Stay ConnectedPull up a seat at the leaders’ table, and join the conversation about making lasting change for kids & communities. ’The Leaders’ Table’ podcast surfaces stories from education policy makers, their personal insights on leadership, and the tools & practices that make them successful.
An official podcast for Leadership for Educational Equity. For more info visit www.wearelee.org.
The Leaders’ Table Podcast will present a series of discussions with leaders in policy & advocacy who are making change and tackling educational inequity. While talking issues, we will delve into the career stories of our guests to unearth and highlight the tips and tools, the routines and practices that have lent to their impact -- so that members can identify the actionable items to use to enhance their own impact on the policy world. Our first guest, Ryan Smith of The Education Trust-West talks to us about the intersection of Black Lives Matter and Black Minds Matter and why the most important quality in a leader is the ability to hold steady.
The Leaders’ Table Podcast will present a series of discussions with leaders in policy & advocacy who are making change and tackling educational inequity. While talking issues, we will delve into the career stories of our guests to unearth and highlight the tips and tools, the routines and practices that have lent to their impact -- so that members can identify the actionable items to use to enhance their own impact on the policy world. This week's guest, Nina Rees, president and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, talks about the charter school movement, what successful coalition building can look like, and how millennials and Gen Xers can lead together.
The Leaders’ Table Podcast will present a series of discussions with leaders in policy & advocacy who are making change and tackling educational inequity. While talking issues, we will delve into the career stories of our guests to unearth and highlight the tips and tools, the routines and practices that have lent to their impact -- so that members can identify the actionable items to use to enhance their own impact on the policy world. This week's guest, Aixle Aman, chief of staff for Los Angeles Unified School District Board Member Ref Rodriguez, joins The Leaders' Table for a session on getting through the red tape to get things done in policy.
The Leaders’ Table Podcast will present a series of discussions with leaders in policy & advocacy who are making change and tackling educational inequity. While talking issues, we will delve into the career stories of our guests to unearth and highlight the tips and tools, the routines and practices that have lent to their impact -- so that members can identify the actionable items to use to enhance their own impact on the policy world. This week's guest, Luis Avila, senior vice president of 270 Strategies and former national program director at Stand for Children, ignited our hearts and minds in his conversation on the intersection of organizing, policy, and advocacy.
The Leaders’ Table Podcast will present a series of discussions with leaders in policy & advocacy who are making change and tackling educational inequity. While talking issues, we will delve into the career stories of our guests to unearth and highlight the tips and tools, the routines and practices that have lent to their impact -- so that members can identify the actionable items to use to enhance their own impact on the policy world. This week's guest, Jada Drew an international diversity trainer, lead consultant and owner of Social Designs — joins us on #LeadersTablePodcast to discuss how she drives change agents to be their best selves and why diversity isn’t a dirty word.
The Leaders’ Table Podcast will present a series of discussions with leaders in policy & advocacy who are making change and tackling educational inequity. While talking issues, we will delve into the career stories of our guests to unearth and highlight the tips and tools, the routines and practices that have lent to their impact -- so that members can identify the actionable items to use to enhance their own impact on the policy world. This week's guest, Amy Wilkins — senior fellow for social justice at the College Board and longtime advocate for educational equity known best for her work at the Education Trust — talks policy, patience, and professional mistakes.
The Leaders’ Table Podcast will present a series of discussions with leaders in policy & advocacy who are making change and tackling educational inequity. While talking issues, we will delve into the career stories of our guests to unearth and highlight the tips and tools, the routines and practices that have lent to their impact -- so that members can identify the actionable items to use to enhance their own impact on the policy world. This week's guest, Marc Holley, evaluation unit director at the Walton Family Foundation, reflects on what attracts a foundation’s attention, the case for investing in teachers, and the importance of creating time to ask yourself the big questions in life.
