Tech & Learning presents the Honor Role podcast (#TLHonorRole) celebrating fierce and formidable women in education. Education veterans Drs. Kecia Ray and Frances Gipson talk with inspiring role models who have shaped the educational landscape by overcoming obstacles, connecting with mentors to guide them through their journey, and leading future generations of women through the glass ceiling and beyond.
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LIVE PODCASTS
Patricia Easton
Patricia Easton is executive vice president and provost at Claremont Graduate University. She has taught and mentored mostly graduate students for over 30 years, and a higher education administrator and leader for 20 years. She has held various administrative positions such as Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities (2002-2007), Associate Provost for Academic Planning (2010-2013); Vice Provost of Student and Enrollment Services (2013-2017) and her current position as Provost since 2017.
Listen to the podcast here.
Allison Powell
Dr. Allison Powell is the Chief Operating Officer of Evergreen Education group which leads the Digital Learning Collaborative (DLC), and former Vice President of iNACOL. Allison helped build the Clark County School District's Virtual HS & an online PD program for the NV school district. She completed her doctorate from Pepperdine University in educational technology & leadership and is the former Senior Learning Strategist for BloomBoard re-thinking PD and licensing. Listen to the episode here.
Silver McDonald
Silver is a force in the education industry, serving as Vice President and General Manager of leading companies like Pearson and Lego. She leads with purpose and passion and she's sharing her story with us. Take a listen to learn how you too can lead your way to top positions by remaining focused on your personal mission.
Bobbi Kurshan & Kathleen Hurley
You have not met two more vivacious and energetic women than Bobbi Kurshan and Kathy Hurley! These two ladies laid the ground work for all of the rest of us and we are eternally grateful. Launching their book InnovateHERS, Bobbi and Kathy will share what led them to write the book, the research behind the book, and they will give a glimpse inside the book by talking about some of the women they've profiled. Listen to the podcast here and then read the book.
Arati Nagaraj
Arati has harnessed technology to create innovative learning programs for employees at Apple, Facebook, Google and Uber, worldwide. As Director of Learning Events at EdSurge and Director of the Learning Innovation Hub at Silicon Valley Education Foundation, Arati built strategy and toolsets to empower school leaders, edtech entrepreneurs and teachers to make thoughtful technology decisions for teaching and learning. Arati is a Trustee of the Saratoga Union School District Board since 2010, and was Board President for 2 years. Arati has a Masters in Education, Media and Technology from Boston University and Bachelors, Early Childhood Education from India.
Listen to the episode here.
Betsy Corcoran
Betsy has been an icon in the edtech space for years. She has covered some of the most amazing stories in education and through her work pushed the envelope of what we should consider when designing learning. Listen to this exciting episode sharing her most recent works and her passion for continuous learning!
Fran Newberg & Mel Harris
A dynamic duo is just one of the definitions used to describe Fran and Mel from Philadelphia School District. Trailblazing IT ladies who have set the standard for curriculum and IT partnerships in school districts. Hear about their incredible journey through COVID and the exciting work they've been doing to connect each and every student in the city, no matter where they attend school. Equity to the third degree!
Listen to the episode here.
Rebecca Ryan
When you think of the future, the name Rebecca Ryan should ring a bell. A leading futurist and economist, Rebecca has worked with governments and school districts to design strategic plans focused on building a better tomorrow. Join us as we hear her insights and learn about foresight in this exciting episode on the future of education!
Listen to the episode here.
Melissa Dodd
How might you step into the gap in both small and big ways? Melissa Dodd has served as the Chief Technology Officer for the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) since 2015. Melissa Dodd has effectively increased equity of access to technology and learning opportunities enabled by technology for students for the past 18 years in leadership roles with the Boston Public Schools (BPS) and SFUSD.
At SFUSD, Ms. Dodd is charged with leading the district’s technology vision and digital district plan, Building a Digital District. The plan articulates the SFUSD’s strategy to leverage technology to transform teaching, learning, and operations to realize the goals of Vision 2025 and the SFUSD graduate profile for each and every student to thrive in the 21st century.
