Presented by Massachusetts ASCD | Women’s History Month Special

This powerful episode honors Women’s History Month by centering the voices of women who are boldly disrupting inequitable systems, resisting harmful policies, and reshaping education through justice, truth, and healing. Hosted by @wearemascd and @iamcraigaaronsmartin of @ccmedgroup, this panel unites leaders on the frontlines of advocacy, activism, and equity in action.

📆 Recorded Live: March 31, 2025 | 6:00 – 7:15 PM EST
📍 Virtual Panel Event

🔥 Featured Speakers:

• Shaplaie Brooks – Executive Director, Massachusetts Commission for LGBTQ Youth

• Dr. Shaunna Harrington – Former MASCD President, Higher Education Leader

• Kathy Lopes – President, AMSEL (Association of Massachusetts School Equity Leaders)

• Nikki Barnes – Managing Director of Equity & Engagement, KIPP Massachusetts

• Christian Maiden, Esq. – Legal Advocate, 8th District Court of Appeals

• Sasha Goodfriend – Executive Director, Massachusetts Chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW)

💡 Topics We’re Tackling:
✅ How anti-woke and anti-equity policies are impacting schools
✅ Mental health as a form of resistance and justice
✅ Strategies for combating misinformation and white supremacy culture
✅ The urgent need for women-led activism and policy reform
✅ Collective steps to create change in education and beyond

🔊 Key Takeaways & Quotes:

"Equity is not a moment—it’s a movement."
"Disruption is an act of love."
"We need paid parental leave for teachers."
"Mental health is part of the fight for justice."
"Women are the global majority—and we lead with truth."

📢 Call to Action:
Listen, share, and join the movement to uplift and support women educators and advocates shaping our collective future.

🔗 Follow @wearemascd, @ccmedgroup, and @iamcraigaaronsmartin for more conversations that spark change.

#WomenDisruptSystems #BraveVoicesInEd #WeAreMASCD #MASCD #CCMEdGroup #EquityInEducation #JusticeIsLove #LeadershipMatters #MentalHealthInSchools

In this powerful episode of Brave Voices in Education, Craig sits down with author, educator, and unapologetic truth-teller Kwame Sarfo-Mensah—founder of Identity Talk 4 Educators—to explore what it means to teach, lead, and liberate as a Black man in education.

Kwame unpacks the urgency of disrupting dominant narratives that silence Black male educators and learners, shares his journey from classroom teacher to nationally recognized thought leader, and breaks down why culturally responsive teaching is not a buzzword—it’s a mandate. Together, they explore questions of legacy, resistance, and purpose.

Key Takeaways:

• Why representation alone isn’t enough

• The impact of Black male educators on student identity and outcomes

• How Kwame navigated burnout—and turned pain into platform

• Building schools that affirm every child’s genius

🎙️ Connect with Kwame Sarfo-Mensah
Website: https://www.identitytalk4educators.com
Instagram: @identitytalk4educators
Book: Shaping the Teacher Identity – Available now

💻 Learn more: https://bravevoicespod.com
🔔 Subscribe for new episodes weekly!
#BraveVoices #KwameSarfoMensah #BlackMaleEducators #LiberatoryTeaching #CCMEdGroup #IdentityTalk4Educators

When offered $250K in federal funds, Corey Yarbrough chose courage over censorship. In this powerful clip from the Brave Voices in Education podcast, Corey explains why 826 Boston rejected the funding to protect student expression. “That money came with a muzzle — and we refused to silence our students.” This is what values-driven leadership looks like. 🎙️✨

Watch the full episode to hear how Corey leads with integrity, builds community, and champions youth voice.

#BraveVoicesPod #CoreyYarbrough #826Boston #YouthVoice #DEI #Leadership #BraveLeadership #CCMEdGroup #NonprofitLeadership #ProtectStudentVoices