The Power of the Tap — Mentorship, Balance & Leadership with Dr. Shawanna James-Coles

In this episode of Bold Women Collective Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Dr. Shawanna James-Coles, Director of Equity & Compliance at Lower Merion School District, for a powerful conversation about mentorship, leadership, and creating spaces where everyone belongs.From growing up in Philadelphia to becoming a district leader, Shawanna shares how the people who “tapped her on the shoulder” shaped her journey — and how those moments of belief can change the trajectory of a life.She reflects on the importance of representation, the responsibility of lifting others, and the reality of balancing leadership, family, and personal well-being.What you’ll learn:The power of mentorship and “the tap” that changes everythingWhy creating spaces of belonging transforms students and educatorsHow equity work impacts entire communitiesThe importance of balance in leadership and lifeWhy legacy is built through the people you lift along the wayShawanna’s message is clear: success isn’t just about what you achieve — it’s about who you bring with you.Recorded at AASA NEC