EDUP Xcelerated Excellence

Our guests, Dr. E. M. Nuñez and Malik Harouna, are Assistant Director for Scholar Support & Educational Access at San FrancisBay University (SFBU) (SFBU Scholars Program) and Chief Technical Officer (CTO) for Aline, respectively. Dr. Nuñez (they/them) is a higher education and nonprofit leader with over 15 years of experience advancing equity-driven programs for first-generation, low-income, and historicallyunderrepresented students. With a doctorate in Educational Leadership from California State University Long Beach, their work centers on decolonizing educational practices and building culturally relevant pathways to college access and student success. Their mission is to motivate others through collaboration and authenticity to build communities grounded in humility and reciprocity, where people, regardless of background or zip code, feel empowered to live fully and overcome systemic barriers. Dr. Nuñez has led cross-functional teams, managed large-scale programs and budgets, and directed initiatives in college access,undergraduate research, and student affairs at institutions and nonprofits across the country. They bring a holistic, student-centered, and justice-focused lens to every space they serve. Malik Harouna is a Startup Scholar at San Francisco Bay University and Co-founder and CTO of ALINE a professional networking app that finds you the hidden connections in your direct proximity 24/7.   Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠  Sponsor NAESP.  National School Leaders Conference–Powered by NAESP is designed for Pre-K–12 principals and assistant principals, featuring high-impact learning tracks, networking, andthe newly added "Camp Lead-A-Lot" retreat. Held July 13-15,2026, Orlando, FL, learn more and register at naespconferenence.org.  Resources: EDUP The Experience San Francisco Bay University Start Up Scholars Aline  Greeting:  Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez Research Assistant: Emma Worthington #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY #Startup #XEListeningTour

Our guest, Dr. Maylén R.R. Sullivan, is the 2026 SWCOLT and California Language Teacher of the Year. A passionate trilingual educator originally from Cuba, she serves as the Coronado Unified School District World Language Teacher on Special Assignment (ToSA), where she leads K-12 professional development and shapes the department's vision.  Sullivan believes language is a powerful vehicle for problem solving and civic engagement — empowering students to servetheir communities, contribute meaningfully to the world around them, and take action on issues that matter. Her instruction motivates students to connect with new cultures, analyze authentic texts, engage in high-level academic discussions, and use their linguistic skills to address real-world challenges.  Sullivan's work has significantly increased the number of students receiving the Seal of Biliteracy and earning travel scholarships. A Certified Leadership Coach with a PhD in Leadership Studies from the University of San Diego, Dr. Sullivan has 16 years of teaching experience and a decade of instructional leadership, facilitating workshops for educators locally and nationally.  Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD,PMP⁠⁠  Sponsor NAESP.  National School LeadersConference–Powered by NAESP is designed for Pre-K–12 principals and assistant principals, featuring high-impact learning tracks, networking, and the newly added "Camp Lead-A-Lot" retreat. Held July 13-15, 2026, Orlando, FL, learn more and register at naespconferenence.org.  Resources: EDUP The Experience CALanguage Teacher’s Association (CLTA)World Language Summer Seminar  Greeting:  Dr. Rosa Rivera-McCutchen Research Assistant: Emma Worthington #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY #TOTY#XEListeningTour

Our Guest, Tiffani Jaseph, is a dedicated special education professional with 16 years of teaching experience. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Special Education from the University of Arizona.Driven by her passion for children, Ms. Jaseph began her career in general education but soon realized her true calling in special education and made the transition to that field. Throughout her career, Ms. Jaseph has worked in three school districts. At the Sunnyside Unified School District, she taught in an extended-day special education program for fourth and fifth graders. In this role, she provided specially designed instruction while also supporting students' needs in the general education environment. In Yuma, Arizona, she worked in a special education resource setting, where she facilitated intervention groups for students from kindergarten through sixth grade. Currently, Ms. Jaseph teaches at Copper View Elementary School in Sahuarita, Arizona, where she focuses on accommodating students with higher support needs. For grades kindergarten through fifth, she is committed toincluding her students in the general education environment whenever possible while ensuring that her classroom is accessible for both academic and social-emotional development. Her classroom emphasizes inclusive, strengths-based instruction tailored to diverse learning styles. Ms. Jaseph has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including being named Teacher of the Year at both her Yuma and Sahuarita sites, a finalist for Sahuarita District Teacher of the Year, and most recently, she was named Arizona Teacher of the Year for 2026.  Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠  Sponsor NAESP.  National School Leaders Conference–Powered by NAESP is designed for Pre-K–12 principals andassistant principals, featuring high-impact learning tracks, networking, and the newly added "Camp Lead-A-Lot" retreat. Held July 13-15, 2026, Orlando, FL, learn more and register at naespconferenence.org.  Resources: EDUP The Experience  Greeting:  Dr. Rosa Rivera-McCutchen Research Assistant: Emma Worthington #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY #TOTY#XEListeningTour

Our Guests, Ed Alvarez and Dr. Cheryl Ingram, are Executive and Executive Deputy Directors, respectively, of the Silicon Valley Equity in Education Institute (SVEEI). Ed’s education experience spans the past 25 years, including roles as President and Board Chair of The National Hispanic University, The Foundation for Hispanic Education, and the Latino Education Advancement Foundation. Currently, he serves on the board of English Together and is President of the San Francisco Bay University Education Learning.  Dr. Cheryl Ingram, known as Dr. CI, is a nationally recognized DEI strategist, entrepreneur, and filmmaker with over 20 years of experience transforming organizations through data-driven equity design. She is the CEO of Inclusology, a consulting and analytics firm that has partnered with companies such as Netflix, Uber, Foursquare, and the University of Washington to build sustainable and measurable DEI systems. In this episode profiling the Silicon Valley Equity in Education Institute (SVEEI), we discuss efforts to close educational and economic equity gaps by connecting underserved communities to pathways in technology and innovation.    Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠  Sponsor NAESP.  National School Leaders Conference–Powered by NAESP is designed for Pre-K–12 principals and assistant principals, featuring high-impact learning tracks, networking, and the newly added "Camp Lead-A-Lot" retreat. Held July 13-15, 2026, Orlando, FL, learn more and register at naespconferenence.org.  Resources: EDUP The Experience  Greeting:  Dr. Rosa Rivera-McCutchen Research Assistant: Emma Worthington#EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY#XEListeningTour

