This transcript has been edited for clarity and length.
The Stories We Must Tell | May 2025 Edition
Dr. Christina Kishimoto (Host):
Good morning, I’m Dr. Christina Kishimoto, CEO of Voice for Equity, and welcome to the May 2025 edition of The Stories We Must Tell. Across the country, we have incredible stories of women leading with impact, and I’m thrilled to be joined today by Dr. Brenda Cassellius. She’s led in Memphis, Minneapolis, Boston, and now Milwaukee. Welcome, Dr. Cassellius!
Dr. Brenda Cassellius:
Thank you, Dr. Kishimoto. It’s so good to see my old friend again!
Dr. Kishimoto:
It’s great to be with you. And what better way to spend a Saturday morning than catching up and talking about the important work ahead. It’s been a joy to watch your career evolve—and to collaborate, like we recently did presenting on AI. It’s a reminder of the power of national connection among women leaders.
Dr. Cassellius:
Absolutely. Women leaders need spaces to connect. What you’re building with Voice for Equity is so important—and I’m proud of you for launching it.
Dr. Kishimoto:
Thank you, Dr. Cassellius. I’m proud of you, too, for stepping back into the superintendency. But before we talk about Milwaukee, I’d love for you to share more about your personal story—growing up in public housing and how that’s shaped your leadership.
Dr. Cassellius:
I come from a rich, though challenging, background. My mother had my sister at 16 and raised us largely as a single parent in public housing. My father, though not always present, came from an educated African American family—his parents were professors at Florida A&M, and my grandfather, Melvin Alston, was president of the Negro Teachers Union in 1939. Thurgood Marshall was his friend and lawyer. That legacy has deeply inspired my commitment to education.
Although my childhood was marked by instability, I benefited from people who paid it forward and saw something in me. That shaped who I became. It’s why I’ve never wavered in my belief that serving children and families is the most meaningful work there is.
Dr. Kishimoto:
Such a powerful legacy. Have there been specific women who guided your career along the way?
Dr. Cassellius:
Many, but one stands out—Dr. Carol Johnson. She was superintendent in Minneapolis, Memphis, and Boston, and she mentored me through each phase. She taught me humility, real leadership, and practical lessons—like making sure the person responsible for implementing an idea is always at the decision table. She opened doors for me and still mentors me today.
Dr. Kishimoto:
Now that you’ve served at both district and state levels, what advice would you give your 25-year-old self?
Dr. Cassellius:
At 25, I was teaching and eager to lead. I’d tell myself: keep pursuing your purpose, even when the path is hard. I often looked younger than my age and didn’t fit the stereotypical mold of a school leader, but I had the skill. I’d remind myself to be patient, stay focused, and learn from every mentor. Leadership isn’t just instructional—it’s about leading adults, managing conflict, and building political will. That takes time and experience.
Dr. Kishimoto:
That perspective is invaluable. As someone who’s shifted between district and state roles, what leadership skills have you found scale well, and what doesn’t?
Dr. Cassellius:
What absolutely scales is partnership—whether you’re a teacher or state commissioner, building relationships with civic leaders, businesses, and philanthropy is crucial. Also, always center both children and families. Stabilizing families improves student success.
What often doesn’t scale well is underestimating the role of policy. I’ve learned that using policy to build political will is one of the most powerful tools a superintendent can have. It’s a critical but overlooked skill.
Dr. Kishimoto:
Absolutely—policy is powerful, and it must be wielded with equity in mind. Let’s talk about Boston. You entered with a strong vision and quickly faced a global pandemic. What was that like?
Dr. Cassellius:
It was disappointing. I was recruited by the mayor and given $100 million to implement a quality guarantee across Boston schools. We had momentum, and then—just two weeks later—COVID hit.
Everything changed overnight. I had to shift from visionary work to crisis management. But I focused on what could still be moved—exam school admissions reform, school libraries, green renovations, and more. Even with three mayors and three board chairs in three years, we passed a $2 billion bond for school improvement. It was exhausting, but I’m proud of what we accomplished.
Dr. Kishimoto:
And now you’re in Milwaukee. What has your first month been like?
Dr. Cassellius:
Honestly, it’s been triggering—like stepping back into crisis. Day one, I faced the return of police in schools and a lead contamination issue that closed buildings. The state had just released a scathing audit, and most cabinet roles were interim. It’s been nonstop crisis management. But I’ve started meeting the community and seeing the brilliance of our kids—amazing performances, passionate teachers. I’m excited to help others see that promise and lift up the great work happening.
I still plan to implement my vision from Boston—high-quality schools in every neighborhood, and being the first choice for families.
Dr. Kishimoto:
You’re an inspiring leader. And I encourage women across the country to watch your work—or better yet, join your team!
Dr. Cassellius:
Yes—come work in Milwaukee! We have cabinet roles open on the HYA website. If you’re ready to grow and want to serve with heart, I’ll take you under my wing. You’ll leave better and stronger—even if you stay just a few years.
Dr. Kishimoto:
Exactly. Choose to work with people who are building something meaningful. And you lead with innovation, love for students and families, and joy. Let’s end with a quick lightning round.
Lightning Round with Dr. Brenda Cassellius
One leadership myth you want to retire:
That women are too emotional. Crying is human—and if you’re not moved by what our students face, something’s wrong.
A morning ritual that centers you:
F45 Training—fitness keeps me grounded. I moved a block away from a studio so I’d have no excuse.
A song that lifts your spirit:
Gospel music—any soulful gospel lifts me up instantly.
A wellness splurge under $20:
A beautiful candle or luxurious lotion. I love calming scents.
Your 2025 mantra:
“This too shall pass.”
Dr. Kishimoto:
Thank you, Dr. Cassellius. You’ve shared so much wisdom, vision, and heart. I can’t wait to watch what you do in Milwaukee.
Dr. Cassellius:
Thank you, Dr. Kishimoto. I’m honored to be part of this space you’ve created for women’s voices. Count me in as a committed partner.
Dr. Kishimoto:
A reminder to our listeners—join us at the When Women Lead conference in Charleston, SC, June 23–25, 2025. You’ll hear from amazing leaders like Dr. Cassellius and many others. See you there!
