Ezi Adesi returns to Omega School to lead a growing hub for adult education and opportunity
Beloit native Ezi Adesi has spent nearly two decades helping adults reclaim their educational paths. Today, he leads the newly merged Omega School of Literacy Network as director, returning to the place where his career in adult education first began.
Adesi entered the field 18 years ago as a GED instructor at Omega School on Madison’s south side, where he helped adult learners earn their high school diplomas. He later moved into a leadership role at Literacy Network as director of adult basic education. Now, following the merger of the two organizations and the retirement of longtime director Oscar Mireles in January 2025, Adesi is guiding Omega School of Literacy Network into its next chapter.
For the past 15 months, Adesi has overseen the school’s GED and HSED programs in both English and Spanish. His role spans supporting instructional staff and advising students to cultivating partnerships throughout the community.
“From my first opportunity as a GED instructor, I saw the various realities of life and the subsequent challenges of adult learners,” said Adesi. “That experience helped me understand how education looks different for every individual.”
Before returning to Omega, Adesi spent six years expanding his leadership experience across education and public service. He served as a cognitive behavioral intervention instructor and re-entry case manager with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, dean of students at Lincoln Academy in Beloit, and director and advisor at Lakeland University’s Madison campus.
Despite working in different settings, Adesi never lost touch with Omega School or Literacy Network.
“I had longstanding relationships with the team and student population at both organizations and stayed connected,” he said, noting that Omega School—and Mireles, who he considers a mentor—will always hold a special place in his heart.
Through his varied roles, Adesi came to recognize that adult education has its own distinct culture, shaped by students from many backgrounds, lifestyles and lived experiences. That understanding now guides how he communicates with students and builds trust within the classroom.
At Omega School of Literacy Network, students develop essential academic skills through one-on-one instruction in English or Spanish, along with self-guided study tailored to their needs. Doors are open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., allowing students to attend when it fits their schedules. The school serves adult learners of all ages.
Adesi describes himself as a culture builder, someone focused on accountability and motivation.
“It’s very interesting to find new ways to motivate adults, meet their needs and help them persist through challenges,” he said.
That work requires creativity and flexibility. No two students arrive with the same goals or obstacles, and Adesi encourages staff to meet learners where they are.
The recent merger between Omega School and Literacy Network has strengthened that mission. Adesi describes it as “a perfect unification.” Students can now move seamlessly from foundational literacy programs to more advanced courses within the same space. Since the merger, the school has seen increased enrollment and stronger connections across the community.
Building partnerships remains a key priority. One of the organization’s most successful collaborations is with Madison Metropolitan School District.
“We help young scholars who aren’t on track to graduate on time finish with their class,” said Adesi.
Another long-standing partnership with Madison College helps students envision life beyond their diploma.
“We want to focus on post-secondary education,” he said. “It’s about getting students to the next phase of their journey by emphasizing college and careers.”
Still, the path forward is not without challenges. Adesi sees firsthand how outside factors—particularly mental health concerns—can disrupt educational progress.
“Mental health is impacting more and more individuals,” he said. “We’re exploring ways to support students so they can get to a better place and lead better lives.”
Housing instability is another significant barrier. Adesi works with both younger and older adults experiencing homelessness.
“It’s difficult to prioritize education when housing is unstable,” he said.
Despite those challenges, Omega’s “small but mighty” staff make a lasting impact. Instructors take time to build relationships with students and tailor instruction to set them up for success. The school served nearly 100 newly enrolled students last year, which exceeded enrollment goals and previous years’ enrollment.
For Adesi, the most rewarding part of the work is watching students transform. Many arrive carrying the weight of past educational disappointments.
“Students may come in questioning if they can do it,” he said. “They’re apprehensive and unsure. The best feeling for me is when they leave excited and ready for the next steps.
As Omega School of Literacy Network enters its second year after the merger, Adesi is calling on the community for support. In addition to financial contributions, the organization relies on volunteer tutors willing to share their time and knowledge with adults beginning—or restarting—their educational journeys.
“In addition to spreading the word about our great mission, I ask us all to continue believing in the power of community and showing up for one another,” he said.
Anyone who knows an adult interested in finishing their high school diploma is encouraged to connect them with Omega School of Literacy Network at litnetwork.org/omega/.
