How Dr. Luciana Gilmore Is Building a School to Change Cleveland

What does it take to build a school from the ground up in Cleveland? In this episode of Cleveland Pulse, host Edwin Hubbard Jr. sits down with Dr. Luciana Gilmore. She is an educator, entrepreneur, community advocate, and founder of Ford Girls Leadership Academy. Edwin and Dr GIlmore sit for a powerful conversation about purpose, faith, and creating equitable opportunities for Black girls in Cleveland.Dr. Luciana Gilmore shares her journey from more than 25 years in education to becoming a full-time entrepreneur, completing her doctorate, and turning a long-held vision into a real school set to open in August 2026. She also reflects on the inspiration behind Brown Boy Joy, the importance of positive self-image, and why Cleveland needs greater access to high-quality, affordable educational spaces for girls.This episode explores what it means to lead with conviction, build something bigger than yourself, and create pathways for the next generation. If you care about Cleveland community advocacy, economic equity in Ohio, Black leadership in Cleveland, civil rights, education access, and civic engagement, this conversation delivers both inspiration and a real call to action.You’ll hear:Dr. Gilmore’s roots in CMSD and her path into educationThe leap from principal to entrepreneurHow Brown Boy Joy grew into a national storyWhy Ford Girls Leadership Academy matters for Cleveland familiesThe vision for mentoring, family partnership, and student leadershipHow the community can support through mentorship, donations, and advocacyThis is a conversation for the doers—people who believe Cleveland’s future gets stronger when we invest in young Black leaders now.