THE STORIES OF BUSINESS LEADERS
Learning How to Value What We Do Not Yet Know
Women Leaders in Education: Answering the World’s Deepest Want
When She Leads, Education Thrives
Women Leaders in Education: Valuing their Contributions
COVER STORY
Dr. Dawn Menge
Inthequiethoursbeforedawn,whenmostoftheworld wasstillasleep,Dr.DawnMengewasalreadyawake, balancingtextbooksbesidelunchboxes,lessonplans besidebedtimestories.Herlifewasapatchworkofearly mornings,latenights,andmomentsstoleninbetweenfulltimework,parenting,andthepursuitofadreamthatmany wouldhavecalledimpossible.
ShewantedtoearnaPh.D.notforprestige,notforatitle buttoteachfutureteachers.Tobethevoicethatshapedthe nextgenerationofeducators.Andbehindthatdetermination wasawomanwhohadlearnedresiliencefirsthandfromher students,fromherlife,andmostofall,fromhermother Her ex-husband,awildlandfirefighter,oftenworkedinthe mostremotecornersofthecountry Athome,Dawn managedthedualrolesoffull-timeeducatorandfull-time mom,whilecarvingouttime,sometimesminutesatatime tofinishherBachelor's,thenherMaster's,andfinallyher Ph.D.Eachmilestonewasn'tjustacademicitwaspersonal. Atestamenttoperseverance.
AndthencameherbooksQueenVernita'sEducational SeriesandQueenGigglesKingdombeautifullycrafted worldsthatturnedreal-lifelessonsintopowerfulstoriesfor children.Whatbeganasacreativeoutletgrewintoaglobal phenomenon,earningheroverninetyinternationalliteracy awardsandmorethan200filmfestivalhonors,from HollywoodDreamstothePresidentialLifetime AchievementAward.
ButDr.Mengedidn'tstopthere.ShefoundedLandof QuailsHouseahavenforimagination,literacy,and inclusiveeducation.Shetransformedherlivedexperiences intolectures,keynotespeeches,andaglobalplatformfor advocacy.Shebecametheeducatorsheoncedreamedof learningfrom.Herstoryisnotoneofchanceit'sastoryof choice.Ofshowingupeveryday.Ofturningchallenges intochaptersandpainintopurpose.Ofchoosing,overand overagain,tomakeherselfwhatshewantedtobe.
ThisisDr.Menge,CEOofLandofQuailsHouse.A teacher.Anauthor.Abuilderofworlds,bothrealand imagined.Andlivingproofthatwhenyouwriteyourown story,therearenolimitstohowfaritcango.
FromClassroomtoGlobalImpact
Dr.Mengeholdsanimpressiveacademicbackground, includinganA.S.inBusinessManagement,aB.A.in HumanDevelopment,andanM.A.asanEducation SpecialistwithaModerate/SevereCredential.Her
educationaljourneybeganwithauniqueblendofacademic studyandhands-onexperience,whileworkingtowardher associatedegree,sheearnedcollegecreditbyvolunteering inhermother'skindergartenclassroom.Withthreeyoung childrenintow,sheimmersedherselfinearlychildhood education,learningtomanagesmalllearningcenters, designeducationalunits,andleadentireclassesunderher mother'smentorship.
Herearlycommitmenttoinclusiveeducationledhertoa roleasaneducationalassistantwiththeSanBernardino CountySuperintendentofSchoolsintheSpecialEducation Department.Atahighschoolthatsheandherchildren wouldlatergraduatefrom,sheworkedalongsidean exceptionalteacherinaclassroomforstudentswith moderatetoseveredisabilities.There,shelearnedthe importanceofintegrationandworkeddiligentlyto transitionstudentsintothebroaderschoolcommunity.
AlthoughsheoriginallyearnedChildDevelopment credentialstopursueapreschoolteachingpath,hergrowing passionforspecialeducationredirectedherjourney.She acceptedanewpositionatanelementarycampusand continuedherstudies,completingherB.A.whileraising herchildren.Upongraduation,shewasofferedherfirst middleschoolclassroom—workingwithmanyofthesame studentsshehadknowninelementaryschool.Together withtwodedicatedteachingassistants,sheremainedwith thesestudentsthroughhighschoolandintoanadult transitioncenter
Duringthistime,Dr.Mengecreatedinnovativeacademic andtransition-basedprograms.Herstudentsparticipatedin adaptedskiingprograms,launchedsmallbusinesses,earned collegecredit,andevenswamwithdolphinsatSeaWorld. Theseexperiencesexemplifiedhercommitmenttostudent growth,bothacademicallyandsocially
Herteachingphilosophyincorporatesablendof approaches—includingauthenticlearning,student-centered instruction,communityinvolvement,andsocial-emotional development.Shebelievesinnurturingacademicgrowth whileequippingstudentswithessentialtransitionandlife skills.
Dr.Menge'spassionforeducationhasextendedwell beyondtheclassroom.Asamentor,adjunctprofessor,and CEOofherliteracyinitiative, Land of Quails House,she continuestoinfluenceglobaleducation.Herliteracywork hasearnedherover90internationalliteracyawardsand 200+filmfestivalhonorsthroughherbelovedchildren's
series, Queen Vernita's Educational Series and Queen Giggles Kingdom.