Leaders' Table: Jim Shelton of The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative by Leadership for Educational Equity
Tai Dixon of the Children’s Defense Fund is one of those advocates whose approach we truly admire, going from teaching to keeping the trains on track as the national director of state offices and field operations. Jason Llorenz asked about her favorite failures, her strategies for work-free weekends, and why she cautions against listening to too much advice from others — zing!
As Founder and CEO of 4.0 Schools, Matt Candler and his team have built charter schools, incubated EdTech companies, built houses, and organized communities. And yet he’s one of the most humble leaders we’ve ever met. Listen in as we ask Matt about lessons he’s learned and how he’s quieted his inner perfectionist to allow his inner entrepreneur to develop living ideas.
Stacey Childress flips The Leaders’ Table upside down this episode, sharing lessons learned from her role as CEO of The NewSchools Venture Fund and career as an entrepreneur. From why finding a learner’s mindset is more important than being right, to avoiding getting super-scheduled with meetings, Stacey’s advice will help you reframe your workday.
Luzelma Canales is a powerhouse of an advocate. As Executive Director of RGV FOCUS, she knows her data inside out and upside down. She distils complicated policy issues for any audience. She facilitates sessions like a magician and bringing partners on board is easy as pie. But what sets her apart, makes her an example not just for women in leadership, but an example for us all? Her community leads her. Listen to learn how.
Ever meet a leader whose energy is infectious? Who you can just tell is going places? That’s Manny Lamarre. As executive director of the newly created Nevada Governor’s Office of Workforce Innovation, Manny stands at the intersection of workforce development, education and equity in a state that was hard hit by the last recession. Manny’s got a dream job at the cutting edge of policy, but what’s even more exciting is imagining what lies ahead for him and the communities he serves. Sky’s the limit when you’re on a rocketship!
What makes Maryland State Senator Bill Ferguson a rare leader? He’s not only had experience at three levels of Maryland’s education system — first as a teacher, then in the central office, and now as an elected official — but he’s also truly in it for the long haul, not just the easy wins. We ask Bill what the rest of the world can learn from Baltimore at its best and at its worst, and how he keeps it all together as a leader.
Curious what Chris Cerf has learned from a career in policy working for both Democrats and Republicans, and now as the Superintendent of Newark City Public Schools? Then this episode of The Leaders’ Table is for you!
If you’ve heard previous episodes of The Leaders’ Table, you know we’re on a quest to find out what makes leaders tick. This week with Kaya Henderson, we cut right to the heart of it. Our conversation with Kaya packs a punch — and not in the way you might expect if you know much about this former Chancellor of D.C. Public Schools. Kaya’s one of those rare leaders who’s willing to go there, get deep and share not only how she measures her own personal and professional success, but how her favorite mistakes have shaped her leadership. That’s authentically Kaya. Tune in for tips, tricks, insights and stories from Kaya Henderson and other education changemakers.
Courtney English is all about his community and leading Atlanta’s Board of Education to serve all kids. As the youngest-ever chair of the Board of Education for the school system where he was once both a student and a teacher, stories of students and the relationships Courtney has with teachers, parents, and community members show up in every policy decision he makes. Courtney shares what he’s learned about building trust as captain of a ship that’s navigated its fair share of tough storms.
Delia Pompa is a leader whose unique “strength in quietude” has helped her build and sustain a widely respected, multi-decade advocacy career across multiple political waves. She has been a voice for children and families from inside both venerable advocacy organizations and government, including the National Council of La Raza, the Texas Education Agency, and most recently, the Migration Policy Institute.
This episode is stacked with tips from the San Antonio Independent School District’s Superintendent, Pedro Martinez’s career leading Chicago’s education system with Arne Duncan, turning education around in Nevada, and now with a community ready for change in one of the fastest growing districts in the country. Take note of Pedro’s advice for strengthening your systems-building muscles, how to balance quick wins with long term planning, and more!
For our milestone 20th episode, we’re excited to share The Leaders’ Table with CEO of New Day New Year and former Superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, John Deasy. Deasy is a leader on a mission to kill the school to prison pipeline with lessons to share on keeping calm under pressure. If you’ve listened to other episodes of The Leaders’ Table, you know this episode is packed full of the good stuff!
