“I know we can all remember the days of sitting in algebra class asking ourselves, 'why will I need algebra or chemistry in the future?' The answer was and still remains that advanced math and science classes help high school students develop their analytical and cognitive skills and better prepare them to compete in college and the workplace.”

American communications specialist and political commentator

Mercedes Schlapp is an American communications specialist and political commentator known for her work in English and Spanish-language media. She has also served in Republican presidential administrations, including as director of specialty media under George W. Bush and as White House Director of Strategic Communications under Donald Trump from 2017 to 2019. After leaving the White House, Schlapp joined the Trump 2020 re-election campaign as a senior advisor for strategic communications. Her public profile is tied to political messaging, media strategy, and commentary across two languages.