Learn more about her inspirational leadership and listen to the episode here.
Aida Molina
Got love? Got leadership? Got love leadership? These are all embodied with this phenomenal leader, Dr. Aida Molina. This inspirational advocate, scholar, state school board member, and k-12 school leader shares a very personal story that will leave you reflecting and taking action in both your personal and professional life. How might you find your joy in the difficult, inspirational, and loving ways during your life journey?
Listen to the episode here.
Judy Elliott
How might you use your experiences to heal yourself and heal community? Dr. Judy Elliott assists districts, cooperatives, schools, national organizations, state and federal departments of education in their efforts to update and realign systems and infrastructures around curriculum, instruction, assessment, data use, leadership and accountability that includes all students and renders a return on investment. It is no wonder she was appointed by Commissioner John King as the first ever New York State “Distinguished Educator.” Enjoy a phenomenal journey with this former Chief Academic Officer of the Los Angeles Unified School District, Chief of Teaching and Learning in the Portland Oregon Public Schools and Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services in the Long Beach USD. Enjoy this principled leader’s journey as she traverses her love of the classroom with research and practice resulting in being widely published—and became a national guru on MTSS.
Listen to the episode here.
Nicole H. Holmes
Nicole leads the transformative work in Cherokee County Public Schools Georgia. Her work includes digital transformation, literacy, and professional development through an extensive coaching model. Beyond that she is active in her community fighting homelessness and inequities! Take some time to listen to her inspirational interview.
Listen to the episode here.
Sarah Thomas
Sarah is a wonderfully talented edtecker who inspires us through social media, develops us through her EduMatch project, and supports teachers throughout Prince George County Maryland. Hear her journey and be inspired!
Listen to the episode here.
Susan Brooks-Young
If you've purchased any book on ISTE standards, chances are it was written by Susan Brooks-Young. An expert on not only the standards but also how to implement technology into your school programs from a principals perspective, Susan will share her insight of 30 plus years leading the industry in education technology.
Listen to the episode here.
Susan E. Borrego
Former Chancellor Borrego shares, “I am proof that educators taking an interest in and believing in your potential can motivate you to do whatever you set your mind to do.” Over the course of her 30-year career as an innovative leader in higher education, Dr. Susan E. Borrego has remained above all else a passionate advocate for students and the individual’s ability to enact positive change. Born in Detroit, Sue grew up downriver from the city in a working-class family of auto and steel workers, bar tenders, and grocery store clerks. Sue became an emancipated minor at age 16. No one in Sue’s family had attended college, and she assumed that high school would be the end of her educational journey as well. Now, Dr. Borrego harnesses this lived experience and passion for making a difference in her work with institutions of higher learning. She helps university and college leadership integrate and align student advocacy with their institutional mission, vision, and vitality. Sue conducts and shares ongoing research into improving student learning and success, building organizational capacity, serving diverse and under-represented students, and addressing class issues to ensure greater educational equality. She helps individuals and organizations alike understand and tap into their own power to transform the lives of employees, customers, and entire communities, through innovative, bold leadership that opens rather than shuts doors.
Listen to the episode here.
Kimberly Mitchell
Thank you for your service Kimberly Mitchell! As the Senior Vice President for Military, Veteran and Government Affairs at National University, she leads the innovative efforts at NU for military, veteran and military family educational and degree programs. Kim is a nationally recognized leading vocal advocate for our service members, veterans, military families and Gold Star Families and frequently speaks at non-profit, community, and corporate conferences in communities across the country. Adopted during the Vietnam War from an orphanage in DaNang in 1972, Kim is also recognized as an advocate for our Vietnam Veterans and Vietnam era veterans. She is a 2019 George W. Bush Presidential Center Stand-To Veterans Leadership Program Scholar. Kim holds a Bachelor’s degree from the United States Naval Academy in Ocean Engineering and a Master’s degree from The George Washington University in Organizational Management. Journey with this national hero and consider, how might you live a life of service in your learning community, nation, and global community?
Listen to the episode here.
