Building Communities w/ Dr. Ayana Allen-Handy

In this episode of Hofstra Campus Conversations, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Charles Riordan sits down with Dr. Ayana Allen-Handy, the newly appointed dean of Hofstra’s School of Education, to explore her journey, research, and vision for the future. From her beginnings as a first-grade teacher to her leadership in higher education, Dr. Allen-Handy shares how unexpected opportunities shaped her path—and why saying “yes” can open doors in powerful ways. She also discusses her groundbreaking Justice-Oriented Youth (JOY) Education Lab, where young people are empowered as researchers and community partners, tackling real-world challenges through collaboration, creativity, and joy. The conversation dives into the importance of community-engaged scholarship, the role of education in advancing equity, and how Hofstra’s strategic plan—Hofstra 100—creates new opportunities to strengthen partnerships across Long Island. Dr. Allen-Handy offers insight into her approach to leadership, emphasizing authentic relationship-building, interdisciplinary learning, and expanding pathways into STEAM fields.