What hasn’t Rick Hess done? He’s an educator, political scientist, advocate and author of many books including the recently published Letters to a Young Education Reformer, not mention his role at the American Enterprise Institute. This conversation ranges from evolution and revolution in school systems to how we can move beyond treating the symptoms of struggling schools, to why you usually learn the most from those who disagree with you. But the best part? Rick’s reflections on how to handle the astonishing difficulty of working for change, and how to avoid overwhelm and burnout for a sustainable career. I’d say he should write a book on that, but he already has!
It’s no coincidence that Irene Holtzman spends her days advocating for agile school decision making, and her favorite evenings, rocking the dance floor. But being quick on her feet takes a lot of planning. Put your earbuds in and join us as a fly on the wall for Irene’s reflections on her path from 6th-grade teacher to Executive Director of Friends of Choice in Urban Schools (FOCUS). From the tough lessons in her first year leading a team to the importance of mentorship from a leader who she describes as “the baddest of the bad”, this interview have you moving to the rhythm.
As a progressive lawmaker in Arizona, Rep. Hernandez is no stranger to fighting injustice. Driven by his passion for social justice and public service from a young age, Daniel was elected to a school board at only 21 years old. Since then, he has tackled many issues at the state, local, and federal levels, including: gun violence prevention, LGBTQ equality, comprehensive immigration reform, and educational equity.
"The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by Leadership for Educational Equity. Go to http://info.EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.
In a historic 2018 win, Everton Blair became the first person of color, the first openly LGBTQ+ candidate, and youngest-ever individual to serve on the Gwinnett County Board of Education. For Blair, his job on the school board is personal, considering that he grew up in the very district he now serves. From the classroom to the Obama White House, Everton uses all of his experiences to ensure that every student in Gwinnett County is able to get the best education possible, no matter where they live.
"The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by Leadership for Educational Equity. Go to http://info.EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.
This tenacious Kentucky State Representative and mother of three thrives on breaking through barriers. As a self-described former “free lunch kid” in her community, Rep. Raymond now focuses on creating opportunities, particularly pathways to education, for people in poverty. In the interview, Josie shares secrets for keeping her personal and professional life balanced and “running the best campaign your district has ever seen.”
"The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by Leadership for Educational Equity. Go to http://info.EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.
Fueled by his passion for community, Dr. Wes Bellamy became the youngest-ever individual to be elected to the Charlottesville City Council in 2015. He brought equity-minded leadership during the time Charlottesville drew national attention in the conversation about public space and racial reconciliation. Throughout his time as Vice Mayor and a member of the Virginia State Board of Education, Dr. Bellamy has supported countless education and community programs that teach youth about the true power they hold. Dr. Bellamy is motivated by his community and puts his mantra into practice daily: step up and be the change you need.
"The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by Leadership for Educational Equity. Go to http://info.EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.
Even before becoming the longest running, first-ever Latina domestic policy advisor for President Barack Obama, Cecilia Muñoz had dedicated decades to advocacy for the Latinx community and immigrants’ rights. At the leaders' table, Cecilia shares personal stories and professional strategies from her time in the White House, and empowering lessons from her book, More Than Ready. Cecilia continues her commitment to equity every day as the current Vice President for Public Interest Technology for New America.
"The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by Leadership for Educational Equity. Go to http://EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.
From dropping out of high school in NYC, to teaching at them in Puerto Rico, to serving as U.S. Secretary of Education in 2016, Dr. John B. King speaks from a wealth of experiences and service… It’s from all of these experiences that he learned the value of second chances, student & educator support, self-care, and national leadership on the issues facing educational success. Dr. King continues the fight as CEO of The Education Trust, where he advocates for excellence and equity for all students.
"The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by Leadership for Educational Equity. Go to http://EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.