In2025,Dr.MengetraveledtoLondonandScotland,where shewashonoredwiththeLOSDEducationExcellence AwardandGlobalLiteracyImpactAwardintheHouseof Commons.ShealsospokeattheSpringKellCastle WellnessConference,whereshepresentedonthe importanceofsharingpersonalexperiencesandbuilding mentalresilienceineducation.Hercollaborationwiththe LondonOrganizationofSkillsDevelopmentwillcontinue tofuelhermissionofpromotinggloballiteracy
Recently,Dr.MengevisitedGhanatoworkwiththe nonprofitorganization Cheerful Hearts,whichempowers childreninafishingvillagewitheducationandemployable skills.Shealsospokeattheirconferenceatthehistoric CapeCoastCastle.Herbooks, Queen Vernita and Queen Giggles,havebecomecherishedreadingmaterialsinlocal classrooms,andstudentsregularlysharetheirillustrations basedonthestories.
Dr.Menge'sjourneyisapowerfultestamentto perseverance,passion,andpurpose.Herworkcontinuesto inspireeducators,students,andcommunitiesaroundthe worldasshededicatesherlifetoexpandingaccessto educationandliteracy
ChampioningLiteracyacrossAllAbilitiesandBorders
InDr.Menge'sclassroom,literacyisn'tlimitedbya student'sdisability,it'sreimaginedtomeeteverylearner wheretheyare.Herstudents,whoexperienceawiderange ofmoderatetoseveredisabilitiesincludingAutism,Down Syndrome,MultipleSclerosis,visualandhearing impairments,anddevelopmentaldelaysfollowthesame corecurriculumastheirpeers,adaptedtosuittheir communicationandcognitiveneeds.Whetherthrough pictureicons,speech-generatingdevices,writtencues,or one-on-oneguidance,eachstudentisgiventhetoolsand supporttoaccessmeaningfullearning.
ButDr.Menge'svisionextendsfarbeyondherclassroom. Throughheraward-winning Queen Vernita's Educational Series and Queen Giggles Kingdom,sheisspreading literacyacrosstheglobeespeciallyinunderservedregions whereeducationisstillaluxuryratherthanaright.Her storiesservenotonlyasentertainmentbutasgatewaysto learning,representation,andempowerment.
AccordingtoDataPanda'srecentgloballiteracyanalysis, theworld'slowestliteracyratesareconcentratedin countriessuchasNiger(19.10%),Guinea(30.47%), SouthSudan(31.98%),andMali(33.07%),among others.Thesestatisticshighlightasoberingtruth:millions ofchildrenandadultsarestilldeniedaccesstobasic education.
Dr.Mengeseesthisnotasalimitation,butacalltoaction. Byintroducinghereducationalbookstostudentsinregions likeGhana—wheresherecentlypartneredwiththe nonprofitCheerfulHearts—she'snotjustdonatingbooks; she'sbuildingbridges.Hercharactershavebecomebeloved figuresamongchildrenwhonowsendherhand-drawn versionsofillustrationsfromthestories,aheartfelt testamenttohowdeeplythecontentresonates.
Dr.Mengebelievesliteracyisthemostpowerfulleverfor socialandindividualtransformation."Youcanreachyour truepotential,”sheoftensaysamessageshecarriesto everystudent,conferencestage,andclassroomshevisits aroundtheworld.Herworkexemplifiestheideathat inclusive,adaptiveeducationisn'tjustpossibleit'sessential. Throughherbooks,mentorship,andinternationaloutreach, Dr.Mengeisnotonlychanginglivesshe'shelpingrewrite thegloballiteracystory,onereaderatatime.
ALifelongLearnerandAdvocateforFutureEducators
Dr.Menge'scommitmenttoeducationisnotconfinedtoher studentsaloneitextendstotheeducatorsoftomorrow.She continuallystaysattheforefrontofeducationalinnovation byattendingnationalandinternationalconferencesand professionaldevelopmentworkshops.Withtheriseof artificialintelligenceintheclassroom,Dr.Mengeremains bothopenanddiscerning.WhileAIisalreadyusedinareas suchasstandardizedtestingandcurriculumdesign,she stressestheimportanceofmaintainingabalance:"We must ensure technology enhances, not replaces, the unique creativity and personal connection that every teacher brings to the classroom.”
Herinsightintotheevolvinglandscapeofeducationcomes notonlyfromherdecadesofexperiencebutfroma personaljourneymarkedbytenacityandsacrifice.Asshe pursuedherBachelor'sdegreethroughWashingtonState University,Dr.Mengewasamongthefirststudentsto engageindistancelearning.Beforeonlineplatforms existed,shewouldreceiverecordedlecturesonVHStapes
bymailandtakeexamsduringherlunchbreaksallwhile workingfull-timeandraisingthreeyoungchildren.Yet,she persisted,earningherdegreeandmovingforwardto completeherMaster'sandultimatelyherPh.D.
Herpassionforhighereducationwasdrivenbyaspecific purpose:toteachandmentorthenextgenerationof educators.Dr.Mengeunderstandstheharshrealitiesmany newteachersface,particularlyinspecialeducationburnout, behaviormanagementchallenges,andalackofinstitutional support.Thestatisticsonearlycareerteacherretentionare sobering,especiallyinhigh-needsfields.
