Stay ConnectedReal leaders. Honest conversations. No fluff.
At The Leaders’ Table, we shine a light on how leaders rise to the moment.
In each episode, civic changemakers share the decisions they’ve wrestled with, the values that guide them, and the practical tools that help them lead through challenge and change.
An official podcast for LEE. For more info visit www.wearelee.org.
Ryan Smith brings powerful insight to the conversation on education, justice, and leadership. As Executive Director of The Education Trust–West at the time of this recording, he led efforts to advance student achievement and close opportunity gaps across California.
In this episode, Ryan unpacks the connection between Black Lives Matter and Black Minds Matter, and why the ability to stay steady under pressure is one of the most essential qualities in a leader. He reflects on how advocacy, data, and lived experience can work together to drive lasting change.
Nina Rees leads with strategy and vision as President and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. With years of experience shaping education policy at the national level, she brings a wide-angle view on innovation, access, and public school choice.
In this episode, Nina shares insights on the charter school movement, what strong coalition building looks like in practice, and how different generations of leaders can work together more effectively. She reflects on lessons from her time in government, advocacy, and nonprofit leadership.
Aixle Aman knows how to move through systems to make things happen. As Chief of Staff to Los Angeles Unified School District Board Member Ref Rodriguez, she worked behind the scenes to cut through red tape and bring community-centered policy ideas to life.
In this episode, Aixle shares her strategies for navigating bureaucracy, building coalitions, and staying focused on outcomes that matter for students and families. Her reflections offer practical tools for anyone working in education policy or public leadership.
A conversation about persistence, precision, and getting things done in complex systems.
Luis Avila brings the fire. As Senior Vice President at 270 Strategies and former National Program Director at Stand for Children, he has spent his career at the intersection of organizing, policy, and advocacy.
In this episode, Luis shares how movements are built from the ground up, what it means to stay close to the community while navigating systems, and why effective advocacy requires both heart and discipline. His reflections will challenge and inspire anyone working to create meaningful change.
A passionate conversation about power, purpose, and people-centered leadership.
Jada Drew is an international diversity trainer, lead consultant, and founder of Social Designs. She works with changemakers across the country to help them lead with purpose, confidence, and clarity.
In this episode, Jada shares why diversity is not a dirty word and how to create meaningful learning spaces that build trust and transformation. She reflects on what it takes to develop strong facilitators, why self-work matters in justice-centered leadership, and how she helps others become the best version of themselves in service of change.
A powerful conversation about authenticity, impact, and building community through intentional leadership.
We sit down with Amy Wilkins, senior fellow for social justice at the College Board and a longtime advocate in the education space. Known for her influential work at The Education Trust, Amy brings decades of insight into how policy, practice, and persistence intersect.
In this episode, Amy reflects on what it takes to stay in the fight for educational change. She shares lessons from her own professional missteps, the role of patience in long-term advocacy, and how to lead with both strategy and heart.
A candid conversation about leadership, growth, and the tools that sustain impact.
This week on The Leaders’ Table, we sit down with Marc Holley, director of the evaluation unit at the Walton Family Foundation. With a career grounded in data, research, and strategy, Marc brings a unique perspective on what it takes to make meaningful change through philanthropy and policy.
In this episode, Marc shares what tends to attract a foundation’s attention, why strong investments in teachers matter, and how leaders can create space to reflect on the big questions that shape their work. His insights offer valuable guidance for anyone looking to deepen their impact in policy and advocacy.
A thoughtful conversation about focus, learning, and leading with intention.
Jim Shelton is a systems thinker and seasoned leader whose career spans software development, entrepreneurship, government, and philanthropy. From serving as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education to leading education efforts at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, he has worked across sectors to expand opportunity and innovation.
In this episode, Jim shares lessons from launching My Brother’s Keeper, leading partnerships at 2U Inc., and building Amandla Enterprises to support community-driven impact. He talks about what it takes to lead at scale, how to stay focused in complex work, and why long-term solutions require both vision and discipline.
A conversation about purpose, strategy, and creating lasting change.
Tai Dixon leads with clarity, discipline, and heart. As National Director of State Offices and Field Operations at the Children’s Defense Fund, she helps drive advocacy efforts across the country while staying grounded in her early experiences as a teacher.
In this episode, Tai opens up about her favorite failures, the intentional boundaries she sets to protect her weekends, and why being selective about advice has helped her lead with confidence. Hosted by Jason Llorenz, this conversation is full of practical insights and bold honesty.
A conversation about focus, values, and building your own leadership rhythm.