Our Guest, Dr. Terrance McNeil, is a tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Practice and Leadership at Tennessee State University, where he serves as Program Coordinator of the Higher Education Leadership Ed.D. program. With over 20 years of experience in K-12 and higher education, his work centers on equitable educator preparation, leadership development, and expanding access for underrepresented groups.  Dr. McNeil is a Faculty Innovation Fellow at StanfordUniversity and has worked extensively with the National Science Foundation to support underrepresented groups in STEM. As Chair of the AACTE HBCU Topical Action Group and Holmes Scholar Coordinator at TSU, he advocates for equitable teacher preparation and school leadership practices. He is alsochair of the Public Education Committee for the American Bar Association’s State & Local Government Section.  Dr. McNeil was the inaugural recipient of the White House Initiative on HBCUs competitiveness award. In 2025, he washonored as the Higher Education Educator of the Year by the Our HBCUs Matter Foundation for his impactful contributions to education and mentorship.   Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠  Sponsor: Patriox oxygenated water. Drinking Patriox helps oxygenate the body, promoting overall health, energy, and vitality. Receive a 10% discount on your next purchase with the code EDUPXE. Resources: EDUP The ExperienceThe Xcelerated Excellence Future Teacher Award https://www.edupxe.com/xcelerated-excellence-future-teacher-award-2025-2026/EDUP Xcelerated ExcellenceAACTE HBCU TAGAACTE Holmes Scholars  Greeting:  Dr. Rosa Rivera-McCutchen Research Assistant: Emma Worthington#EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY#XEListeningTour #HBCUs

Our Guest, Dr. Taha Duri, is a figure in the fields of architecture and design. Currently, he serves as the “Dean of the College of Design” at the American University in the Emirates (AUE). He has a rich academic background and extensive professional experience in architecture, interior design, and the built environment. Professor Duri earned a Ph.D. in Architecture from the Universityof Pennsylvania and a Master of Science in Architecture from Pennsylvania State University. He has over 20 years of teaching experience across various disciplines including architecture and health sciences. Prior to his current position, he was involved in establishing academic programs in architectural engineering and interior design in the UAE. As a published author and artist, he has contributed articles to various international journals and has held art exhibitions in major cities like New York, London, and Dubai. As Dean of the College of Design at the American University in the Emirates, Professor Duri is responsible for curriculum development and academic leadership at the American University in the Emirates, focusing on innovative educational practices in design. He has provided editorial contributions to notable publications such as the New York Times and Architectural Digest. Professor Duri continues to engage in artistic projects, with some of his works included in prestigious collections. Professor Taha Duri is recognized not only for his academic contributions but also for his role in shaping the future ofdesign education in the region. His approach blends architectural theory with practical applications, preparing students for challenges in the contemporary built environment.  Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠  Sponsor: Patriox oxygenated water. Drinking Patriox helps oxygenate the body, promoting overall health, energy, and vitality. Receive a 10% discount on your next purchase with the code EDUPXE. Resources: EDUP The ExperienceThe Xcelerated Excellence Future Teacher Award https://www.edupxe.com/xcelerated-excellence-future-teacher-award-2025-2026/EDUP Xcelerated Excellence  Greeting:  Dr. Rosa Rivera-McCutchen Research Assistant: Emma Worthington#EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY#XEListeningTour

Our Guest, Dr. Brad Fuster, is Provost and Vice President, Academic and Student Affairs at San Francisco Bay University and Host of EdUp Innovation. Brad Fuster has extensive experience in higher education leadership. As a respected music professor and academic leader, Fuster brings deep expertise in academicaffairs, enrollment management, international program management, and technological innovation to SFBU. He has held key leadership positions at SUNY Buffalo State University where he was a Vice President, and at Keuka College (NY), where he served as provost and intermittently as acting president, managing a substantial institutional budget and leading numerous academic campus-wide initiatives. During his tenure at Keuka College, Fuster led sweeping advancements in experiential learning, new program development, general education revision, international growth strategies, and led a successful Middle States reaffirmation. He significantly improved student retention and success by demonstrating his strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as helped stabilize institutional finances through grantsmanship and innovation. As an expert in higher education, Fuster has published numerous articles and book chapters and presented at national and international higher education conferences by special invitation. He has wrote about higher education under contract for US News & World Report.  Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠  Sponsor: Patriox oxygenated water. Drinking Patriox helps oxygenate the body, promoting overall health, energy, and vitality. Receive a 10% discount on your next purchase with the code EDUPXE. Resources: EDUP The ExperienceXcelerated Exellence Future Teacher Award Greeting:  Anna Young Research Assistant: Emma Worthington#EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY#XEListeningTour

Our Guest, Prince Johnson, a 26-year veteran educator, is the 2026 New York State Teacher of the Year as well as the 2025 Gilder Lehrman New York History Teacher of the Year. A passionate advocate for career and technical education (CTE) and a leader in sustainability, he teaches social studies at Food and Finance High School in New York City and serves on the NYCPS Climate Education Leadership Team.  His drive as an educator was shaped by the injustices he observed while teaching on Rikers Island. Today, he developscross-curricular projects that unite history, culinary arts, and environmental stewardship. He encourages students to apply their skills and voices to create stronger, more equitable communities, always with the goal of empowering every student to realize their full potential. Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ Sponsor: Patriox oxygenated water. Drinking Patriox helps oxygenate the body, promoting overall health, energy, and vitality. Receive a 10% discount on your next purchase with the code EDUPXE. Resources: EDUP The ExperienceFood and Finance High School Greeting:  Anna Young Research Assistant: Emma Worthington#EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY#XEListeningTour