Throughherroleasanadjunctprofessorandmentor,Dr Mengeofferssomethingcritical:experience-backed guidanceandgenuineempathy.Sheprovidesasafe, supportiveenvironmentwhereemergingteacherscanlearn toleadtheirclassrooms,managetheirteams,andmakea lastingimpactwithoutlosingheart.Formany,her mentorshipisthebridgebetweenoverwhelming expectationsandlong-term,effectiveteachingcareers.
Whatdrivesher?Adeepsenseofpurposeandpridein seeingherstudentsnotjustinK-12butinteacher preparationprogramsreachmilestonesofindependence, confidence,andsuccess.ForDr.Menge,everychallenge sheovercameaddsanotherlayertotheguidanceshenow givesothers.Herstoryisatestamenttoperseverance, innovation,andthetransformativepowerofmentorshipin education.
WisdomfortheNextGeneration
Aftertwenty-eightimpactfulyearsineducation,Dr.Menge isapproachingthenextchapterofherjourneywiththe samepassionthatfueledherbeginnings.Asshelooks towardretirementfromtheclassroom,hermissionisfar fromcomplete.Throughherliteracy-focusedcompany, LandofQuailsHouse,Dr.Mengeplanstocontinue expandingherglobalinfluencereachingclassroomsacross continentswitheducationalcontentthatbridgesspecial educationandmainstreamlearning.
Heradvicetonewlecturersisbothheartfeltandrootedin hard-wonexperience: “Remember to ignite passion in your students for their subjects. It's easy to get caught up in coursework and requirements, but never forget the 'why' behind your teaching.” Whethereducatingfuturenurses,
teachers,orcreatives,Dr.Mengebelievesthattheultimate goalofanyprofessionistomakeameaningfulimpactand foreducators,thatbeginswithconnection.
Sheemphasizesthatthelecturer'sroleextendsfarbeyond deliveringcontent;itinvolvesensuringstudentsnotonly receive knowledgebutalso comprehend and apply itinthe realworld.Theacademicjourneymaybefilledwith challenges,shenotes,butthosehurdlesaresteppingstones toagreaterpurpose.
Evenasshestepsbackfromthetraditionalclassroom,Dr Menge'scommitmenttoeducationaltransformationremains unwavering.Witheverybook,speech,andmentorship opportunity,shecontinuestoinspirestudents,teachers,and communitiestoreachtheirfullestpotential—remindingthe worldthattrueeducationisnotjustaboutteaching,but abouttouchinglives.
Growth,Impact,andthePowerofWords
ForDr.Menge,successisnotdefinedbytitlesoraccolades, butbygrowthespeciallythekindthatunfoldsslowly, quietly,andwithdeepmeaning.Inherclassroom, victoriesmaynotalwaysbemeasuredingradesor standardizedscores.Instead,theycomeintheformofa studentlearningtofeedthemselvesforthefirsttime, masteringtheuseofacommunicationdevice,ornavigating thecitybusindependently Thesemilestonesoften overlookedbytraditionaleducationmodelscarryprofound significanceforherstudentsandtheirfamilies.
Herstudents,manyofwhomlivewithmultipledisabilities, engageinreal-worldlearningduringtheirhighschool years:countingoutbuspasses,holdingjobsinthe community,practicinglifeskills.ForDr.Menge,eachstep towardindependence,nomatterhowincremental,isa powerfultestamenttotheirresilienceandareflectionof trueeducationalsuccess.
Asanauthor,herdefinitionofsuccessexpandsbeyondthe classroomtotheworldstage.Throughher Queen Vernita's Educational Series and Queen Giggles Kingdom,Dr Mengeusesstorytellingasavehicleforchange.Forher, successliesinhelpingayoungchilddiscoverthejoyof reading,infosteringaloveoflearningthroughvibrant narratives,andinpromotinggloballiteracy,especiallyin underservedregions.
Herimpactasawriterisextraordinary.Dr.Mengehas earnedninetyinternationalliteracyawardsandover200 filmfestivalhonors,including:
• SpecialRecognitionChampionAwardfrom Conquering Disabilities with Film
• BestWrittenWordfrom Miracle Makers Film
• Recognitionfrom Hollywood Dreams Film Festival
• PresidentialLifetimeAchievementAward
• FeaturedScreenplayatthe San Diego Kids Film Festival
• InternationalAuthorBossAwardfrom Power Conversations Magazine
• IOTPSpecialEducationandAuthorAward
• FLUXXSpecialEducationTeacherAward
• L.O.S.D.EducationExcellenceAward2025in London
• AuthorAllstar(3x)
• SuccessMagazine's2023WomenofInfluence
Herwrittenworkalsoincludesscholarlycontributionssuch as The Six Federal Individual Education Plan Goals and the Effectiveness of Their Implementation in Preparing for Transition,furthercementinghervoiceasbotha practitionerandathoughtleaderinspecialeducation. Ineveryroleeducator,author,mentorDr.Menge'sversion ofsuccessisaboutempoweringothers Whetherit's teachingastudenttoexpressthemselvesorinspiringachild toturnthepageoftheirfirstbook,herlegacyisbuiltnot justonwhatshe'sachieved,butonhowdeeplyshe'shelped othersgrow.
