Cece Zhou

Cece Zhou is Senior Director of Communications at DFI. In her role, she leads DFI’s external communications strategy and works closely with program leaders, teacher-educators, and mission-aligned partners to lift up the myriad of possibilities that open up for students when communities invest in high-quality teacher preparation.

Prior to joining DFI, she served on the communications and public affairs team at Teach For America, providing strategic communications coaching, consulting, and partnership to regional teams and executive directors. Cece started her career in school district administration and has also led marketing and communications for a college of education.

Cece currently lives in Colorado with her family.

Describe a teacher or student who made a lasting impact in your life.

My college freshman English professor saw potential in my writing and asked me if I was planning to major in English. I had always loved to write but was, at the time, doubtful about the sustainability of turning it into a career. She nurtured my skills and confidence, connected me to our university writing center’s peer community, and encouraged me with the utmost kindness and compassion to explore the vast career possibilities for writers. Her belief and investment in me heavily influenced where I am today.

What were you like as a student?

I was quiet in most of my classes - except in high school English. I attended an IB school and relished how the books represented different parts of the world we didn't get to learn much about in previous schools. I was constantly debating different types of symbolism, drawing thematic connections (where there sometimes were none), and peppering my teachers with delightfully annoying questions.

What's a local place or activity you would want DFI colleagues and/or program partners to experience if they came to your town?

There's a hike for every person in the Denver area. From the gorgeous rock formations at Roxborough State Park, to picturesque city views from Boulder's many trails, to the scenic rolling hills and flowers at Bluffs Regional Park, I'm happy to take people to experience one and all of them.