Our Guest, Prince Johnson, a 26-year veteran educator, is the 2026 New York State Teacher of the Year as well as the 2025 Gilder Lehrman New York History Teacher of the Year. A passionate advocate for career and technical education (CTE) and a leader in sustainability, he teaches social studies at Food and Finance High School in New York City and serves on the NYCPS Climate Education Leadership Team.  His drive as an educator was shaped by the injustices he observed while teaching on Rikers Island. Today, he develops cross-curricular projects that unite history, culinary arts, and environmental stewardship. He encourages students to apply their skills and voices to create stronger, more equitable communities, always with the goal of empowering every student to realize their full potential. Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠  Sponsor: Patriox oxygenated water.Drinking Patriox helps oxygenate the body, promoting overall health, energy, and vitality. Receive a 10% discount on your next purchase with the code EDUPXE. Resources: EDUP The Experience Greeting:  Anna Young Research Assistant: Emma Worthington#EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY #XEListeningTour

Engage in the hashtag#XEListeningTour. Listen to and reflect on a voice that is often overlooked in your community surrounding educational excellence or equity.Share your perspective via voicemail at edupxe.com.

Our Guest, Dr. Jennifer Young Wallace, is a tenured Associate Professor/Coordinator of the. Doctoral Program-Educational Leadership for the College of Education at Jackson State University, a Tier II research university, where she presently serves as JSU Faculty Senate President. Dr. Wallace served as national President 2025-2026 for the Association of Teacher Educators (ATE), making history as the first president who is an alumnus of and employed at an HBCU. She is the 5th African American president in the 105-year history of the organization. She travels over the United States as keynote speaker for national conferences, baccalaureate exercises, organizations’ initiatives and others. She will be presenting her research on Critical Race Theory in America in Dublin, Ireland, representing the United States as ATE President. Wallace is the president of the Capital Area Sunset Rotary Club, where she is a charter member, and is having her second round as president. She is a product of Holmes County and graduated from SV Marshall High School in 1987 as Valedictorian.  Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠  Sponsor: Patriox oxygenated water. Drinking Patriox helps oxygenate the body, promoting overall health, energy, and vitality. Receive a 10% discount on your next purchase with the code EDUPXE. Resources: EDUPThe Experience Greeting: Nicholas Hartlep Research Assistant: Emma Worthington#EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY

Our Guest, Dr. Jennifer Young Wallace, is a tenured Associate Professor/Coordinator of the. Doctoral Program-Educational Leadership for the College of Education at Jackson State University, a Tier II research university, where she presently serves as JSU Faculty Senate President. Dr. Wallace served as national President 2025-2026 for the Association of Teacher Educators (ATE), making history as the first president who is an alumnus of and employed at an HBCU. She is the 5th African American president in the 105-year history of theorganization. She travels over the United States as keynote speaker for national conferences, baccalaureate exercises, organizations’ initiatives and others.She will be presenting her research on Critical Race Theory in America in Dublin, Ireland, representing the United States as ATE President. Wallace is the president of the Capital Area Sunset Rotary Club, where she is a charter member, and is having her second round as president. She is a product of Holmes County and graduated from SV Marshall High School in 1987 as Valedictorian.  Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠  Sponsor: Patriox oxygenated water. Drinking Patriox helps oxygenate the body, promoting overall health, energy, and vitality. Receive a 10% discount on your next purchase with the code EDUPXE. Resources: EDUP The Experience Greeting: Nicholas Hartlep Research Assistant: Emma Worthington#EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY

Our Guest, Dr. Larry J. Walker, is an Associate Professor and Doctoral Program Coordinator at the University of Central Florida. Previously, he held faculty appointments at Howard University and Loyola University Maryland. His research focused on leadership, policy, and racism. In addition, he served as the Legislative Director for former Congressman Major R. Owens and selected as a Congressional Fellow with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. Dr. Walker is a political commentator who appears regularly on Roland Martin Unfiltered and Fox 35 Orlando. He has also appeared on Live NOW from Fox, Fox Business among other national and regional platforms. Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ Sponsor: Patriox oxygenated water. Drinking Patriox helps oxygenate the body, promoting overall health, energy, and vitality. Receive a 10% discount on your next purchase with the code EDUPXE. Resources: EDUP The Experience Greeting: Nicholas Hartlep Research Assistant: Emma Worthington#EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY

Our Guest, Awad Ibrahim, is full professor, Vice-Provost, Equity, Diversity and Inclusive Excellence and holder of the Air Canada Professorship on Anti-Racism. He is a curriculum theorist with special interest in economy of hospitality (Derrida), cultural studies, Hip-Hop, youth and Black popular culture, social foundations (i.e., philosophy, history and sociology of education), social justice and community service learning, diasporic and continental African identities, ethnography and applied linguistics. With more than 100 publications, he has researched and published widely in these areas. Professor Ibrahim obtained his PhD from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto (OISE), and has been with the Faculty of Education at the University of Ottawa since 2007. Before that, he taught at Bowling Green State University in Ohio (U.S.). His immediate projects involve the Black experience on Canadian university campuses, equity policy in Ontario and the daily struggle of 'becoming a citizen' in Canada. Among his most recent books, Disruptive learning narrative framework: Analyzing race, power and privilege in post-secondary international service learning (2023); Nuances of Blackness in the Canadian academy: Teaching, learning, and researching while Black (2022); Black immigrants in North America: Essays on race, immigration, identity, language, Hip-Hop, pedagogy, and the politics of becoming Black (2022); Black immigrants in the United States: Essays on the politics of race, language, and voice (2020). For high school students, he is known as Dr. Dre. In this episode he poses the question, “Why was it so easy for Donald Trump to erase DEI policy with the stroke of a pen?” Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD,PMP⁠⁠ Co-Host: Dr. Pinkie Mthembu  Sponsor: Patriox oxygenated water. Drinking Patriox helps oxygenate the body, promoting overall health, energy, and vitality. Receive a 10% discount on your next purchase with the code EDUPXE. Resources: EDUP The Experience Culture Race and Intersectionality NetworkInternational Congress of School Effectiveness and Improvement (ICSEI)  Greeting: Nicholas Hartlep#EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY

The Thesis (The Why):Listening is more than hearing—it's the engine of transformation. When leaders truly listen, they unlock hidden insights and spark meaningful change. The power of listening turns quiet voices into catalysts for excellence and equity.In education, it’s tempting to equate a lack of objections with unity. But real leaders know: Listening isn’t passive. It’s a proactive, essential skill—one that uncovers stories, insights, and solutions in the quietest corners of our schools and classrooms.The loudest voices shouldn’t set the agenda. True educational excellence and equity require us to seek out those seldom heard—the students, teachers, and families whose experiences are too often left out of the conversation.That’s why we’re launching the EDUP Xcelerated Excellence Podcast Campaign— our XE Listening Tour—a journey dedicated to amplifying every voice, especially those that challenge our assumptions.This week, intentionally seek out and listen to a quiet voice—a student, colleague, or parent—for at least ten minutes.Reflect on what you’ve learned about educational excellence or equity from their story.Record your experience and insights via voicemail at edupxe.com. Your contribution may be featured on air during the podcast.Tune in to and join the #XEListeningTour as we xcelerate educational excellence and equity—one conversation at a time. We look forward to hearing your voice!Challenge for Educators:Tune in to and join the #XEListeningTour as we xcelerate educational excellence and equity—one conversation at a time. We look forward to hearing your voice!Are you listening?

Our Guest, Alicia Harper, is a Superintendent at Achievement First. She is a turnaround strategist, and LinkedIn content creator known for her exceptional leadership in school transformation.  As a former principal, she led a turnaround school where math and reading proficiency rose from ~30% to over 90%, and staff favorability jumped from 47% to 95%, ranking #1 on Org Health Surveys during her tenure. More importantly, together with her team, she built a school where students felt happy and empowered, and their identities are affirmed because joy and rigor co-exist in every classroom.  With 15+ years in urban education, she’s celebrated for her innovative strategies and commitment to positive learning environments.  Alicia holds degrees from Columbia University and completed the Relay National Principal Fellowship. Trained in emotionally intelligent leadership by The Noble Story Group, she inspires change across her network.  Outside of work, she enjoys Brooklyn life with her husband and three sons. Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ Sponsor: The 2.0 Conferences.Register for the 2026 2.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.   Your choice of the 2.0 Conferences include: CXO 2.0, Education 2.0,  Health 2.0, Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference. Sponsor: Patriox oxygenated water. Drinking Patriox helps oxygenate the body, promoting overall health, energy, and vitality. Receive a 10% discount on your next purchase with the code EDUPXE. Resources: EDUP The Experience Greeting: Eric Almonte Research Assistant: Emma Worthington#EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY

Our Guest, Dr. Marvin Lynn, Dean of the School of Education & Human Development (SEHD) at the University of Colorado Denver, has enjoyed a robust career as a teacher, scholar, public university administrator, and artist. SEHD is a statewide and national leader for education quality and access across the education and human development lifespan. It is the largest graduate school of its kind in Colorado and is highly regarded for its high-quality academic programs that demonstrate evidence of a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Dr. Lynn earned his bachelor’s in Elementary Education from DePaul University in Chicago and a master’s in Curriculum & Teaching from Teachers College-Columbia University. He started his career as an elementary teacher in New York City Public Schools and Chicago Public Schools. He went on to earn his PhD in Race and Ethnic Studies in Education from University of California, Los Angeles. Before his arrival at CU Denver in June of 2022, he served as dean and professor of education at Portland State University and Indiana University South Bend. Dean Lynn is one of the most highly cited researchers in the nation. His research focuses on race, education, the work and lives of Black male educators, and best practices for advancing teacher diversity in the United States. Dr. Lynn is quoted regularly in local, national, and international news stories. His research has been recognized by the American Educational Research Association, and the University of the Free State in South Africa. At the national level, he has served as an Executive Board Member of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) and currently serves on the Boards of Directors for the Carnegie Project for the Education Doctorate (CPED), and the National Association of Community College Teacher Education Programs (NACCTEP). At the state level, Dean Lynn serves as the Co-Chair for the Colorado Deans of Colleges of Education (CCODE) and is the inaugural Chair of the Colorado Educator Preparation Advisory (CPEAC). CPEAC is part of Colorado statute. Dr. Lynn is also an accomplished singer—performing in a variety of genres including classical and gospel. He has performed with the Oregon Symphony Orchestra, Annapolis Opera Company, the Soul Children of Chicago, Rev. Clay Evans, the Fellowship Baptist Church, and others. He is the founder of the South Shore Opera Company of Chicago where he has also performed regularly.  Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ Sponsor: The 2.0 Conferences. Register for the 2026 2.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.   Your choice of the 2.0 Conferences include: CXO 2.0, Education 2.0,  Health 2.0, Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference. Sponsor: Patriox oxygenated water. Drinking Patriox helps oxygenate the body, promoting overall health, energy, and vitality. Receive a 10% discount on your next purchase with the code EDUPXE. Resources: EDUP The Experience Greeting: Eric Almonte Research Assistant: Emma Worthington #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY

Listen! Are you listening? This is Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP, host of the EDUP Xcelerated Excellence podcast where we seek to advance educational excellence and equity. What if the key to educational excellence isn't just what we teach, but how well we listen?Listening isn't just about hearing words—it's about understanding perspectives, building trust, and creating spaces where every voice matters. When educators truly listen to students, families, and communities, we unlock pathways to excellence and equity that transform lives.Join us as we engage with thought leaders, practitioners, andchange makers who are advancing educational excellence through authentic and meaningful dialogue.Tune in to EDUP Xcelerated Excellence—because when we listen, we learn, and when we learn together, we create lasting change.