ALegacyofEmpowerment,Inclusion,andGlobal Literacy
Afternearlythreedecadesofdedicatedserviceinspecial education,Dr.Mengehopestoberememberednotjustfor
theyearsshespentintheclassroom—butfortheimpact shemadewithinit.Hermostcherishedmemoriesarenot tiedtoaccoladesorawards,buttothesimple,powerful momentswhenastudentlooksupandsays, “I can do this myself.”
ForDr.Menge,theessenceofteachingliesinfostering independence.Hergoalhasalwaysbeentoequipher studentsmanyofwhomfacemoderatetoseveredisabilities withthelifeandemploymentskillsneededtotransitionout ofspecialeducationandintotheworldwithconfidenceand dignity.Centraltothatjourneyisbuildingtheirself-efficacy empoweringthemtobelieveintheirowncapabilities,make informeddecisions,andparticipatefullyintheir communities.
Beyondherclassroom,Dr.Menge'svisionextendstothe fieldofspecialeducationatlarge.Sheaspirestoleave behindalegacyofgreaterglobalunderstandingand respectforpeoplewithdisabilities,andfortheeducators whoservethem.Inanerawheredisabilitybenefitsand resourcesfaceincreasingscrutiny,sheseesherinternational recognitionandspeakingengagementsaspowerful platformsforadvocacy.Eachconference,award,and collaborationopensnewdoorstoconnectwitheducators, parents,andpolicymakersaroundtheworldhelpingtoshift perspectives,shareknowledge,andcreatelastingchange.
Asanauthor,herlegacyisequallyprofound.Throughher Queen Vernita's Educational Series and Queen Giggles Kingdom,Dr.Mengeisnotjusttellingstoriesshe'sraising literacylevelsandtransforminglives.Sheenvisionsa worldwherechildrenandadultsalikehavethetoolsto read,write,andimagineafuturefilledwithopportunity. Becausewhenliteracyimproves,sotoodoesaccessto education,toemployment,toautonomy
Whetherinaclassroom,atapodium,oronthepage,Dr Mengeiscommittedtocreatingafuturewhereevery person,regardlessofabilityorbackground,isempowered tothrive.Herlegacyisoneofheartstouched,minds awakened,andbarriersbrokenatruetestamenttothe powerofeducationwhenitisledbycompassionand conviction.
Learning How to Value What We Do Not Yet Know
Weliveinatimewhenwomenaretakingtheirrightfulplaceinleadershipacrossall sectors,andeducationisnoexception.Yet,despiteprogress,onetruthlingers:wedo notfullyknowhowtovalueorenjoythecontributionsofwomenleadersineducation. Weadmirethem,weacknowledgethem,butoftenwefallshortofdeeplyunderstandingthe richnesstheybringandthechallengestheyface. Thisuncertaintyisnotweakness;itisanopportunity.Byadmittingthatwedonotfullyknowhow, weopenthedoortodiscoverydiscoveringnewwaysofhonoring,supporting,andcelebrating women'sleadershipineducation.
WeDoNotKnowHowtoSeetheFullStory
Historyoftentellsusthenamesofkings,ministers,andmalereformerswhobuiltsystemsof learning,butitleavesoutthecountlesswomenwhoshapedclassrooms,nurturedstudents,and foundedschoolsagainstimpossibleodds.Women likeSavitribaiPhule,whoopenedschoolsforgirlsin Indiadespitefierceresistance,orMaryMcLeod Bethune,whofoughtforeducationforAfrican AmericanchildrenintheU.S.
Wevaluetheirachievementstoday,butdowetruly knowhowtohonorthegenerationsofstruggle behindthem?Weoftencelebratewomen'sleadership onlywhenitisvisibleandprominent,forgettingthat muchofitwasinvisible,undervalued,orerased.To learnhowistoreclaimthesehiddenstoriesandplace thematthecenterofourcollectivememory
WeDoNotKnowHowtoBalanceRecognition
Whenwomenrisetoleadership,theyareoften measuredagainststandardsdesignedbyandformen. Theirempathyismistakenforsoftness,their collaborationforindecision.Weapplaudtheirsuccess buthesitatetoredefinewhatleadershipmeans.
Doweknowhowtovalueleadershipthatisnotabout controlbutaboutcommunity?Doweknowhowto celebratethejoyofclassroomswhereempathyisas powerfulasauthority?
Perhapswedonotbutthisispreciselywhywemustlearn. Tovaluewomenleadersistounlearnnarrowdefinitionsof leadershipandembracemodelsthatputpeoplebefore power
WeDoNotKnowHowtoSupportInnovation
Womenleadersineducationaredrivinginnovation advocatingforinclusivecurricula,integratingdigital learning,andbreakingbarriersinSTEMeducationforgirls. Yettheireffortsareoftenunderfunded,underreported,or dismissedassecondary
Wesaywewantinnovation,butdoweknowhowtocreate structuresthatallowtheirideastothrive?Doweknowhow togivethemtheplatforms,resources,andrecognitiontheir visiondeserves?
Untilwelearn,muchoftheirinnovationrisksbeing celebratedonlyafterthefact,insteadofnurturedinreal time.
WeDoNotKnowHowtoBreakBarriersTogether
Thebarrierswomenfaceineducationleadershipgender bias,unequalpay,lackofrepresentationintoprolesare welldocumented.Butoften,weleavetheburdenof breakingthosebarriersonwomenthemselves.