Over three decades, Caraway has played a major behind-the-scenes role in shaping national politics. She kicked off her career supporting local campaigns, then got a big break working as Chief of Staff for Reverend Jesse Jackson’s second presidential bid. Caraway’s impact has been felt from the operations of national political conventions to hosting intimate dinners between Black female leaders and every major candidate for the Democratic Party's presidential nominees since 1994. Caraway tells the story and offers a blueprint to Black women in the NAACP Image Award-winning book she co-authored, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics.
"The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by Leadership for Educational Equity. Go to http://EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.
From neighborhood pulpits to national conventions, Reverend Leah Daughtry is a multifaceted leader with expertise in organizing communities. During the Clinton Administration, she held a number of senior posts in the U.S. Department of Labor and became the first person to become the CEO of the Democratic National Committee twice: first in 2008, and again in 2016. With innumerable contributions to the Democratic platform on her resume, Rev. Daughtry is also the co-author of the NAACP Image Award-winning book For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics.
"The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by Leadership for Educational Equity. Go to http://EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.
Marco A. Davis is President & CEO of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), which was founded in 1976 by Latino Members of Congress to develop new generations of leadership. Marco is a thought leader in the areas of civic engagement, educational achievement, community advocacy, and Latinx leadership. He brings wisdom from years of spearheading leadership development for UnidosUS and serving (as Deputy Director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics and as Director of Public Engagement for the Corporation for National and Community Service) in the Obama Administration. Marco and CHCI host a leadership-focused podcast, Here to Lead.
"The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by Leadership for Educational Equity. Go to http://EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.
Former U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. John B. King Jr. joined LEE’s final virtual forum of 2020 for a special conversation surrounding the state of the nation’s education system on the brink of political change. Featuring questions from LEE members, Dr. King offered inspiring ideas for moving forward with a new presidential administration and a vision for the future-focused on equity, technology, and leadership. Dr. King was also a guest on The Leaders’ Table earlier this year, so be sure to check out his full episode titled, “Importance of Second Chances”!
"The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by Leadership for Educational Equity. Go to http://EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.
From humble beginnings, Marvin Figueroa has built his career around serving others through public policy. Most recently, he has joined the new presidential administration as Director of the Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In the episode, Marvin discusses how he served as the Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Resources for Virginia and various other roles in which he advanced equal access to quality, affordable, and accessible social services.
"The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by Leadership for Educational Equity. Go to http://EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.
An honor anyone would be proud of, Kira Orange Jones was named one of TIME Magazine’s most 100 influential people in 2015 for her work reshaping the school system when she served as Executive Director of Teach For America in New Orleans. She currently serves as a member of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, representing District 2. In this episode, Kira dives deep into the lessons she has learned about how to gain technical skills for governing, and how invaluable it is to stay connected to the communities you serve.
"The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by Leadership for Educational Equity. Go to http://EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.
This extra-special episode features a conversation between Sen. Cory Booker and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries. Originally recorded as part of a virtual event for LEE’s SparkLeadership initiative, this conversation was hosted by former-US Secretary of Education, Dr. John B. King Jr. This episode is full of inspiring takeaways and features questions directly from LEE members. Tune in for a dynamic conversation around racial justice and gain insights from the panelists’ experience in public leadership.
At only 26 years old, Carlos Mark Vera has already had a profound impact, landing him on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list as the Founder and Executive Director of Pay Our Interns. After experiencing inequities first hand as a United States Congress and White House intern, he put together a plan that ultimately led to over $48 million being devoted to funding paid congressional career-building opportunities. Listen in to hear how his work is helping pave the way for all students – especially Black, Latinx, and Native American students – to access paid internships, leading to a more equitable workforce and more diverse leadership across all sectors.
"The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by LEE Studios, from Leadership for Educational Equity. Go to http://EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.
This tenacious Kentucky State Representative and mother of three thrives on breaking through barriers. As a self-described former “free lunch kid” in her community, Rep. Raymond now focuses on creating opportunities, particularly pathways to education, for people in poverty. In this interview, Josie shares secrets for keeping her personal and professional life balanced and “running the best campaign your district has ever seen.”