Our Guest, Bryce Jhourdyn Thompson, is an educator, mentor, and emerging school leader committed to creating equitable, student-centered learning environments. He began my journey in education as a Future Teachers of Excellence Fellow (Cohort ’21), where he developed a strong foundation in culturally responsive teaching and a deep commitment to uplifting the communities he serves. In 2025, he had the honor of speaking at the Black Men in Education Convening (BMEC), an experience that further shaped his perspective on representation, leadership, and the power of authentic storytelling within the profession. Bryce recounts, “Sharing my voice at BMEC strengthened my commitment to advocating for spaces where students and educators feel seen, valued, and supported.”  He currently pursuing certification in Elementary Education and Social Studies, along with his master’s degree, as part of his long-term goal to transition into school leadership. Bryce’s work is guided by a vision of building strong school cultures, expanding youth mentorship opportunities, and advocating for mental health supports that center the well-being of students. At his core, he driven by community and purpose. Bryce’s goal is to be a consistent, positive presence, a leader who inspires trust, champions opportunity, and helps create schools where every student has the chance to thrive. Bryce shares, “I seeeducation as both a responsibility and a calling, and I’m committed to using my voice, my story, and my leadership to make a meaningful impact.” Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ Sponsor: The 2.0 Conferences. Register for the 2026 2.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.   Your choice of the 2.0 Conferences include: CXO 2.0, Education 2.0,  Health 2.0, Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference. Sponsor: Patriox oxygenated water. Drinking Patriox helps oxygenate the body, promoting overall health, energy, and vitality. Receive a 10% discount on your next purchase with the code EDUPXE. Resources: EDUP The ExperienceThe Center for Black Educator Development St Ignatious Loyola Academy Greeting: Jamal Watson Research Assistant: Emma Worthington #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY

Our Guest, Marlene Megos, is the founder and CEO of Equate Education, a data-driven platform supporting educator preparation programs with a focus on residency and apprenticeships. With over 30 years of experience from classroom to state level educational leadership, she developed and led one of Connecticut’s first residency and registered teacher apprenticeship programs, raising over $4.2 million dollars and serving over 120 new educators. Marlene’s work focuses on solving the educator shortage by streamlining candidate tracking, mentorship, and certification processes through innovative data tools. She also provides fractional leadership and strategic support to schools and nonprofits through FractionalED Partners.  Marlene is passionate about creating sustainable pathways for aspiring educators, rethinking staffing models, and building communities of practice that foster long-term retention and success. She is blessed by a large family and twin high school aged daughters, Morgan and Avery, and fills any remaining time with a love for the outdoors and movement!  Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ Sponsor: The 2.0 Conferences. Register for the 2026 2.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.   Your choice of the 2.0 Conferences include: CXO 2.0, Education 2.0,  Health 2.0, Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference. Sponsor: Patriox oxygenated water. Drinking Patriox helps oxygenate the body, promoting overall health, energy, and vitality. Receive a 10% discount on your next purchase with the code EDUPXE. Resources: EDUPThe ExperienceGreeting: Jamal Watson Research Assistant: Emma Worthington #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY

Our Guest, Anna Young,  founder of Sunnyside Literacy Lab, started her career with Teach for America and has worked in education as a humanities teacher, special educator, and academic interventionist. She currently supervises graduate students at CUNY Hunter College.  She earned a B.A. in Political Science from McGill University and an M.S. in Adolescent Special Education from CUNY Hunter College. She is certified in the Orton-Gillingham method, a structured literacy approach to reading instruction.  In 2024, she founded Sunnyside Literacy Lab. The mission of Sunnyside Literacy Lab is to provide accessible, high-quality educational services directly to families and empower families to support their children outside of school.  Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ Sponsor: The 2.0 Conferences. Register for the 2026 2.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.   Your choice of the 2.0 Conferences include: CXO 2.0, Education 2.0,  Health 2.0, Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference. Sponsor: Patriox oxygenated water. Drinking Patriox helps oxygenate the body, promoting overall health, energy, and vitality. Receive a 10% discount on your next purchase with the code EDUPXE. Resources: EDUP The ExperienceGreeting: Jamal Watson Research Assistant: Emma Worthington #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY

Our Guest, Dr. Christopher Bonn, is President and CEO of BonFire Leadership Solutions. He is a celebrated educator, leadership coach, author, college professor, and musician. With over 35 years of experience, he has led institutional turnarounds, inspired educators worldwide, and createdculturally resonant music that spans languages and borders. As a Tribal Adjudication Certified Professional, Dr. Bonn is a trusted advisor to Navajo Nation, White Mountain Apache, San Carlos Apache, Pascua Yaqui, Lipan Apache, and Tohono O’odham school systems. He guides these and other rural districts—such as those in Rio Rancho, New Mexico—through Continuous School Improvement Plans, One Plan implementation, Cognia Accreditation, and exiting academic and financial sanctions. His deep preference is to serve tribal and rural school districts, where his leadership strengthens academics, human resources, and organizationalefficiency. Dr. Bonn’s global footprint includes extensive work in Mexico, Latin America, Canada, Puerto Rico, Great Britain, Portugal, Spain, Ireland, Poland, and Israel, where his culturally informedleadership and training have shaped educational strategies across diverse contexts.Building on this foundation, Dr. Bonn has been recently invited to speak in China, Thailand, Ireland, and Dubai in the upcoming months, further expanding his international reach and influence as a keynote speaker and advisor. As a bilingual innovator in AI EdTech, Dr. Bonn has contributed to the development of tools for Special Education and English Language Acquisition, integrating AI, machine learning, and automation to expand access and effectiveness. Concurrently, he serves as a college professor, mentoring future educators and amplifying his impact through teaching and training. Through BonFire Leadership Solutions, Dr. Bonn continues to empower tribal nations, rural school districts, and international institutions, weaving cultural awareness with transformativeleadership. Whether in Arizona, Alaska, or across the globe, his work embodies the principle that every community deserves academic equity, inspired leadership, and a lasting legacy of success.  Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ Sponsor: The 2.0 Conferences.Register for the 2026 2.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.   Your choice of the 2.0 Conferences include: CXO 2.0, Education 2.0,  Health 2.0, Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference.Resources: EDUP The ExperienceXcelerated Excellence ConsultingGreeting: Joel Nomdarkham Research Assistant: Emma Worthington #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY 

