Betsy DeVos

Betsy DeVos is a figure in education policy, recognized for her advocacy of school choice, school voucher programs, and charter schools. DeVos has been active in education reform for nearly three decades, co-founding the American Federation for Children, an organization supporting school choice, and serving on the boards of several school-choice advocacy groups. Her efforts have contributed to the expansion of educational options for K-12 students in more than 25 states and the District of Columbia, as well as increased post-secondary education opportunities for students and adult learners.

DeVos began her political career in Michigan, serving as Republican national committeewoman for Michigan and as chair of the Michigan Republican Party. Before her appointment as Secretary of Education, DeVos was chairman of The Windquest Group, an enterprise and investment management firm. She has also served on the boards of organizations such as the Foundation for Excellence in Education, Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Kids Hope USA, ArtPrize, Mars Hill Bible Church, and the Kendall College of Art and Design.

As the 11th U.S. Secretary of Education, DeVos focused on expanding educational options and reducing federal involvement in education. Her tenure included facilitating state-level implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act, processing COVID-19 relief for schools and colleges, enhancing career and technical education, revising Title IX sexual assault investigation procedures, increasing transparency in student loans and college outcomes, and clarifying foreign donations to U.S. colleges and universities. DeVos also worked to strengthen the status of historically Black colleges and universities.

DeVos has continued to advocate for education freedom through public speaking and writing. Her book, "Hostages No More: The Fight for Education Freedom and the Future of the American Child," discusses her philosophy of education freedom, her experiences in the Trump administration, and her perspective on education reform in the United States. DeVos remains an influential voice in education policy and school choice advocacy.