This transcript has been edited for clarity and length.
Under The Flamboyan | February 2026 Edition
Dr. Kishimoto:
Hello everyone. This is Dr. Christina Kishimoto, and I’m excited to be back Under the Flamboyan. It’s February 2026 — I’m not sure where the time is going — but I’m thrilled to feature another nationally recognized woman leader today.
I’m joined by Dr. Kimberly Carter from Battle Creek, Michigan. She’s had an extraordinary impact as a superintendent for more than a decade, and I’m so glad we finally get to share her story. Welcome, Kim.
Dr. Carter:
Thank you for having me. I’m really excited to just have a conversation with you.
Dr. Kishimoto:
I love talking with leaders who are impacting children and communities the way you are. You’ve been superintendent in Battle Creek for over 10 years — which is remarkable, considering the national average is just over three. On top of that, you’ve been named Michigan Superintendent of the Year. Congratulations. What does that recognition mean to you?
Dr. Carter:
Thank you. For me, it really represents team progress, not perfection. This recognition reflects the hard work of so many people around me who are committed to student success. It’s deeply humbling. While my name is attached to the award, it belongs to the entire team.
Dr. Kishimoto:
That spirit of teamwork really comes through. Beyond strong collaboration, what do you think has allowed you to lead with such longevity?
Dr. Carter:
Partnerships — and communication. This work is complicated and only becoming more complex. What’s sustained me is helping the community understand that schools can’t do this work alone. Everyone has a role in supporting children, and when that responsibility is shared, real change happens.
Dr. Kishimoto:
What’s your personal connection to Battle Creek? Are you from the area?
Dr. Carter:
Yes, in many ways. I live about 30 minutes from Battle Creek, and I was born and raised in Kalamazoo — our sister city. My grandmother was a second-grade teacher, and I remember going on field trips to the Kellogg factory as a child. Battle Creek is “Cereal City,” and I still remember getting a cereal box with my picture on it. To now be leading in a place that holds those memories is incredibly meaningful.
Dr. Kishimoto:
I love that. Now, I have to ask — Superintendent of the Year — did you at least get a big prize? A trophy? A spa week?
Dr. Carter:
(Laughs) I wish! Someone asked if I got a week off. I did not — but wouldn’t that be nice?
Dr. Kishimoto:
Absolutely. What about your school board? Governance matters so much. How did they receive the recognition?
Dr. Carter:
They were incredibly excited — and they even kept the secret before the award was announced. They understand that this recognition reflects our collective work. Every board member pursues ongoing training and certification. They see themselves as learners, and that shared commitment has been critical to our success.
Dr. Kishimoto:
That’s huge. Strong governance is often the quiet backbone of longevity. As we entered 2026 after a very “interesting” 2025, was there anything you consciously left behind?
Dr. Carter:
Perfection. I’ve let go of the idea that everything has to be perfectly wrapped up. Change happens mid-story, and that’s often where growth lives. Now, I focus on honoring progress and movement.
Dr. Kishimoto:
Does that shift extend to how you care for yourself?
Dr. Carter:
It does. I always say — and remind myself — you have to put your own oxygen mask on first. If you can’t step away or pass the keys, what kind of leader are you? I’m intentional about rest and making sure there’s always something ahead to look forward to.
Dr. Kishimoto:
Woman to woman — do you really live that?
Dr. Carter:
I do. I’m a cruiser. Before I return from one trip, the next one is booked. It gives me space to pause, reset, and reconnect to my “why,” especially given the current climate in public education.
Dr. Kishimoto:
After so many years leading, how have students shaped you personally?
Dr. Carter:
Every single day. Walking into schools and hearing students’ stories grounds me. They remind me that education is about possibility and economic mobility. My role is to help create the runway so they can step into their future.
Dr. Kishimoto:
What advice do you offer aspiring superintendents?
Dr. Carter:
Be authentic. Share your truth. People need to see you as human — not as someone speaking in talking points. When you stop being yourself, that’s when this work becomes unsustainable.
Dr. Kishimoto:
Are there ways you’ve changed over time as a leader?
Dr. Carter:
Absolutely. As women of color, we’re often taught to shrink or protect ourselves. I’ve learned that trying to be someone you’re not only leads to inauthentic leadership. I’m no longer afraid of failing forward — those moments have been my greatest teachers.
Dr. Kishimoto:
As you look ahead, what feels next for you?
Dr. Carter:
I still have goals here — particularly ensuring our new scholarship program is fully accessible to students. But broadly, I feel a deep calling to develop other leaders. Education needs strong, courageous leadership, and I want to help build that pipeline.
Dr. Kishimoto:
You mentioned the scholarship — and we can’t gloss over that. Can you share more?
Dr. Carter:
Through a partnership with the WK Kellogg Foundation, we created the Bearcat Advantage. It provides 100% tuition and fees for every Battle Creek Public Schools graduate attending a Michigan public university or an HBCU. We removed the financial barrier to college — and that’s been transformative.
Dr. Kishimoto:
That’s truly game-changing. Kim, thank you for your leadership and for sharing your story. It’s been such a joy to talk with you.
Dr. Carter:
Thank you for having me. It’s always wonderful to be in conversation with you.
Dr. Kishimoto:
And to our community — there are extraordinary women leading across this country. If you don’t know Dr. Carter yet, do what I did and reach out. And as a reminder, our When Women Lead conference returns in June 2026. Registration is open, and we hope to see you there.
Kim, I’ll visit Michigan when it’s warmer — I’m not built for the cold — but I look forward to breaking bread with you in person soon.
Dr. Carter:
Thank you again. It’s been great.
To learn more about Voice4Equity and the upcoming When Women Lead 2026 Conference, visit voice4equity.com.