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Our Guest, Michelle Maslowski, MBA, CFRE, is Managing Director, Carter. With over 15 years of experience as a senior development leader in the nonprofit sector, Michelle, has a proven track record of developing and executing high-impactfundraising strategies that result in transformational gifts and long-term donor engagement.  As Managing Director at Carter, Michelle specializes in building and enhancing fundraising programs that drive sustainable growth and long-term success for nonprofits. She brings deep expertise in major gifts, planned and annual giving, and in building successful grateful patient and alumni programs—helping organizations cultivate, solicit, and steward high-impact donors to maximize philanthropic support. Her experience in strategic planning ensures that organizations have clear, actionable roadmaps to achieve their fundraising and mission-driven goals. Michelle also provides campaign planning guidance, assisting nonprofits in launching and executing capital, comprehensive, and special fundraising initiatives. Additionally, she supports board engagement, helping nonprofit boards strengthen their partnership in philanthropy and overall impact on the organization’s success. Most recently, Michelle served as the Associate Vice President, Individual Philanthropy for Moffitt Cancer Center, providing oversight and direction for the principal gifts, major gifts, and planned and annual giving programs, as well as advancing theFoundation’s 10-year strategic plan. In addition, Michelle has held key leadership roles in two highly successful comprehensive campaigns, including Drexel University’s $455 million "Dream It. Do It. Drexel. A Campaign for the Future."and Jefferson Health’s $1 billion "Reimagine: The Campaign for Jefferson." Her experience in managing large-scale fundraising initiatives, donor engagement strategies, and campaign execution positions her as a trusted advisor for organizations seeking to strengthen their philanthropic efforts.  Michelle holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in business administration from Drexel University. While at Drexel, Michelle was a standout basketball player. When she graduated, she was Drexel’s all-time leading scorer, with over 1,900 points scored, and still ranks as Drexel’s second all-time leading scorer. She then played basketball professionally throughout Europe for 10 years. Michelle and her husband, Joe, live in Bradenton, Florida. She enjoys traveling, Pilates, yoga, biking, and anything outdoors. Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ Sponsor: The 2.0 Conferences.Register for the 2026 2.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.   Your choice of the 2.0 Conferences include: CXO 2.0, Education 2.0,  Health 2.0, Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference.Resources: EDUP The Experience Greeting: Joel Nomdarkham Research Assistant: Emma Worthington #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY

Our Guest, Kalebe Easley, is a youth sports performance coach, entrepreneur, and founder of Prime Evolution Fitness & Sports Performance, one of the fastest-rising athletic development programs in Southern California. Based in Orange County, Kalebe specializes in speed, agility, strength, and sport-specific performance for athletes across football, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, and more. A former collegiate athlete with over 24 years of combined athletic and coaching experience, Kalebe holds advanced certifications in personal training, corrective exercise, flexibility, and balance training through NASM. His coaching philosophy centers on the belief that athleticism is a skill, and with the right combination of time, information, and consistency, any athlete can transform their game. Kalebe has helped athletes at every level—from youth standouts and travel-ball players to high-level competitors including MLS Next, LA Galaxy Academy, NTIS USA Baseball, and top-tier high school programs. His athletes are known for becoming faster, more adaptable, more confident, and more prepared for the demands of their sport. Beyond coaching, Kalebe is an innovator building a brand rooted in excellence, discipline, and opportunity. His company is expanding into media, training systems, and future facility growth, with a mission to create elite performance environments for the next generation of athletes. Driven, intentional, and deeply passionate about athlete development, Kalebe is dedicated to helping young athletes evolve not just in sports, but in life. Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ Sponsor: The 2.0 Conferences.Register for the 2026 2.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.   Your choices of the 2.0 Conferences include: CXO2.0, Education 2.0,  Health 2.0, Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference.Resources: EDUP The ExperienceXcelerated Excellence Consulting Greeting: Joel Nomdarkham Research Assistant: Emma Worthington #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY

Our Guest, Eric R. Almonte, serves as Assistant Vice President for Capital Giving at Princeton University, Princeton, NJ. In this role, he supervises an extremely dedicated and professional staff, including three frontline fundraising teams and the support staff for Leadership Gifts, International Development, and the Office of Gift Planning. The Capital Giving team focuses on fundraising to increase access and affordability opportunities, endowed professorships, and research funding to support innovation.  Prior to this role, he was the Associate Vice President of Major Gifts at Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA, where he managed a talented group of advancement professionals that supported the Haub School of Business, the College of Arts and Sciences, Hawk Athletics, and the Kinney Center for AutismEducation and Support. As Assistant Vice President, Major Gifts at Drexel University,Philadelphia, PA, Eric led fundraising initiatives at the LeBow College of Business, the Close School of Entrepreneurship, Goodwin College, and Sports Management. Prior to working at Drexel, he served as Manager for Voyager Select at The Vanguard Group, Malvern, PA, working with high-net-worth clients.  Before Vanguard, Eric served as the Executive Associate to the President at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, Cheyney, PA, where he was the chief of staff and provided leadership to the university President on a spectrum of university-related matters. Before joining Cheyney University, Eric served as Director of Equity and Diversity Initiatives at Montgomery County Community College, Blue Bell, PA, where he managed the College's diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies. Eric has also worked at The Ohio Board of Regents, as Assistant Director, Access Initiatives, to increase college access programs throughout the state of Ohio. Additionally, he worked at Denison University as Assistant Dean, Office of Academic Support, where he supported student success initiatives and mentored students in the Posse Scholars program.  He was also an assistant football coach, working with the wide receivers, defensive backs, and outside linebackers. Eric earned his Juris Doctorate at the University at Buffalo, LawSchool, Buffalo, NY, where he also earned his undergraduate degrees in Sociology and African American Studies and was a member of the University football team. Eric is a first-generation Dominican American who was born in Brooklyn, NY. Eric lives in Ardmore, PA, with his wife Michele, daughter Sofia, and son Eric. Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ Sponsor: The 2.0 Conferences. Register for the 2026 2.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.   Your choice of the 2.0 Conferences include: CXO 2.0, Education 2.0,  Health 2.0, Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference. Xcelerated Excellence Consulting⁠. Xcelerated Excellence, LLC is dedicated to offering support to educational leaders and their organizations to meet their full potential for excellence. We do so by upholding the value of design thinking for solutions, integrity of practice, continuous quality improvement, and innovation to unlock potential.Resources: EDUP The ExperiencePrinceton University Giving Greeting: Devin Rankin Research Assistant: Emma Worthington #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY    

