countries do not discriminate against their kids based on economic status.  For example, in Finland, they strive for equality in their education system.  You do not have to move to a certain neighborhood for the "better schools" like in the United States.  All of the kids end up with the same opportunities and quality education.

Although we have a long way to go to be like Finland, we can take baby steps to close the gap between the schools in higher-income neighborhoods and the "achievement schools" in lower-income communities.  As the USA has suffered from never-ending budget cuts that have directly affected our public schools, both the teachers and the students have suffered the consequences.  Isn't it time that we give them the dignity and respect they deserve?  No teacher should have to purchase their own school supplies just like employees aren't expected to bring in their own office supplies to work at a corporation. 

Teachers deserve better.  Our children deserve to start their life on a more equitable playing field.