Matt Candler is a builder at heart. As Founder and CEO of 4.0 Schools, he and his team have launched charter schools, supported EdTech entrepreneurs, built homes, and sparked community innovation.
In this episode, Matt reflects on his journey from startup leader to systems thinker. He shares how letting go of perfection opened the door to creative, living ideas and why humility is essential for sustainable leadership. Whether you are an educator, founder, or community organizer, Matt’s story will shift how you think about growth, failure, and making an impact.
A grounded conversation about curiosity, courage, and learning out loud.
Stacey Childress brings a fresh perspective to leadership and flips The Leaders’ Table in the best way. As former CEO of the NewSchools Venture Fund and a longtime entrepreneur, she shares candid insights on how to lead with curiosity and clarity.
In this episode, Stacey talks about embracing a learner’s mindset, the power of letting go of being right, and how to rethink your workday by protecting your time. Her reflections offer practical tools for staying grounded and focused in fast-moving environments.
A thoughtful conversation on leadership, intentionality, and building better habits.
Luzelma Canales is a data-driven, community-rooted force in education and workforce leadership. As Executive Director of RGV FOCUS, she translates complex policy into action, facilitates like a pro, and brings people together with ease and clarity.
In this episode, Luzelma shares how she builds strong partnerships, makes data accessible to every audience, and leads with the belief that true leadership starts by following the wisdom of community. Her story offers lessons in humility, effectiveness, and how to drive change that lasts.
A compelling conversation about leading with purpose, precision, and deep connection.
Manny Lamarre is the kind of leader whose energy you feel the moment he walks in. As Executive Director of the Nevada Governor’s Office of Workforce Innovation, he works at the intersection of education, workforce development, and community advancement in a state still recovering from economic challenges.
In this episode, Manny shares how he approaches systems change with vision, optimism, and urgency. He talks about building opportunity for others, navigating new leadership roles, and what it takes to lead from a place of both strategy and heart.
A vibrant conversation with a leader on the rise and a future full of possibility.
Senator Bill Ferguson brings a rare perspective to public leadership. He has served Maryland’s education system at three levels, starting as a teacher, then working in the central office, and now serving in the state legislature.
In this episode, Senator Ferguson reflects on what makes Baltimore both resilient and complex. He shares what long-term leadership looks like in practice, how he balances pressure with purpose, and why he stays committed to meaningful change over easy wins.
A thoughtful conversation about persistence, public service, and staying grounded in the work.
Chris Cerf has worked across party lines and education systems throughout his career, from shaping national policy to leading one of the largest school districts in the country.
In this episode, Chris shares what he has learned from serving under both Democratic and Republican administrations and what it takes to lead Newark City Public Schools through meaningful change. He reflects on navigating politics, driving reform, and staying focused on what matters most for students.
A thoughtful conversation about leadership, collaboration, and making progress in complex systems.
At The Leaders’ Table, we are on a mission to understand what drives bold, values-based leadership. This week, Kaya Henderson brings her full self to the conversation.
As former Chancellor of D.C. Public Schools, Kaya is known for her powerful presence and deep commitment to students. In this episode, she shares how she defines personal and professional success, the lessons she learned from her favorite mistakes, and why being honest and vulnerable is essential to strong leadership.
A candid and energizing conversation with one of education’s most dynamic voices.
Courtney English leads with heart, experience, and a deep connection to the community he calls home. As the youngest-ever chair of the Atlanta Board of Education, and a former student and teacher in the district, Courtney brings personal insight to every decision he makes.
In this episode, Courtney shares what it means to lead from within the community you serve. He reflects on building trust, navigating tough moments, and how student voices and strong relationships shape his approach to policy and leadership.
A powerful conversation about connection, accountability, and leading with purpose.
Delia Pompa has spent decades leading with conviction, strategy, and what she calls strength in quietude. Her career spans multiple political eras and has shaped national conversations around education, immigration, and opportunity.
In this episode, Delia reflects on her journey advocating for children and families across roles in government and nonprofit leadership. From the Texas Education Agency to the National Council of La Raza to the Migration Policy Institute, she shares what it takes to create lasting change across systems and stay grounded through shifting political tides.
A thoughtful conversation about endurance, legacy, and leading with quiet power.
Pedro Martinez brings deep experience and sharp insight to every role he takes on. Now leading one of the fastest growing school districts in the country as Superintendent of San Antonio Independent School District, he draws from a career that includes working alongside Arne Duncan in Chicago and leading system-wide change in Nevada.
In this episode, Pedro shares practical advice for building systems that work, how to balance quick wins with long-term strategy, and what it means to lead a community that is ready for change.