Dorian Traube
Have you had a “phoenix moment” that can inspire others to be brave and use their voice to build again? Learn with this pioneer in the telehealth field. As an award winning associate professor, she developed Parents as Teachers @ USC Telehealth. This first partnership of its kind between a national home visitation model and a university-based telehealth clinic had propelled the way we experience healthcare—especially in the pandemic environment. Her research agenda focuses on the utilization of technological solutions to provide early childhood health, education, and parent support services. She has expertise in children’s mental health, child maltreatment prevention, family support interventions, and home visitation. Her research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Parsons Foundation, Queenscare Foundation, and the Overdeck Foundation. Dr. Traube sits on the board of directors of Child 360 and the California Emerging Technology Fund. Dr. Traube received her doctorate and master's degree in social work from Columbia University, and is a licensed clinical social worker in California and New York.
Listen to the episode here.
Diane Doersch
Diane W. Doersch serves as a Director of Technology for the Verizon Innovative Learning Schools initiative at Digital Promise. She came from a career in public education, first as an elementary school teacher, then a middle school computer applications teacher, and finally director of technology in a Wisconsin school district with approximately 6,000 students. She then served as Chief Technology and Information Officer in one of the five largest school districts in the state. In that role, Diane helped develop a statewide data warehouse consortium for school districts, worked to transform her school district with laptops for educators and 1:1 devices for students, earned her Certified Educational Technology Leader (CETL) certification, and helped her school districts build fiber optic networks. Diane serves on the boards of the Consortium of School Networking (CoSN) and #EquityEDU, and is President of Women in Technology (WIT) Northeast Wisconsin. Diane is passionate about providing technology and opportunities to ALL students to be college, career, and community ready, inspired to succeed in our diverse world.
Listen to the episode here.
A preview:
Lil Kellogg
Lillian Kellogg has dedicated her career to education and has over 25 years of experience in working with schools and libraries in the field of educational technology. She is a member of the board of directors for the Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21) and the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) and a past board member of the Software and Information Industry Association (SIIA). She co-chairs CoSN's Empowering the 21st Century Superintendent initiative and also serves as a member of the Executive and Finance Committees for P21 and CoSN. As vice president of client services for ENA, Lillian oversees marketing as well as strategic national association partnerships.
Listen to the episode here.
Jennifer Adams
How might you be a mentor that shares, welcomes, and collaborates in a continual cycle of contributive learning with your non-negotiables? Let’s learn how Jenn navigates and leads in this space. Canadian Leader, Jennifer Adams recently completed an eight-year term as the Director of Education for the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board in Ontario Canada. She is a former superintendent of curriculum, elementary school principal, and French teacher. Her work influences globally in the SEL space with the OECD Study on Social and Emotional Skills and is currently on the Executive Committee for Karanga. Still giving, she is the Chair of the Board of Governors at the University of Ottawa and is the Editor-in-Chief of the Knowledgehook Signature Leadership Series.
Listen to the episode here.
Adebisi Adebowale
After earning both her Bachelors and Masters degrees from the George Washington University debt-free as a Gates Millennium Scholar, interning in the White House, and traveling the world three times as a study abroad student, Adebisi knew she wanted to help more students achieve great heights through their higher education and career goals. One of the last things we need is for more students to be added to the never-ending national student debt list. She loves helping people make their dreams reality, and why not start with the youth so they have a simpler path to success than those who came before?
Listen to the episode here.
Mary Jane Stevenson
Mary Jane Stevenson is a seasoned organizational director with experience in large-scale non-profit, advocacy and election work. Her passion and experience lie in developing, guiding, and inspiring executive leaders to thrive in high-stakes environments that create social change DC. Vicariously experience her journey from being a print and television reporter covering some of the highest profile stories of our times, shaping political campaigns, to transforming the lives of students as Executive Director of City Year Los Angeles. She joins us on the day of her twins graduation with a call to action to use our voice and leadership for empowerment.
Listen to the episode here.
Tanzy Kilcrease
Dr. Kilcrease is smart, professional and creative! An award winning administrator, Tanzy serves Bibb County as Chief of Staff but believes her best role is wife and mom. Listen to this incredible lady share her story of perseverance and balance!