Doweknowhowtosharetheresponsibility?Doweknow howtobuildallyshipthatisactive,notsymbolic?Tovalue womenleadersisnotonlytocelebratetheirresiliencebutto questionwhyresilienceisrequiredinthefirstplace. Enjoyingtheirleadershipmeansensuringtheydonot alwayshavetofightsimplytolead.
WeDoNotKnowHowtoAmplifyMentorship
Womenleadersarementorsbynatureandbychoice.They liftothersastheyrise,creatingpathwaysforyounger womenandmenalike.Buthowoftendowepauseto measureandcelebratementorshipasleadership? Doweknowhowtoseetheinvisiblethreadsofinfluence theyweaveacrossgenerations?Doweknowhowtobuild systemsthathonorthequietbutpowerfulimpactof guidanceandencouragement?
Perhapsnotyet.Butbylearninghow,wecanvalue mentorshipasmuchasmilestonesandenjoythelonglastingrippleeffectsitcreates.
HowWeCanBegintoLearn
Ifwedonotknowhow,thenwemuststartlearning.That learningbeginswithhumilityandcontinuesthroughaction:
• Listeningmoredeeplytowomenleaders'storiesand experiences.
• Redefiningsuccesstohonorempathy,inclusion,and collaborationasstrengths.
• Creatingplatformswherewomen'sinnovationsare funded,tested,andcelebrated.
• Sharingresponsibilityfordismantlingbarriersrather thanleavingittowomenalone.
• Celebratingmentorshipasacentral,notsecondary, formofleadership.
Inlearninghowtovalueandenjoywomen'sleadership,we notonlyupliftthemweenricheducationforall.
EnjoyingWhatWeDoNotFullyKnow
Enjoymentoftencomesfromsurprise,fromexperiencing somethingwedidnotexpect.Womenleadersbringnew waysofseeinganddoingeducationwaysthatchallenge traditionsbutalsoinvitecommunitiesintodeeperjoy
Wemaynotfullyknowhowtoenjoythisyet.Wemaystill hesitate,stillundervalue,stilloverlook.Butifweleaninto curiosityinsteadofcertainty,wecandiscoverthejoyof classroomsredefinedbyempathy,policiesreshapedby inclusivity,andfuturesimaginedbyleaderswhorefuseto beboundbyoldmolds.
Conclusion:FromNotKnowingtoBecoming
Wedonotfullyknowhowtovalueandenjoywomen leadersineducationbutthatisnottheendofthestory.Itis thebeginning.Acknowledgingwhatwedonotknow pushesustolisten,tounlearn,tocelebratedifferently,and tobuildstructuresthatreflectjusticeaswellasknowledge. Thewantforwomenleadersisclear;thechallengeis learninghowtohonorit.Inthisjourney,uncertaintyisnota weaknessitisaninvitation.Andbyacceptingthat invitation,weopenourselvestoaricher,moreinclusive, andmorejoyfulfutureofeducation,ledbywomenwhose contributionsweareonlyjustbeginningtovalueasthey deserve.
When She Leads, Education Thrives
Thedesireforstrong,visionaryleadershipineducationhasalwaysbeenpresent,
butintoday'sworld,thatwanthasgrownurgent.Educationisnotonlyabout transmittingknowledge;itisaboutshapingfutures,cultivatingempathy,and preparingsocietiesforchallengesyetunseen.Womenleadersineducationbringqualities theworlddeeplyneeds:resilience,inclusivity,andinnovation.Tovalueandenjoytheir contributionsistorecognizethattheyembodynotonlywhateducation is butwhatit must become
WhyWeWantWomenLeadersinEducation
Thewantforwomenleadersarisesfromtheundeniabletruththateducationthriveswhen itreflectsthediversityofsocietyitself.Fortoolong,leadershipineducationwas dominatedbymen,oftenoverlookingthevoicesofwomenwhocarriedmuchofthe practicalandemotionalweightinclassroomsandcommunities.
Now,thegrowingdemandforwomeninleadershipisaboutbalance,representation,and equity.Itisaboutwantingdecision-makerswhounderstandthateducationisnotjust aboutcompetitionbutalsoaboutcollaboration,notonlyaboutacademicscoresbutabout holisticgrowth.Womenleadersoftenembodythisapproachnaturally,andtheworldis increasinglyawareoftheneedforit.
ThePowerofEmpathyandHuman-CenteredLeadership
Oneofthemostwantedqualitiesinmoderneducationisempathyanabilitytoseethe wholelearner,notjustthegradesonapaper Womenleadersfrequentlybringthisquality totheforefront,valuingemotionalintelligencealongsideintellectualachievement.
Tovaluethemistorecognizethattheirleadershipcreatessafer,morenurturing environmentswherestudentsflourish.Toenjoytheirleadershipistoparticipateinthese environments,wherelearningbecomesnotaburdenbutajoyful,sharedjourney
InnovationThatServestheFuture
Inatimewhenthefutureofeducationdemandsadaptabilitywhetherthroughdigital classrooms,newteachingmodels,orglobalcollaborationwomenleadersarestepping forwardwithfreshsolutions.Theychampioninclusivecurricula,advocateforSTEM opportunitiesforgirls,andreimaginesystemsthatpreparestudentsforanuncertain world.