A powerful conversation about clarity, momentum, and building for impact.
For our 20th episode, we are joined by John Deasy, CEO of New Day New Year and former Superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District. A bold voice in education leadership, Deasy is on a mission to end the school-to-prison pipeline.
In this episode, he shares the lessons that keep him steady under pressure and focused on lasting systems change. From the classroom to national reform efforts, Deasy reflects on what it takes to lead with urgency, clarity, and deep care for young people.
A milestone conversation filled with insight, strategy, and heart.
Rick Hess has done it all. He is an educator, political scientist, advocate, and author of several books, including Letters to a Young Education Reformer. At the American Enterprise Institute, he leads conversations about the future of education with a sharp, reflective lens.
In this episode, Rick explores how school systems evolve, why it is not enough to treat surface-level challenges, and the importance of listening to people who see things differently. He also shares hard-earned wisdom on staying grounded while doing complex and demanding work in public leadership.
A candid conversation about change, perspective, and how to build a sustainable career in education.
Irene Holtzman knows how to think fast and lead with purpose, whether she is advocating for smarter school decision making or tearing up the dance floor. As Executive Director of Friends of Choice in Urban Schools, Irene draws on a path that began in the classroom and grew through years of leadership, challenge, and mentorship.
In this episode, Irene reflects on what it took to lead a team for the first time, why mentorship from bold women shaped her approach, and how preparation helps her move quickly and with confidence. Her story offers both strategy and joy.
A conversation full of insight, rhythm, and lessons learned through action.
Rep. Daniel Hernandez has been fighting for justice since his early days in public service. Elected to a school board at just 21 years old, he quickly became a rising voice for progressive leadership in Arizona.
In this episode, Daniel shares how his personal story and lifelong passion for social justice have shaped his work across state, local, and federal levels. He reflects on championing issues like gun violence prevention, LGBTQ equality, immigration reform, and expanding access to education.
A conversation about courage, community, and what it means to lead with conviction.
In 2018, Everton Blair made history as the first person of color, first openly LGBTQ plus candidate, and youngest person ever elected to the Gwinnett County Board of Education.
In this episode, Everton shares how growing up in the very school district he now serves shaped his commitment to students and public education. From time in the classroom to work in the Obama White House, he draws on a range of experiences to advocate for equity, access, and excellence across every zip code.
A conversation about coming full circle, staying grounded in community, and leading with purpose.
Rep. Josie Raymond brings bold energy and a deep commitment to breaking barriers. A mother of three and a former free lunch kid, she now serves in the Kentucky State House, where she fights for policies that expand access to education and opportunity for families experiencing poverty.
In this episode, Rep. Raymond shares how her personal journey shapes her approach to leadership. She offers an honest look at balancing public service with family life and explains what it means to run a campaign that truly reflects the people you serve.
A conversation about persistence, purpose, and leading with authenticity.
Dr. Wes Bellamy brings deep purpose and fearless leadership to every room he enters. In 2015, he became the youngest person ever elected to the Charlottesville City Council, stepping into public service with a passion for community and education.
In this episode, Dr. Bellamy reflects on leading during moments of national tension and why his work centers youth, healing, and long-term change. He shares how public office, mentorship, and movement building come together to teach young people the power they already hold.
A conversation about showing up, standing firm, and being the change your community needs.
Before becoming the longest-serving and first Latina White House Domestic Policy Advisor, Cecilia Muñoz had already spent decades advocating for immigrant communities and Latinx leadership.
In this episode, Cecilia shares powerful stories from her time in the Obama Administration, lessons from her book More Than Ready, and the strategies that helped her navigate some of the highest-stakes policy spaces in the country. She reflects on the importance of staying grounded in purpose, building coalitions, and showing up fully, even in the face of resistance.
Now serving as Vice President for Public Interest Technology at New America, Cecilia continues to lead with integrity and impact.
Dr. John B. King Jr. has lived many chapters, as a student navigating personal loss, a teacher in Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Secretary of Education. His journey has shaped a deep belief in the power of second chances and the need for supportive environments where students and educators can thrive.
In this episode, Dr. King reflects on lessons from the classroom to the cabinet and the importance of self-care, strong leadership, and public responsibility. Now serving as CEO of The Education Trust, he continues to champion opportunity and academic success for all students.
A conversation about growth, resilience, and the future of education.
Minyon Moore Caraway has spent over three decades shaping the direction of national politics from behind the scenes. She began her journey supporting local campaigns before rising to prominence as Chief of Staff for Reverend Jesse Jackson’s presidential bid.
