Guest on strive podcast In Conversation with a Black Educator.
Fri Oct 17 2025
Episode description:
In this powerful episode, I was honored to join Allie, host of the Leading Inspired Learning at Strive podcast, for what turned out to be one of the most vulnerable and necessary conversations I’ve had to date. Together, we explored what it means to live, work, and lead as a Black educator in the early childhood field and the realities of navigating systems that are not always ready to see us, hear us, or value our voices.
I share my own lived experiences as a Black educator from being overlooked for leadership roles and chasing qualifications just to be “seen,” to the painful reality of hearing my son labeled as the “angry Black boy.” Together, we unpack how bias, microaggressions, and silence continue to shape our sector, and why diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging can’t simply be a checklist or a book on the shelf.
This isn’t easy work. It requires courage, reflection, and a willingness to sit with discomfort. But it’s also where growth begins. Whether you’re an educator, leader, or parent, this conversation invites you to reflect on your own practices, embrace cultural understanding, and commit to creating spaces where every child and every educator is truly seen and valued.
Strive bio:
Strive is a collaborative network of child care and early years professionals committed to supporting learning, reflection, and growth across the sector. Since 2014, Strive has been bringing educators and leaders together to explore new ideas, share experiences, and strengthen practice in ways that are sustainable and community-driven.
Guided by an Advisory Committee that reflects the diversity and complexity of the early years field, Strive ensures that professional learning remains relevant, responsive, and rooted in the real challenges and opportunities educators face every day. Supported by Childreach, a Canadian registered charity, Strive continues to elevate collaboration and inspire meaningful change in early learning and child care
Social links & freebie:
Website
Strive Podcast
Instagram
Let’s Stay Connected:
Follow our Instagram: instagram.com/ispyrtoeducate/
Connect on LinkedIn: LinkedIn
Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join Our Newsletter
Email: info@ispyrtoeducate.com
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Episode description: In this powerful episode, I was honored to join Allie, host of the Leading Inspired Learning at Strive podcast, for what turned out to be one of the most vulnerable and necessary conversations I’ve had to date. Together, we explored what it means to live, work, and lead as a Black educator in the early childhood field and the realities of navigating systems that are not always ready to see us, hear us, or value our voices. I share my own lived experiences as a Black educator from being overlooked for leadership roles and chasing qualifications just to be “seen,” to the painful reality of hearing my son labeled as the “angry Black boy.” Together, we unpack how bias, microaggressions, and silence continue to shape our sector, and why diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging can’t simply be a checklist or a book on the shelf. This isn’t easy work. It requires courage, reflection, and a willingness to sit with discomfort. But it’s also where growth begins. Whether you’re an educator, leader, or parent, this conversation invites you to reflect on your own practices, embrace cultural understanding, and commit to creating spaces where every child and every educator is truly seen and valued. Strive bio: Strive is a collaborative network of child care and early years professionals committed to supporting learning, reflection, and growth across the sector. Since 2014, Strive has been bringing educators and leaders together to explore new ideas, share experiences, and strengthen practice in ways that are sustainable and community-driven. Guided by an Advisory Committee that reflects the diversity and complexity of the early years field, Strive ensures that professional learning remains relevant, responsive, and rooted in the real challenges and opportunities educators face every day. Supported by Childreach, a Canadian registered charity, Strive continues to elevate collaboration and inspire meaningful change in early learning and child care Social links & freebie: Website Strive Podcast Instagram Let’s Stay Connected: Follow our Instagram: instagram.com/ispyrtoeducate/ Connect on LinkedIn: LinkedIn Subscribe to our Newsletter: Join Our Newsletter Email: info@ispyrtoeducate.com