Chicago Urban League’s Post

A Seat at the Table: Shaping the Future of Public Education Last week, I had the incredible honor of participating in a groundbreaking gathering of superintendents who are members of The Network of Distinguished Educators. Reflecting on this inaugural two-day meeting, I'm filled with profound gratitude and excitement for the future of public education in America. To say I felt blessed to be there would be an understatement. Imagine being in a room where the collective experience, wisdom, and passion for education was only surpassed by each individual's humility and hope for a brighter tomorrow! These leaders, each a powerhouse in their own right, came together with a shared vision: to positively impact public education across our nation. Having a seat at that table - not just to observe, but to actively contribute to shaping the organization's future direction and initiatives - was truly a "pinch me, I'm dreaming" moment. The energy in the room was palpable. Ideas were flying, challenges were being dissected, and innovative solutions were emerging in real-time. No one was disillusioned about the gravity of the work ahead, but what struck me most was the genuine commitment to making a difference. This wasn't about buzzwords or flashy initiatives. It was about rolling up our sleeves and tackling the real issues facing our schools, teachers, and most importantly, our students. As we wrapped up the second day, I couldn't help but feel a surge of hope. The road ahead in public education may have its challenges, but with leaders like these at the helm, and organizations committed to meaningful change, the future looks brighter than ever. To my fellow education enthusiasts out there, buckle up! We're in for an exciting ride. The work we've begun has the potential to create waves of positive change across the educational landscape. I'm beyond excited to see where this journey leads and grateful for the opportunity to play a small part in it. Here's to the future of public education – may it be as bright and promising as the students we serve! #EdChat #SuptChat #PublicEducation #EducationalLeadership #FutureOfLearning #GratefulHeart

How do we even begin to define success in the role of a dean? 🤔 In this month's newsletter with Women in BizEd, I explore this question and share how I deal with the pressure of it all! 🌸 📚 Read more here! --> https://lnkd.in/gBAHmMAU

honoring the past is an amazing platform to step into a sustainable future connecting to the values that matter most what makes life worth living today. in reflecting on how the Brooklyn Museum honors the Lenape and how Colgate honored the Oneida nation i contemplate how i am honoring the lands where i’ve lived, the deep history, under my feet as i walk today, the pride and enduring history of prior people, the Caribs and Arawaks of Jamaica. we’re not the first on these lands, we too will be history to some future state, and if we are kind to each other, and the Earth all around, we might leave something meaningful for future peoples. in your work on projects, to get to Q4 goals, as you work with those on your team, your leaders and clients, how are you creating an enduring legacy today? what artifacts will they find on which you left your mark?

This is how you make a net that works

**COUNTRY female leaders share their career journeys with Illinois State University student athletes in Community Leaders Series** COUNTRY is committed to giving back to the community and helping develop the next generation of talent. In 2025, COUNTRY is partnering with Illinois State University Athletics (ISU) to foster career growth for student-athletes through a variety of activities including panel discussions, CEO chats, volunteer opportunities and more. Lindsey Rinkenberger, Director of Commercial Agribusiness Underwriting Operations, and Erin Klein, ChFC®, CLU®, Director of Life/Health Administrative Operations, sat down with ISU track and field athlete Mattison Plummer to share their experience as female leaders at COUNTRY, as well as their tips for taking risks, building confidence and balancing work and life while leading successful teams. Watch the video at https://lnkd.in/dZsFRXpy

Are You Poised to Grow? Using a Growth Planning Decision-Making Framework to Eliminate the Guesswork Join me! Wednesday July 3, 10:30 - 11:30, NCSC24 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. We'll share tools and explore how to bring a bit more ease and clarity to hard decisions about growth. What better way to head into the holiday weekend....? https://lnkd.in/eFsM5aJ3 #growthplanning #leadwell

For those considering a career in higher education.

If you have been thinking about getting your EdD, check out this program!

In the spirit of celebrating our accomplishments, let's reflect on the milestones we've achieved personally and professionally. Every goal reached propels us toward greater success. What recent achievements are you proud of? And more importantly, what valuable lessons did these successes teach you? Share your stories and insights; together, we can inspire continued growth and ambition.