Issue 59: Alright
Adjective. Satisfactory but not especially good; acceptable.
Photo Description: Co-creating a school with my son makes me feel alright. This is a picture of us at the Autism Walk coordinated by the Autism Society of Texas. It was THINK360 Academy’s first vending experience. We are both wearing white t-shirts with the THINK360 Academy logo.
Check-In:
There have been 125 days in 2025 so far, and the only thing I’m certain of is the feeling of uncertainty.
In the past 125 days, I have been in countless meetings and conversations about language, communications, websites, positioning, the future of DEI-focused roles, executive orders, predictions on who is being targeted next, etc. I often end these conversations where they began- many speculations and throwing darts, but never feeling resolute.
I have also connected with folks whose jobs have been eliminated or reduced. Folks who have impressive work histories feel like they can’t get past the first round in an interview process. Workforces are shrinking in the world of research, non-profits, and other sectors, leaving a group of highly-skilled individuals, many of the global majority, left to figure out what’s next for their careers.
Amongst all of this, I have leaped straight into being an “edupreneur,” trying to bring together practice, research, and policy under one single roof. I have already started asking myself, “Why can’t you just focus on one thing? Why do you have to be so extra?” Then, I respond to myself, “Have we met? Ha!”
I find myself in so many different worlds right now: microschools, charter schools, neurodiversity, research, and foundations. Each of these components of the larger ecosystem of education is fraught with uncertainty right now. Everyone is just trying to survive and figure out what’s next. However, my brain is full of possibility and wonder.
I see May as a month of transitions, which is exemplified by the fact of 3 historical people born on May 19th- Malcolm X, Lorraine Hansberry & Yuri Kochiyama. It cannot be a coincidence that these leaders, whose life’s work was wading through uncertainty and transitions, were all born in May AND on the same day!
I’m not sure if any move that I’m currently making is the “right move.” I am simply going where I believe I’m needed and can make an impact. It may land me with 2711 jobs or just one, but I have comfort in not doing this alone, knowing that we have been here before, and knowing that, as Kendrick said, “we gon' be alright.”
How are you doing? Are you going to be alright?
#mondaymotivation:
Wouldn't you know
We been hurt, been down before
.., when our pride was low…
….But we gon' be alright
-”Alright” by Kendrick Lamar
Interview with a Leader of the Global Majority:
Stephanie Hawley was the Chief Equity Officer of Austin Independent School District for over five years. The comments below are Stephanie’s and do not reflect the opinions of her district. Her first interview excerpt can be found in Issue 6: Community
Mary: What have been some of the most meaningful bright spots in your work in Austin ISD?
Dr. Hawley: One of the brightest spots has been the ability to build strong coalitions within the Austin community. When I transitioned from Austin Community College to the school district, I leaned heavily on relationships I had already built. These community ties helped create momentum around the district’s equity agenda. A pivotal accomplishment was establishing the Equity Advisory Committee, which became a formal body pushing for district-wide change—such as initiating the equity audit and developing meaningful policy recommendations around school boundaries and feeder patterns. Seeing our “Equity by Design” framework become hardwired into budgeting and long-range planning practices has also been deeply affirming. These moments remind me that even in slow-moving systems, transformation is possible when we lead collaboratively and stay grounded in community.
Mary: What advice would you offer to other equity officers facing resistance or considering whether to continue in their roles?
Dr. Hawley: First, take stock. Assess whether there is any glimmer of possibility—any hope that the system might evolve. Ask yourself, “Can I leave this space better than I found it?” And when you're deciding whether to stay or leave, be clear that you're walking toward something, not just running away from difficulty. Make sure you've hardwired changes that will outlive you. That could be in policy or in embedded practices.
Dr. Hawley: Second, never do this work alone. Build coalitions—formally through advisory bodies or informally by connecting like-minded individuals. People discover their power through community, not isolation.
Dr. Hawley: Lastly, take care of your spirit. This work is deeply relational, and without time for reflection, gratitude, and self-care, burnout is inevitable. You cannot be a martyr to the work. Leave it better, but leave with your health and joy intact.
Please let me know if you would like to be interviewed and/or if you would recommend someone to be profiled in this section. I need new interviews!
What I’m Reading, Watching, and Listening To:
READING: Two historical novels in a row! I just finished The Personal Librarian. It’s the story of Belle da Costa Greene, hired by J. P. Morgan to be the personal librarian for his newly built Pierpont Morgan Library. But Belle has a secret, she is not white. She was born Belle Marion Greener, the daughter of Richard Greener, the first Black graduate of Harvard. It’s a fascinating story of the decision of her mother and siblings to pass, the impact of her decision, and what she was able to achieve. You can find a full list of my book recommendations here. Please note that I am an affiliate with Bookshop.org and receive a small compensation for your purchase when you use the book links provided.
LISTENING TO: It’s an all-star line-up of guests on the newish podcast with Michelle Obama and her brother Craig Robinson. I’ve enjoyed many of the episodes.
WATCHING: In just 32 minutes, Two Distant Strangers tells a story of a young Black man trying to get home to his dog but becomes stuck in a time loop that forces him to relive a deadly run-in with a police officer. It’s short but impactful.
How to Continue to Support Leading-Within:
Go to Amazon and rate or review the book there! Reviews are a great way for others to see that this book is worth the time to read.
Post about the book on social media using the hashtag #leadingwithin. Even better if it includes a picture of you WITH the book!
Host a book club with your affinity/ERG group. Two study guides are also available on the ASCD website - one for leaders of color and one for white co-conspirators that are perfect for starting a group conversation. For book clubs with participants who have purchased and committed to reading the book, please reach out to me so I can support your journey!
Connect with me to speak to your organization or group about topics covered in the book, like ‘practicing love and rage’, ‘building a coalition’, and ‘taking a stand’.
If this is your first time reading, please go back and read my Introductions post.
Thanks for reading! Let me know what you think. If you like it, please share it with your network!
Mary,
I am so impressed with your endeavor! (I'm also glad you can laugh at yourself for being "so extra." I know that vibe.) Loved "The Personal Librarian," too. It's a fascinating story. Right now, the Morgan Library has an exhibit on about Belle da Costa Greene. I was in NYC in January for a conference and made sure to get there to see it. It's quite good, so if you are in NY soon, I recommend you go. :)