Courage is Key

Black Educators Matter: Project 500 Podcast

“Every Black child deserves the future representation of their manifestation.”

Nadia Benett

School Turnaround Strategist, K-12 schools

When Brown Girls Lead - https://www.nadiabennett.com/

"I believe when more Black and Brown educators are given the opportunity to lead, schools in communities of color thrive."

In this impactful episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Nadia Bennett, a dedicated School Turnaround Strategist and the visionary founder of When Brown Girls Lead. Nadia's journey in education is underscored by her unwavering belief in the transformative power of Black and Brown educators. She recognizes that when they are given the opportunity to lead, schools in communities of color flourish, and every Black child deserves to witness the manifestation of their own future. Her inspiration to make a difference in education came from a deeply personal tragedy, the loss of her cousin. She was determined to keep as many Black men out of graveyards and jails as possible, ensuring that the world could see their brilliance. As she aptly puts it, when thinking of the roles Black educators play… "We will go to the ends of the earth for our children."

"Rest, don’t quit.... Stay the course."

Nadia's rich experience as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal, combined with her tenure as the Executive Director of Schools, illustrates her unwavering commitment to impacting education. She's been instrumental in turning around schools in Philadelphia and New Jersey, with the most profound impact coming from the children she served. Nadia highlights the historical significance of Black educators in the broader legacy of Black people, acknowledging the adversity they've faced, from the impact of Brown v. Board of Education to generations of Black educators systematically removed from educating their own communities. Her insights on addressing the opportunity gap versus the achievement gap and the importance of unconscious bias are thought-provoking. Beyond her professional career, attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) has been a source of pride and joy. Join us in this episode as Nadia Bennett shares her incredible journey on her mission to empower Black and Brown educators.