DR. CHRISTINA KISHIMOTO | JUNE 2023

As the CEO of a business deeply devoted to the empowerment of women in the superintendency, I am inspired by the bold action of so many women who have positive and inclusive learning environments as their North Star. As Pride month begins, I would like to bring to light a vital topic that resonates with the principles of our community – the importance of LGBTQIA+ equity and representation in educational leadership.

Education, in its very essence, is a journey of discovery, personal growth, and learning. Our roles as educators and leaders extend beyond the classroom walls, shaping the attitudes, values, and beliefs of the next generation. Amid today’s increasingly polarized society, where culture wars stir up controversy and distract from the things that really matter, it is essential that we continue to uphold the tenets of respect, understanding, and inclusivity.

LGBTQIA+ equity and representation matter greatly in the superintendency, with good reason. Our students are diverse in their identities, experiences, and perspectives, and by the way, so are our staff. Students need role models who reflect the variety of the human experience, including those who identify as LGBTQIA+. Representation allows LGBTQIA+ students to see themselves mirrored in positions of power and authority, helping them envision a future where they, too, can lead and make a difference. It teaches all students that diversity and inclusivity are strengths that we celebrate and champion.

LGBTQIA+ equity signifies that our schools are safe welcoming spaces that belong to all students. It emphasizes that we value all our students and staff, and we will not tolerate discrimination or bias, or for that matter, erasure. By promoting equity, we reinforce that each individual in our community is seen, heard, and valued.

As education leaders, it is our responsibility to address these conflicts proactively, and we can do so by taking decisive steps to ensure the progress the LGBTQIA+ community has made in the past decade is not eroded and that the movement for intersectionality, acceptance, and inclusivity progresses with greater urgency than ever before.

Abrazos!

Dr. Christina M. Kishimoto

CEO, Voice4Equity

Click here to enjoy the letter from Dr. Christina Kishimoto in Spanish

JUNE 2023 | DR. CHRISTINA KISHIMOTO

Dr. Julie Vitale and I met in April 2023 in San Diego at the Leading While Female Conference as we took the stage to share a bit about our stories. I was so taken by Dr. Vitale’s story that I reached out to connect one to one with her so that I could share our discussion with you today.

Dr. Julie Vitale has been superintendent of the Oceanside Unified School District since 2018 and previously served in the top seat at Romoland School District, also in California. Ten years of executive-level leadership has emboldened Dr. Vitale to leverage her positional power to lead honest discourse about equity and inclusivity for students, staff, and community. Under her leadership, the Oceanside school board instituted a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Department, raised the pride flag at district offices for the third year in a row and partnered with the North County LGBTQ Resource Center for staff training. In addition, she was part of the inaugural Lead with Pride Summit, a first-of-its-kind event focused on creating safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQIA+ students and staff, now in its second year.

Bold equity-based leadership does not come without pushback, but Dr. Vitale has embraced what is right over what is easy. Watch and listen to our discussion and learn more about this incredible leader.

Watch the conversation with Dr. Kishimoto and Dr. Julie Vitale on YouTube below.

Read the transcript of the interview with Dr. Christina Kishimoto and Dr. Julie Vitale here.

The When Women Lead Summit is exactly two weeks away!! Are you joining us?
You don’t want to miss it!

TIANA HILL | JUNE 2023

As women age, they experience a natural loss of muscle mass known as sarcopenia. According to The National Institute on Aging, this muscle loss can lead to a decrease in strength, mobility, and overall health. Additionally, as women approach menopause, they may experience a decrease in bone density, which can increase the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.

Strength training, also known as resistance training, can help combat these age-related issues by building and preserving muscle mass and improving bone health. Regular strength training can also improve balance and coordination, reduce the risk of falls, and increase metabolism, which can help with weight management.

As a general guideline, women should aim to strength train at least two to three times per week to build muscle. Focusing on proper form and gradually increasing weight and intensity can also aid in muscle growth. It is also recommended to focus on a balanced diet with sufficient protein to support muscle growth. Try out some of these plant-based protein sources recommended by the American Heart Association, which also tend to be high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.

Overall, adding strength training to an exercise regimen can help women maintain their quality of life and independence as they age.

Grab a set of light weights, and let’s strength train!

Tiana