Wewantthisinnovationbecausethechallengesoftomorrowcannotbesolvedwith yesterday'sideas.Byvaluingwomenleaders,weensuretheseinnovationstakeroot.By
enjoyingtheirleadership,communitiescanengagewiththe excitementofchangeratherthanfearit.
RepresentationasaDesiredChange
Representationisnotaluxury;itisawant,anecessity
Whengirlsandyoungwomenseeleaderswholooklike them,theyinternalizethebeliefthatleadershipisnot beyondtheirreach.Womenleadersineducation,bytheir presence,plantseedsofambitionandpossibility.
Valuingthisrepresentationmeansinstitutionalizingit ensuringwomenarenotjustvisiblebutempoweredat everylevel,fromclassroomstoministriesofeducation. Enjoyingitmeanscelebratingtheconfidenceitinspiresin thenextgeneration,watchingstudentsrisebecausetheycan seethemselvesinthosewhoguidethem.
TheChallengesWeWanttoOvercome
Thejourneyisnotwithoutobstacles.Womenineducation leadershipcontinuetofacebarriers—limitedaccessto higherdecision-makingroles,genderbiases,andinequities inpayandrecognition.Buthereagainliesthewant:the collectivedesiretodismantlethesebarrierssothattalent andvision,notgender,defineleadership.
Valuingwomenleadersmeanscommittingtosystemic changes:equalopportunities,mentorshipprograms,and policiesthatclosegapsinrepresentation.Enjoyingtheir leadershipmeanscelebratingvictoriesalongthe way—everymilestonereached,everybarrierbroken.
PracticalWaystoValueWomenLeaders
Tomakeourwantreal,actionmustfollow.Hereare meaningfulsteps:
• Recognizetheirimpactpublicly—fromclassrooms topolicytables.
•
• Supportmentorshipnetworkswherewomenguide futureleaders.
• Championequitypoliciesthataddresssystemic barriers.
• Celebrateachievementswiththesamevisibility grantedtotheirmalecounterparts.
Valuingisnotpassiveacknowledgment;itisactive reinforcementoftheirworth.
PracticalWaystoEnjoyTheirLeadership
Enjoyingwomenleadersineducationmeanstakingpridein therichnesstheybring.Communitiesandinstitutionscan:
• Embracenewinitiativesthathighlightinclusivity
• Celebrateculturalandsocialprogramsledbywomen educators.
• Createspacesofjoy—festivals,recognitiondays, storytellingplatforms—whereleadershipishonored.
• Encouragestudentstoexperienceeducationasmore thanacademics,butasalife-shapingjourneyinspired bystrongrolemodels.
Thisenjoymentisnotfrivolous;itishowcommunities reinforcerespectandgratitude.
AFutureBuiltbyWantandWill
Thewantforwomenleadersineducationismorethan aspirationitisnecessity Weneedtheirresilienceto confrontglobalcrises,theirempathytonurturebalanced learners,theirinnovationtodesignsystemsthatprepare studentsforarapidlychangingworld,andtheirpresenceto inspirefuturegenerations.
Tovaluethemistoensuretheyhaveplatformstothrive.To enjoythemistotakepartinthericher,moreinclusive communitiestheybuild.Together,wantbecomeswill:a collectivedeterminationtoensurethatwomenleadersare notonlypresentbutcentraltoeducation'sfuture.
Conclusion:Valued,Enjoyed,andNeeded
Theriseofwomenleadersineducationisnotaccidental;it istheresultofgenerationsdemandingfairness,equity,and representation.Now,astheyshapeclassrooms,policies, andglobaleducationsystems,thewantfortheirleadership ismetwithaction.
Valuingtheircontributionsensurestheyarerecognizedand supported.Enjoyingtheirleadershipensurescommunities feelthejoyofinclusiveprogress.Aboveall,embracing womenleadersineducationensuresthatthefutureof learningisnotonlybrighterbutmorehuman,morejust, andmorehopefulforeveryone.
Women Leaders in Education: Answering
Athe World's Deepest Want
crossculturesandcenturies,humanityhas
alwayswantededucationthatuplifts, transforms,andequipspeopletobuildbetter futures.Buttheshapeofthateducationdependson wholeadsit.Today,morethanever,theworldwants andneedswomenleadersineducation.Notastokens, notasexceptions,butascentralfiguresshapingthe values,innovations,andresilienceoflearning systems.
Thiswantisnotabstract.Itisbornfromexperience, fromtherealizationthatwhenwomenleadin education,communitiesgrowstronger,studentsfeel seen,andinstitutionsbecomemoreadaptivetothe complexitiesofourage.Tovalueandenjoytheir contributionsistoembracethiswantasessentialto progressitself.
TheWantforBalanceandRepresentation
Forcenturies,womencarriedtheresponsibilityof nurturinglearnersathome,inclassrooms,in communitiesyetwereexcludedfrompositionsof authorityinschoolsanduniversities.Today'swantfor womenleadersarisesfromacollectiverecognition: leadershipwithoutrepresentationisincomplete.
Societywantsleaderswhoreflectthediversityofthe world,andeducationisnoexception.Representation isnotsymbolic;itshapespolicies,perspectives,and
priorities.Whengirlsseewomeninleadership,they areremindedthatleadershipisnotadistantdreambut areachablereality
TheWantforEmpathyinLeadership
Educationisnotonlyaboutdeliveringcontent;itis aboutcultivatingpeople.Andpeopleflourishwhere empathythrives.Communitiesincreasinglywant leaderswhocanunderstandtheemotional,cultural, andpersonaldimensionsoflearning.
