DR. CHRISTINA KISHIMOTO | SEPTEMBER 2023

Every month, I find immense joy in reaching out to you through The Stories We Tell and sharing the remarkable stories of women leaders in public education. As we enter September and with another school year underway, I know you will enjoy my discussion with Rhode Island Commissioner of Education Angélica Infante-Green.

Today, I wish to share some reflections on the profound power of networks and the value they bring to leaders. The essence of any network lies in the creation of spaces where relationships are not just fostered but celebrated with joy, where the beautiful dance of giving and receiving creates abundance, where our voices and ambitions are validated and amplified.

What can a network do?

• Encourage us to step forward with our genuine selves, embracing every unique twist and turn of our individual stories.
• Amplify our collective voice, channeling it towards the crucial goals of equity and justice.
• Provide a global lens when faced with challenges, ensuring we’re never alone in our journeys.
• Offer a judgment-free zone where we can brainstorm, strategize, and share freely.
• Celebrate our growth as women, each one of us a tapestry of love, passion, and distinct expressions.
• Invite a myriad of diverse and vibrant voices, aspirations, and dreams.
• Bridge divides, allowing us to connect with incredible women we might never have met due to distances both geographical and experiential.
• Set intention as collaborators, partners, and fellow visionaries who stand shoulder to shoulder.

This is why we created The Flamboyan Network, to empower women education leaders with the knowledge that we can accomplish so much more when we work together collaboratively and collectively. If you are an executive leader in the public school system, I encourage you to join us on The Flamboyan Network. We represent the shade tree under which we gather, finding solace in the shared joy of sisterhood, uniting our forces to elevate and transform the lives of our most treasured assets – our children. You can apply here, or read on for more information!

As we step into this new school year, I challenge you to embrace a renewed perspective. Envision what you can achieve, not just as an individual leader, but as a part of a network of bold women leaders. Women who, just like you, are driven by a mission to dismantle barriers, champion equity, and shape a brighter, more just future for our nation’s young minds.

To a year of limitless possibilities and deepened connections!

Warmly,

Christina

SEPTEMBER 2023 | DR. CHRISTINA KISHIMOTO

Dr. Kishimoto sits down with Rhode Island Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green to hear about her tenure leading in the top seat. As a latina, with deep family roots in the Dominican Republic, Commissioner Infante-Green shares some of the challenges of being accepted as a New Yorker as she took on her public leadership role in Rhode Island. After four years though, she has demonstrated deep commitment to the students, teachers, leaders and community in Rhode Island.

Prior to assuming the Commissioner role, Angélica served as Deputy Commissioner of Education in the State of New York. She has a long history in New York as a student, teacher, and leader. Angélica is passionate about equity of access for all students across community types from rural education to urban education, and regardless of financial means. As you listen to her interview you will learn about Angélica’s non-negotiables in public education from the need to listen deeply to and often from students, to the need for equity-focused policies that provide equitable access to quality education and programming to all students, to a responsibility to be data-focused and data-responsive.

Angélica shares some of the deliverables of her team, Governor and legislator to ensure that “zip code doesn’t matter anymore in Rhode Island” because now STEM, second language learning, college application support and other rigorous support, services and programs are accessible to all students regardless of family and community wealth. In closing, Angélica shares her advice to new leaders in state level seats to “be yourself.” She also shares her thoughts on the importance of having a trusted network of friends in leadership. Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green is September’s featured equity warrior!

Watch the conversation with Dr. Kishimoto and Dr. Angélica Infante-Green on YouTube below.

Read the transcript of the interview with Dr. Christina Kishimoto and Dr. Angélica Infante-Green here.

Voice4Equity would like to welcome Dr. Alicia Thompson and Superintendent Teresa Chaulk! We are thrilled to have both join us as our Superintendents in Residence.

After six years of exemplary leadership as the Superintendent of Wichita and a remarkable thirty-one-year career in education, we congratulate Dr. Thompson on her retirement and commend her for her dedication to equity-oriented work. Superintendent Teresa Chaulk joins us with an impressive twenty-five years of experience in Lincoln County School District #1, including sixteen years as superintendent. We applaud Superintendent Chaulk’s commitment to driving progress and advancing equity within her district.

We are excited to have Dr. Alicia Thompson and Teresa Chaulk as part of our team as we continue our mission to champion equity in education.

TIANA HILL | SEPTEMBER 2023

Welcome to the Wellness Corner! Join me on the mat for this 25-minute yoga for relaxation, perfect to unwind after a long day or before bed.

Grab your mat and I’ll meet you there.

Tiana