Listen to the episode here.
Carolyn McKanders
Did you ever aspire to be that cool, calm, collected, and oh so creative leader? Well, that is exemplified in Carolyn McKanders! Be prepared to think deeply to unpack your greatest gifts. Carolyn is the ultimate “podcast coach” as she challenges us to be the LIGHT in this phenomenal episode.
Listen to the episode here.
Noreen Bush
Dr. Bush is a true homegrown hometown leader, and her influence has been recognized and revered nationally as the AASA (The School Superintendents Association) Women Superintendent of the Year 2021. Noreen is a bold leader that leads with incredible wisdom in community. She has sat in every “chair” of leadership and always leads with a bold culture of caring--something that is continually reflected back to her. Partnership and innovation clearly flourishes with this Cedar Rapids Superintendent.
Listen to the episode here.
Marie Izquierdo
If you want to hear from a mover and shaker in the education space, then listen to our podcast with Marie Izquierdo. Known as the "superintendent" whisperer, she holds key strategy positions in one of the largest school districts in the U.S. and is widely recognized for her innovation and integrity.
Listen to the episode here.
Jackie Jodl
Authenticity and action are bold words that speak to shero Jackie Jodl. Dr. Jodl has impacted the field of education with one of the most critical endeavors of the Aspen Institute with the Nation at Hope report focusing on the Whole Child, and now leads the world as the VP of Global Youth and Education at the Special Olympics. Bursting with passion for serving underserved youth you will be inspired on many levels. This is thought leadership not to be missed!
Listen to the episode here.
Kendra Wallace
Self-described as not always a “compliant learner,” Kendra recognized the value and impact that a trusted and credible adult has on a child. Her work with Crimson Outreach while she was an undergraduate at Harvard led her to Teach for America and what remains as her fierce commitment to children. In her career, she has demonstrated uncommon, but successful strategies that enable her to find non-traditional solutions to problems. With a strong belief that the answers and talent are within the community, she has embraced the leadership within those around her to support the change and shift to uplift and empower youth.
Listen to the episode here.
Margo Day
Have you ever been inspired to change the world? Would you quit your top level job to do it? Well, that's exactly what Margo Day did to help young girls in Kenya. Hear about her amazing journey from executive at Microsoft to inspirer of young girls in Kenya and around the world. Hear her incredible story and discover a new world of hope and rejuvenation.
Listen to the episode here.
Jennie Magiera
Be inspired to create your own edventure after hearing our latest Honor Role member, Jennie Mageira. Jennie shares her career journey that landed her an esteemed role at Google and her personal journey that inspires her to be an incredible mother to her adorable toddler. Juggle life through Jennie's world by setting standards for mothering at the workplace. Listen today and use her strategies tomorrow.
Listen to the episode here.
Cynthia Lim
Author and leader extraordinaire, Dr. Cynthia Lim, challenges us contemplate, what makes a life worth living? Love, voice, and determination weave together in this exceptional interview. Listen and read Dr. Lim’s book, before her next one drops, to answer and ask the questions that make us all wonder about our own strength, bravery, legacy, and path to joy.
Listen to the episode here.
Nzingha Sonya Dugas
Nzingha Dugas is the Executive Director of the Umoja Community Education Foundation (UCEF). She is a powerful community leader who uplifts voice and stands in her strength. Inspired by many educators, this leader is further inspired to lift the voice of black girls and women. Listen and lean into her grace and spirit with this coaching question, “how might you learn to stand in the process of illumination, and set your intentions in doing so?”
Listen to the episode here.
Dannelle Walker Whiteside
Dr. Dannelle Whiteside's appointment by the APSU Board of Trustees made her the first Black president of the more than 90-year-old institution. Dannelle Walker Whiteside has accomplished more in her less than 40 years than many accomplish in a lifetime. Listen to this inspiring story of dedication, commitment, and destiny.
Listen to the episode here.
Christi Barrett
Pushing boundaries, Dr. Christi Barrett is graceful, strong, and determined as a superintendent. Christi chronicles stories from her own childhood, to stories that she learns from her children today. Mentors have shaped her to find her WHY and she challenges our listeners to own their why, or what if’s, in service to others.