Womenleadersoftenbringthisempathyintotheheart ofeducation.Theylisten,theybuildtrust,andthey nurtureenvironmentswherestudentsfeelsafeto explore.Tovaluethemistoseeempathyasstrength, notsoftness.Toenjoytheirleadershipistoparticipate incommunitieswherecompassionandhigh expectationswalkhandinhand.
TheWantforInnovationandChange
Theworldofeducationisshiftingundertheweightof digitaltransformation,globalcrises,andthedemand forskillsofthefuture.Withthis,societywantsleaders whocaninnovate,adapt,andreimaginethepurposeof schooling.
Womenleadersaredoingjustthatchampioning STEMeducationforgirls,drivingdigitalinclusion, andquestioningoutdatedsystemsthatnolongerserve
learners.Theirworkisnotoptional;itanswersthe wantforeducationthatkeepspacewithachanging world.
Communitiesenjoytheirleadershipbyembracingthe excitementofthesechanges,seeingclassroomsnotas staticspacesbutasevolvinghubsofcreativity.
TheWantforMentorshipandGrowth
Oneofthemosturgentwantsineducationtodayisthe desireformentorship.Studentsandyoungeducators alikeseekguideswhocaninspire,challenge,andwalk alongsidethem.Womenleadersoftentakethisroleto heart,investingnotonlyintheirinstitutionsbutin individualswhowillshapethefuture.
Valuingthiscontributionmeanscreatingstructures thatamplifymentorshipformalprograms,recognition systems,andspaceswhereknowledgecanbepassed on.Enjoyingitmeanstakingjoyintherippleeffect: watchinghowoneleader'smentorshipcanignite confidenceandleadershipinhundredsmore.
TheWanttoBreakBarriers
Evennow,womenineducationleadershipface barriersgenderbias,unequalpay,limitedaccesstotop roles.Butthewantfortheirleadershipisstrongerthan theseobstacles.Itisawantthatinsistseducationmust reflectjusticeaswellasknowledge.
Valuingwomenleadersrequiresaction:ensuring equityinopportunities,promotingfairpolicies,and creatingsafespacesforleadershiptoflourish. Enjoyingtheirleadershipmeanscelebratingevery victoryoverbiasandeverybarrierbrokennotas isolatedeventsbutasstepstowardamorejust educationallandscape.
TurningWantIntoAction
Wantaloneisnotenough;itmusttranslateinto practice.Herearewayscommunitiesandinstitutions cananswerthiswant:
• Elevatewomen'svoicesindecision-makingand policyforums.
• Investinprofessionaldevelopmenttoensure careerpathwaysareopenandfair
• Celebratecontributionspublicly,notquietly.
• Encourageculturalchange,whereleadership qualitieslikeempathy,collaboration,and resiliencearehonoredequallywithauthorityand control.
Whenwantbecomeswill,andwillbecomesaction, thevalueofwomenleadersisfullyrealized.
EnjoyingtheFulfillmentofThisWant
Toenjoywomen'sleadershipineducationisto embracetherichnessitbrings.Itistowitness classroomswherelearnersthriveunderinclusive models.Itistoparticipateinschoolswhere communitiesarewelcomed,notsidelined.Itistofeel prideinknowingthatthefutureisbeingshapedby leaderswhounderstandbothintellectandhumanity
Enjoymentheredoesnotmeanpassivesatisfactionit meansactivecelebration,gratitude,andengagement withthenewpossibilitieswomenleaderscreate.
TheWantThatShapestheFuture
Theworld'sdeepestwantineducationisnotsimply forknowledge,butforleadershipthatisinclusive, empathetic,andvisionary Womenleadersanswerthat want.Theyarereshapingclassrooms,policies,and entiresystemstoreflecttheneedsoflearnersandthe valuesofequityandjustice.
Tovaluethemistorecognizethateducationcannot advancewithoutthem.Toenjoytheirleadershipisto delightintheprogress,resilience,andhumanitythey bringtothefield.Andtocontinuewantingtheir presenceistoensurethefutureofeducationis brighter,morebalanced,andmorehopefulthanever before.
Women Leaders in Education: Valuing their Contributions
Educationhasalwaysbeenthefoundationofhuman progress,butbehindeverythrivingclassroom,school,or institutionliesaleaderwhoshapesitsvision. Increasingly,womenareattheforefrontofthistransformative field,bringingempathy,resilience,andinnovationtotheheartof learning.Whilehistoryoftenoverlookedtheircontributions,today theroleofwomenleadersineducationisnotonlyrecognizedbut celebrated.Understandinghowtovalueandenjoytheirleadership isessentialforbuildinginclusive,impactfuleducationalsystems forfuturegenerations.
ALegacyofLeadershipandResilience
Fromancientphilosopherstomodernreformers, educationhasalwayshadguidingfigures—but womenhaveoftenhadtofighthardertoclaimtheir place.TrailblazerslikeSavitribaiPhuleinIndia,who pioneerededucationforgirlsinthe19thcentury,and MaryMcLeodBethuneintheUnitedStates,who foundedschoolsforAfricanAmericanchildreninthe early20thcentury,exemplifytheresilienceandvision thatwomenbroughttothefield. Theirlegacycontinuesinthethousandsofwomen wholeadschools,universities,NGOs,andglobal educationinitiativestoday.Tovaluetheir contributions,wemustfirstrecognizethislong journey—acknowledgingtheobstaclestheyovercame andthestrengthrequiredtobreaksystemicbarriers.