"The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by LEE Studios, from Leadership for Educational Equity. Go to http://EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.
LEE member Dr. Elora Diaz is the real deal: She has the degrees, she has the experience, but most importantly she is driven by her belief that students’ creativity should be nurtured, and they should be treated with respect. As governing board president for the Phoenix Elementary No. 1 School District, Elora knows how to leverage her personal experiences with educational inequity and create a safe learning environment focused on doing what is best for students.
"The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by LEE Studios, from Leadership for Educational Equity. Go to http://EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.
Nancy Gutierrez is a former teacher and principal now serving as the President and CEO of The Leadership Academy, a nonprofit that has created a national model for teaching and inspiring leadership at every level of the school system. In our interview, she discusses the importance of proactive leaders who confront injustice, and how the love of her hometown inspires her work everyday.
"The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by LEE Studios, from Leadership for Educational Equity. Go to http://EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.
Jonah Edelman, co-founder of Stand for Children, recounts his transformative journey from resisting his family's legacy to embracing it, spurred by personal experience and his mother Marian Wright Edelman’s guidance and support. Reflecting on his 28-year tenure leading Stand for Children and his dramatic shift in perspective during that time, Jonah talks about overcoming impostor syndrome, prioritizing service, passion, and legacy over personal ambition, and the significance of sustainability, humility, and mindfulness to effective public leadership.
"The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by Leadership for Educational Equity. Go to http://info.EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.
From early on, a focus on education saved Jean Desravines, who is now the CEO of New Leaders, a nonprofit dedicated to training and equipping education leaders to be powerful forces for change. Guided by his father and high school principal, Desravines highlights the importance of recognizing leaders in daily public service, the value of empathy and proximity in community engagement, and the significance of fidelity to one's mission. Desravines urges leaders to maintain intentional and purposeful leadership in order to serve communities effectively.
"The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by Leadership for Educational Equity. Go to http://info.EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.
Resilience is a major tool in journalist and activist Isabel Gonzalez Whitaker’s toolbox. Being first-generation Cuban-American, and watching her immigrant mother’s journey, ignited a spark that followed the path of the transformative potential of marginalized communities. Emphasizing the significance of finding one's "impact lane," as the AVP at Moms Clean Air Force and Director of EcoMadres, fighting for clean air on behalf of children and community, she encourages advocacy for meaningful causes and highlights the importance of patience and gratitude in achieving success.
"The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by Leadership for Educational Equity. Go to http://info.EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.
As the first woman to represent Ward Two on the Saint Paul City Council, Councilwoman Rebecca Noecker knew from her teenage years that she was destined to challenge the status quo. With a focus on relational leadership and integrity, she tackles divisive issues, such as issuing a response to the Israel-Hamas conflict, with care. Councilwoman Noecker emphasizes the need for active community and civic engagement and inclusive policy making for a better future.
"The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by Leadership for Educational Equity. Go to http://info.EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.
Activist Brittany Packnett Cunningham exemplifies authenticity, honesty, and bravery in leadership. Drawing from her upbringing, experiences, and cultural relevance, she advocates for the importance of community building, in diverse spaces. Brittany underscores the transformative power of collective action and speaking truth to power. She stresses that integrity and courage are essential for driving positive change in the face of adversity.
"The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by Leadership for Educational Equity. Go to http://info.EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.
This is the first live show for the Leader’s Table recorded at the inaugural Courageous Leadership Conference! In this conversation we get to hear the dynamic journey of LEE Member and Texas State Board of Education Member Staci Childs. Staci is being interviewed by fellow LEE member Brittany Packnett Cunningham. Both leaders discuss race, gender, and the power of being authentically yourself in politics. Staci shares candidly about the real-world challenges and decisions that she faces in her role as an elected leader and how she centers kids and communities. You won’t want to miss this season finale episode!
"The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by Leadership for Educational Equity. Go to http://info.EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.
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