In this episode, Caraway shares how her work has influenced everything from political conventions to private strategy dinners with Black women leaders and major Democratic presidential candidates. Her legacy is rooted in building political power with purpose and intention.
Caraway also reflects on the stories and strategies captured in the NAACP Image Award-winning book she co-authored, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics.
A rich conversation about legacy, access, and building political influence that lasts.
Reverend Leah Daughtry is a powerhouse organizer, strategist, and spiritual leader. From neighborhood pulpits to the national stage, she has dedicated her life to building power through community and faith.
In this episode, Rev. Daughtry shares insights from her time serving in the Clinton Administration and twice leading the Democratic National Convention as CEO. She reflects on the role of values, resilience, and storytelling in public leadership and discusses her work co-authoring the NAACP Image Award-winning book For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics.
A conversation on legacy, faith, and the kind of leadership that lifts entire communities.
Marco A. Davis has spent his career building pathways for future leaders. As President and CEO of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, he leads work that empowers the next generation of changemakers through leadership development and civic engagement.
In this episode, Marco reflects on lessons from his time in the Obama Administration and his decades of advocacy through UnidosUS and beyond. He shares what it takes to support Latinx leadership at scale and how community-centered leadership can shape systems that reflect and serve us all.
A conversation about building legacy, cultivating leaders, and staying committed to impact.
Former U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. John B. King Jr. joined LEE’s final virtual forum of 2020 for a timely conversation on the state of education during a moment of national transition.
In this episode, Dr. King responds to questions from LEE members and offers a forward-looking vision for what comes next in public education. He speaks to the role of technology, leadership, and inclusive policymaking in shaping a stronger future for all students.
If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to check out his full episode titled "Importance of Second Chances" for deeper insights on his leadership journey.
Marvin Figueroa has dedicated his career to serving others through public policy. From humble beginnings to national leadership, he now serves as Director of the Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
In this episode, Marvin reflects on his path through public service, including his time as Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Resources for Virginia. He shares how values, lived experience, and a commitment to access and affordability have guided his work across roles and administrations.
A grounded conversation on service, leadership, and systems change from the inside out.
Kira Orange Jones has spent her career pushing boundaries in education and public service. Named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2015, she led transformational work as Executive Director of Teach For America in New Orleans and now serves on Louisiana’s Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
In this episode, Kira shares the leadership lessons that have guided her journey, including how to grow technical skills for governance and why staying deeply connected to community is essential. Her story offers powerful insight into leading with both conviction and care.
A conversation about influence, impact, and staying grounded in service.
This special episode features a dynamic conversation with Senator Cory Booker and Representative Hakeem Jeffries, moderated by former U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. John B. King Jr. Originally recorded as part of LEE’s SparkLeadership initiative, this episode includes powerful insights and audience questions submitted by LEE members.
We explore personal experiences in public leadership, the urgency of racial justice, and what it takes to create lasting change through civic power.
A timely and inspiring conversation with three of the most influential leaders in public life today.
At just 26 years old, Carlos Mark Vera has already helped reshape access to opportunity in one of the nation’s most exclusive spaces: Congress. As the founder and executive director of Pay Our Interns, Carlos turned his lived experience as an unpaid intern into a national movement that secured over 48 million dollars in funding for paid internships on Capitol Hill.
In this episode, Carlos shares how persistence, policy, and personal storytelling came together to fuel change. He reflects on building a more inclusive pipeline for students, especially those from Black, Latinx, and Native communities, and why paid experience is essential for shaping diverse leadership across every sector.
A powerful story of advocacy, strategy, and leading with purpose.
Kentucky State Representative Josie Raymond is reshaping what leadership looks like. A mother of three and former “free lunch kid,” she now fights to expand access to opportunity and education for families navigating poverty.
In this episode, Rep. Raymond shares how her personal story drives her public service and how she balances family, community, and legislative work with grit and clarity. From campaign trail lessons to the realities of policymaking, Josie offers an honest look at what it takes to lead while staying grounded in purpose.
A conversation about persistence, possibility, and public service that delivers.
Dr. Elora Diaz brings heart, experience, and purpose to every space she leads. As governing board president for the Phoenix Elementary No. 1 School District, she draws on her own experiences with educational injustice to create learning environments where students feel safe, seen, and respected.
In this episode, Elora shares why student creativity should be nurtured, how personal values shape public leadership, and what it means to make decisions rooted in what is best for kids. With deep conviction and clarity, she reminds us what strong school leadership can look like when it centers dignity and possibility.