LeadershipwithEmpathyandVision
Oneofthedefiningqualitieswomenbringto educationalleadershipisempathy Whiletraditional
leadershipmodelsoftenemphasizedauthorityand hierarchy,womenleadersfrequentlyprioritize collaboration,community-building,andholistic studentdevelopment.Thisshiftisnotonlyvaluable butnecessaryinarapidlychangingworldwhere educationmustaddresssocial-emotionallearning alongsideacademicachievement.
Totrulyenjoytheirleadership,educators,students, andcommunitiescanleanintothisempathy-driven model.Itfosterssupportiveenvironmentswhere learnersfeelheard,valued,andmotivated.By embracinginclusivity,womenleadersmakeeducation lessaboutrigidperformanceandmoreabouthuman growth.
DrivingInnovationinLearning
Womenleadersineducationarealsoattheforefront ofinnovation.Fromintegratingtechnologyin classroomstorethinkingcurriculumforthe21st century,theyarereimaginingwhatitmeanstoprepare studentsforthefuture.Forexample,leaders advocatingforSTEMeducationforgirlsarenotonly challengingstereotypesbutexpandingthetalent pipelineinfieldsoncedominatedbymen.
Valuingtheirworkmeansamplifyingthese innovationssharingsuccessstories,investingin programstheychampion,andensuringtheirideas receivethevisibilitytheydeserve.Communitiescan enjoythesecontributionsbyactivelyengagingwith newlearningmodels,celebratingexperimentation, andappreciatingtheboldnessittakestochange traditionalsystems.
MentorshipandRepresentation
Representationmattersdeeplyineducation.When younggirlsseewomeninleadershippositions whetherasprincipals,professors,orpolicy-makers theygainrolemodelswhoreflecttheirownpotential. Womenleadersoftenextendtheirimpactthrough
mentorship,guidingyoungereducatorsand encouragingstudentstopursueleadershipthemselves.
Tovaluethismentorship,schoolsandinstitutions shouldcreateplatformsthathighlightandrewardit. Communitiescanenjoytherippleeffectsby witnessingtheempowermentofnewgenerationswho believeleadershipisnotlimitedbygender
OvercomingChallengesTogether
Despitesignificantprogress,womenineducational leadershipstillfacechallengessuchasunequalpay, underrepresentationintopuniversitypositions,and culturalbiasesthatundervaluetheirauthority.Valuing theircontributionsrequiresmorethanrecognitionit requiresaction.
Institutionscansupportwomenleadersbyensuring equitableopportunities,providingleadershiptraining, andaddressingsystemicbarriers.Colleaguesand communitiescanenjoystronger,moreresilient educationsystemswhentheycommittoallyship standingbesidewomenleaders,respectingtheir perspectives,andcelebratingtheirsuccesseswithout hesitation.
HowtoValueWomenLeadersinEducation
Valuingwomenleadersbeginswithactive acknowledgmentoftheircontributionsandextends intoconsistentsupport.Practicalwaysinclude:
• Amplifyingtheirvoices:Sharetheirresearch, speeches,andachievementswidely.
• Institutionalsupport:Advocateforfair promotionpoliciesandresources.
• Respectincollaboration:Recognizetheir expertiseandcontributionsindecision-making processes.
• Celebrationofmilestones:Honortheir leadershipanniversaries,awards,orcommunity achievementspublicly.
Whenvalueisexpressedtangibly,itnotonlyuplifts individualleadersbutalsoreinforcesaculturewhere womeninleadershiparethenorm,nottheexception.
HowtoEnjoyTheirLeadership
Enjoyingtheleadershipofwomenineducationmeans embracingthepositivechangestheybring.It'sabout seeingthejoyincollaborativeclassrooms,celebrating moreinclusivecurricula,andtakingprideindiverse rolemodelswhoreflectsociety'srichness.
Communitiescanenjoythisleadershipby:
• Participatingininitiativesledbywomen educators.
• Celebratingculturalandsocialprogramsthey introduce.
• Takinginspirationfromtheirresilienceand applyingittoeverydaychallenges.
• Encouragingstudentstoseeeducationnotjustas anobligationbutasanadventureshapedby leaderswhocaredeeplyabouttheirgrowth.
BuildingaFutureTogether
Womenleadersineducationarenotonlychanging institutions;theyarechanginglives.Byleadingwith empathy,drivinginnovation,mentoringthenext generation,andbreakingbarriers,theyareredefining whatleadershiplookslikeinlearningspaces.
Tovaluetheirworkistorecognizethepowerof inclusionandequality.Toenjoytheirleadershipisto embracetherichnessitbringstoourcommunities richerclassrooms,strongerconnections,andbrighter futures.
Astheworldcontinuestoevolve,educationmust remainadaptable,compassionate,andvisionary. Womenleadersareguidingusthere,hourbyhour, stepbystep.Thebestwayforwardistonotonly acknowledgetheirleadershipbuttotrulycherishand celebrateit.