Listen to the episode here.
Torie Weiston-Serdan
Are you a critical mentor, if not it is TIME! This is a journey not to be missed with Dr. Torie Weiston-Serdan. Torie helps us realize our inner “queen” while gaining an understanding, and amplified appreciation, for liberatory practices that change mindsets-- with action! Her research and practice will leave you inspired to do more for yourself and community. SHE is the change! How might you be a critical mentor to youth in your role?
Listen to the episode here.
Carol Jago
Thirty-two years of inspirational teaching in the classroom may say it all, but there is even more when it comes to the love of education for Carol Jago. A treasured author, she wrote a weekly column where we all agree she walked the talk, and now she leads across the nation in any capacity she can to make a difference for youth, community, leaders, and extraordinary educators. Enjoy the “chapters” Jago unfolds as this fierce (and what she calls “bossy”) female creates new headlines for us to consider.
Listen to the episode here.
Maria Armstrong
From the boardroom to the classroom, Dr. Maria Armstrong inspires hearts and minds. Maria started her education career at the age of 7 when she gathered neighborhood kids and “taught” them reading and math after school. Today, Maria is a highly sought-after consultant and speaker, sharing her experiences of assessing education programs and student progress to recommend curriculum advancement from Puerto Rico to Sacramento, California. Her work is now leading the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents at a national level. She shares her journey and reflections during our time together!
Listen to the episode here.
Mónica García
Mónica García proudly represents Board District 2 in the Los Angeles Unified School District. This shero LEADS through and through with every inspirational word and accompanying action. Honorable Board Member Garcia is an equity champion for the largest district in the nation with an elected Board of Education—Los Angeles Unified. With deep childhood roots in community and a transformative education experience at Berkeley, she “changes conversations” inspired by family wisdom. Learn how to motivate ALL to read, write, think, believe, and graduate with Monica!
Listen to the episode here.
Cheryl Ney
A brilliant mind, a brilliant STEM story: Cheryl Ney, is a social justice leader in higher education who is changing the trajectory of students, educators, and leaders on the eastside of Los Angeles. Her passion and experience as Dean at California State University, Los Angeles is influenced by pioneering women in the sciences.
Hear how Dr. Ney's work to reform education is working to prepare high school graduates with college and career ready outcomes in the episode here
Debra Duardo
Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools Debra Duardo is a lifelong social worker and educator. Her life-altering message drives the importance of reaching all “at promise” learners and inspires all listeners. Debra shares her journey from dropout to superintendent of one of the most diverse counties in America; in doing so, it reflects her very personal and professional mission.
Listen to the episode here
Angela Maiers
In the inaugural Tech & Learning Honor Role podcast, Drs. Kecia Ray and Frances Gipson talk with Angela Maiers, a world-renowned author, entrepreneur, international keynote speaker, and educator, whose transformative message of the importance of mattering has the power to unleash the genius in us all. In this episode, Ms. Maiers shares her passion to inspire others.
Listen to the episode here.
COMING UP!
Patricia Trejo
Patricia Trejo earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science with a Minor in Mass Communications from The University of Florida. Her Master’s Degree is in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, where she is also currently pursuing her doctoral degree. Mrs. Trejo has been in public education for 24 years serving as a Teacher, Learning Team Facilitator, Assistant Principal, and Principal. Currently, she serves as a Program Planner for Hispanic/Latino Studies, where she helps to infuse Hispanic contributions to the United States within the curriculum and instruction per Florida State Statute 1003.42 (p).
Mrs. Trejo serves as the President for the Florida Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, a graduate of the ALAS Superintendents Leadership Academy (Cohort X), the Co-Facilitator for the National ALAS Linking Latina Leaders Network and presents at the state and national level. Last year, she was the recipient of the 2021 the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (ALAS) Scholarship, sponsored by Curriculum Associates. Recently, Mrs. Trejo was honored with receiving the 2022 Hispanic Women of Distinction Award. This award recognizes the positive influence Latinas have in the South Florida community.