Nancy Gutierrez started as a teacher and principal and now leads as President and CEO of The Leadership Academy, a national nonprofit focused on building strong, justice-driven leaders across the education system.
In this episode, Nancy shares how her hometown roots continue to fuel her commitment to transformational leadership. She discusses the importance of courage in the face of injustice and why proactive, community-connected leaders are essential for real change in schools and beyond.
A conversation about heart, purpose, and what it means to lead with conviction in education.
Jonah Edelman spent years resisting the legacy of his family before learning to embrace it on his own terms. In this episode, the co-founder of Stand for Children shares how his path was shaped by personal experience, public service, and the influence of his mother, Marian Wright Edelman.
He reflects on nearly three decades of leading Stand for Children, how his mindset shifted over time, and what it took to overcome doubt and impostor syndrome. Jonah speaks candidly about prioritizing purpose over ambition and why humility, mindfulness, and sustainability are essential to lasting leadership.
A powerful story about legacy, growth, and staying grounded in service.
Jean Desravines knows the power of leadership because it changed his life. As CEO of New Leaders, he reflects on how education and mentorship shaped his path and continue to drive his commitment to service.
In this episode, Jean shares lessons from his father and high school principal, and why he believes strong leaders exist in everyday public service. He speaks to the role of empathy, the importance of staying connected to community, and the need to lead with clarity and purpose.
A grounded conversation about mission, trust, and what it means to show up with intention.
Journalist and activist Isabel Gonzalez Whitaker brings a deep sense of purpose to everything she does. As a first-generation Cuban American, her mother’s immigrant journey shaped her belief in the power of community and the potential of underrepresented voices.
Now serving as Associate Vice President at Moms Clean Air Force and Director of EcoMadres, Isabel shares how resilience, advocacy, and cultural identity fuel her work. She encourages listeners to find their own lane of impact and reminds us that meaningful change takes patience, gratitude, and persistence.
She offers a powerful reflection on purpose-driven leadership and fighting for what matters most.
Rebecca Noecker was the first woman elected to represent Ward Two in Saint Paul. From a young age, she knew she wanted to lead and challenge the status quo.
In this episode, she talks about how relationships, values, and deep listening help her navigate complex topics, including issuing a public response to the Israel and Hamas conflict. Rebecca shares why community engagement matters and how thoughtful policymaking can build trust in a divided landscape.
A timely conversation about leading with care, even when decisions are hard.
What does it look like to lead with both courage and clarity?
In this episode, Brittany Packnett Cunningham shares how her upbringing and lived experience shaped her commitment to truth-telling, community building, and purposeful leadership. She unpacks the role of cultural identity, integrity, and bravery in building movements that last.
Through personal stories and hard-earned insights, Brittany makes the case for leading with conviction, even when the stakes are high.
Recorded live at the inaugural Courageous Leadership Conference, this special episode of The Leaders’ Table features a candid conversation with Texas State Board of Education member Staci Childs.
Interviewed by Brittany Packnett Cunningham, Staci reflects on her journey into public leadership and the real decisions she faces while serving students and communities across Texas. She shares how values, identity, and lived experience shape her leadership, and what it takes to stay grounded while navigating high-stakes systems.
This conversation explores what authentic leadership looks like in practice, especially when the work is challenging and deeply personal.
"The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by LEE.
Darryl serves as President of the Charter School Growth Fund, where he leads investments supporting a national community of over 100 high-performing charter school networks. As the founder of the Emerging CMO Fund, he also supports and invests in charter school leaders of color.
In this episode, Darryl reflects on what failure taught him while leading a charter school in Chicago — and why growth comes from making mistakes rather than avoiding them. He shares why joy belongs in classrooms and boardrooms alike, and how his family shapes his leadership style and keeps him focused on what matters most.
A candid conversation on resilience, leadership, and finding purpose by leaning into unexpected career turns and nonlinear paths.
Michele Jawando, CEO of Omidyar Network, leads with both head and heart — grounded in analytical rigor, driven by collaboration, and deeply committed to people. A lawyer, former Hill staffer, and lifelong sci-fi fan, she brings curiosity and optimism into every space she leads — whether she’s thinking about the transformative power of technology or investing in the people and culture around her.
In this episode, Michele reflects on the mentors who shaped her career and the throughlines that connect her career across policy, advocacy, and philanthropy. She discusses technology’s potential to shape our future, emerging questions around AI, and how she applies lessons from public service — which she calls a sacred profession — to leading a major philanthropic organization.
A thoughtful conversation on creativity, values, connection, and what it means to be a builder of ideas, people, and place.
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