Our Guest, Dr. Paul Campbell, is Assistant Professor of Educational Administration and Leadership at The University of Hong Kong, where he also serves as an elected member of the university Senate, a Management Committee member of the Education Policy Unit, and Advisory Board Member for the In-Service Teacher Education Programme (INSTEP). His research investigates the evolving nature of educational leadership and policy in contexts of change and uncertainty, with a particular focus on how diverse approaches to knowledge production and evidence use shape educational reform. Adopting a systems perspective, his work explores the complex interplay between leadership development, policy enactment, and contextually grounded educational change. A former Vice Principal and school leader, Paul is a Scholar-Practitioner Fellow of the Asia Pacific Centre for Leadership and Change and an Honorary International Affiliate of the Centre for International Research into Leadership in Education (CIRLE). He serves on the board of the InternationalCongress for School Effectiveness and Improvement (ICSEI), co-coordinates its Educational Leadership Network, and chairs its Communication and Knowledge Sharing Committee.  He is also co-founder of the Knowledge Production inEducational Leadership Research Network with Prof. Sefika Mertkan, and sits on multiple editorial boards, including School Leadership and Management, Management in Education, and the International Journal of Educational Management. His work has been published in leading journals and presented at major international conferences, and he is actively involved in doctoral supervision and leadership development internationally. Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ Sponsor: Western Governors University. WGU is an online, accredited university that specializes in personalized learning and making higher education accessible for as many people as possible.Resources: EDUP The Experience⁠ Conceptualising Collaboration for Educational Change: The Role of Leadership and Governance(Article)Reframing Teacher Wellbeing: Policy, Leadership, and Localized Insight Through Asia as Method (Article) EDUP ExperienceGreeting: Devin Rankin Research Assistant: Emma Worthington #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY  

Our Guest, Dr. Gracie Branch, serves as the Associate Executive Director for Professional Learning at the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and formerly served as the Executive Director for Elementary Principals at the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration (CCOSA).   In her current position, Dr. Branch sustains and grows leadership opportunities by providing quality professional learning for administrators that encompasses national educational standards and initiatives.  In 2011, she earned her PhDfrom the University of Oklahoma (OU) in Educational Administration, Curriculum and Supervision where she was named a David L. Clark Scholar by the American Educational Research Association and the University Council for EducationalAdministration (UCEA).  She also holds a M.S. in Elementary Education and a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from the University of Oklahoma.   In 2000, Dr. Branch received National Board Certification as an Early Childhood Generalist.  In 2016, the UCEA recognized Dr. Branch for excellence in educational leadership.  Dr. Branch feels that her 46 years in education serve as a solid foundation to carry out her responsibilities at NAESP and to achieve high professional standards in our nation's schools.  Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ Sponsor: The 2.0 Conferences.Register for the 2026 2.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.   Your choice of the 2.0 Conferences include: CXO 2.0, Education 2.0, Health 2.0, Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference.  Xcelerated Excellence Consulting. Xcelerated Excellence, LLC is dedicated to offering support to educational leaders and their organizations to meet their full potential for excellence. We do so by upholding the value of design thinking for solutions, integrity of practice, continuous quality improvement, and innovation to unlock potential.⁠Resources: EDUP The ExperienceThe Wallace FoundationLearning Policy InstituteNAESP⁠Greeting: Devin RankinResearch Assistant: Emma Worthington #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY #NAESP

Our Guest, Dr. ⁠Sundeep R. Muppidi⁠, is a transformative higher education leader and Professor of Digital Media and Journalism at the ⁠University of Hartford⁠.He has substantive experience driving institutional excellence through strategic innovation, adaptable program review systems, multi-year assessment models and student-centeredinitiatives. A distinguished scholar with a doctorate from ⁠Bowling Green State University⁠, Dr. Muppidi brings nearly three decades of global expertise. His research focuses on international communication, complexity, and communication for social change and empowerment. His scholarly contributions include four co-authored/edited books, over 50 book chapters and refereed journal articles, numerous media productions, and more than a hundred refereed conference presentations and invited talks worldwide. He served as Editor-in-Chief of the Asia-Pacific Media Educator, Media Asia and as the Associate Editor of the Asian Journal of Communication. He continues to serve on several disciplinary editorial boards, including for the International Journal of Politics and Media, International Communication Research Journal, and the Global Media Journal India. A committed educator, Dr. Muppidi is recognized for his innovative teaching methods and leadership in classroomtechnology integration. He serves as a trained Peer Reviewer for the Center for Teaching Excellence and Innovation (CTEI). In 2021, he received the prestigious Oscar and Shoshana Trachtenberg Award for Distinguished Service to the University of Hartford.   Your Host: ⁠⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠⁠ Sponsor: ⁠The 2.0 Conferences⁠. Register for the 2026 2.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.  Your choice of the 2.0 Conferences include: ⁠CXO 2.0⁠, ⁠Education 2.0⁠, ⁠Health 2.0⁠, ⁠Founders 2.0⁠, and the ⁠Fueld Conference⁠. ⁠Xcelerated Excellence Consulting. ⁠Xcelerated Excellence Consulting, LLC is dedicated to offering support to education leaders and their organizations to meet their full potential for excellence⁠.Resources: Dr.Sundeep R. Muppidi—21st Century Media Instruction, CriticalThinking, Polarization, and Social Responsibility (Part 1 of 2) Podcast⁠EDUPThe Experience⁠ Greeting: ⁠Jake Small⁠#EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY

Our Guest, Dr. Sundeep R. Muppidi, is a transformativehigher education leader and Professor of Digital Media and Journalism at the University of Hartford.He has substantive experience driving institutional excellence through strategic innovation, adaptable program review systems, multi-year assessment models and student-centered initiatives. A distinguished scholar with a doctorate from Bowling Green State University, Dr. Muppidi brings nearly three decades of global expertise. His research focuses on international communication, complexity, and communication for social change and empowerment. His scholarly contributions include four co-authored/edited books, over 50 book chapters and refereed journal articles,numerous media productions, and more than a hundred refereed conference presentations and invited talks worldwide. He served as Editor-in-Chief of the Asia-Pacific Media Educator, Media Asia and as the Associate Editor of the Asian Journal of Communication. He continues to serve on several disciplinaryeditorial boards, including for the International Journal of Politics and Media, International Communication Research Journal, and the Global Media Journal India. A committed educator, Dr. Muppidi is recognized for his innovative teaching methods and leadership in classroom technology integration. He serves as a trained Peer Reviewer for the Center for Teaching Excellence and Innovation (CTEI). In 2021, he received the prestigious Oscar and Shoshana Trachtenberg Award for Distinguished Service to the University of Hartford.   Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ Sponsor: The 2.0 Conferences.Register for the 2026 2.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.   Your choice of the 2.0 Conferences include: CXO 2.0, Education 2.0, Health 2.0, Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference. Xcelerated Excellence Consulting. Xcelerated Excellence Consulting, LLC is dedicated to offering support to education leaders and  their organizations to meet their full potential for excellence⁠.Resources: EDUP The Experience⁠Greeting: Jake Small#EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY

Our guest, Kwame Sarfo-Mensah, is the founder of Identity TalkConsulting, LLC, a global educational consulting firm that specializes in developing K-12 teachers into identity-affirming educators. Rooted in the core values of equity, empowerment, and authenticity, Identity Talk Consulting, LLC provides a range of professional learning experiences, including keynote speaking, virtual and in-person trainings, leadershipconsulting, and e-courses, to help educators sharpen their cultural responsiveness and anti-bias, anti-racist (ABAR) practices. The firm is licensed as a DESE-approved professional development provider and officially recognized as a Minority Owned Enterprise within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Prior to launching Identity Talk Consulting, Mr. Sarfo-Mensah served for nine years as a middle school math teacher in Philadelphia, PA and Boston, MA, where he was known not only for his instructional effectiveness but also for his student-centered, culturally affirming approach to teaching. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Temple University, where his experiences as both a student and student-leader laid the foundation for his professional and pedagogical journey. His latest book, Learning to Relearn: Supporting Identity in a Culturally Affirming Classroom, recently received the 2025 IPPY Gold Medal for Best Education Commentary Book and the2024 Foreword INDIES Gold Award for Best Education Book, further cementing his status as a thought leader in culturally responsive education.  Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ Sponsor: The 2.0 Conferences.Register for the 2026 2.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.   Your choice of the 2.0 Conferences include: CXO2.0, Education 2.0, Health 2.0, Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference.Xcelerated Excellence ConsultingXcelerated Excellence Consulting, LLC is dedicated to offering support to education leaders and  their organizations to meet their full potential for excellence.  ⁠Resources: Learning to Relearn: Supporting Identity in a Culturally Affirming Classroom (Book)EDUP The Experience⁠Greeting: Jake Small#EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY

Our guest, Kwame Sarfo-Mensah, is the founder of Identity Talk Consulting, LLC, a global educational consulting firm that specializes in developing K-12 teachers into identity-affirming educators. Rooted in the core values of equity, empowerment, and authenticity, Identity Talk Consulting, LLC provides a range of professional learning experiences, including keynote speaking, virtual and in-person trainings, leadership consulting, and e-courses, to help educators sharpen their cultural responsiveness and anti-bias, anti-racist (ABAR) practices. The firm is licensed as a DESE-approved professional development provider and officially recognized as a Minority Owned Enterprise within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Prior to launching Identity Talk Consulting, Mr. Sarfo-Mensah served for nine years as a middle school math teacher in Philadelphia, PA and Boston, MA, where he was known not only for his instructional effectiveness but also for his student-centered, culturally affirming approach to teaching. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Temple University,where his experiences as both a student and student-leader laid the foundation for his professional and pedagogical journey. His latest book, Learning to Relearn: Supporting Identity in a Culturally Affirming Classroom, recently received the 2025 IPPY Gold Medal for Best Education Commentary Book and the2024 Foreword INDIES Gold Award for Best Education Book, further cementing his status as a thought leader in culturally responsive education.  Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ Sponsor: The 2.0 Conferences.Register for the 2026 2.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.   Your choice of the 2.0 Conferences include: CXO 2.0, Education 2.0, Health 2.0, Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference.  Xcelerated Excellence Consulting⁠Resources: Learning to Relearn: Supporting Identity in a Culturally Affirming Classroom (Book)EDUP The Experience⁠Greeting: Jake Small#EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY

Our guest, Dr. Jamal Watson, is anaward-winning journalist. He has held numerous roles at Diverse: Issues In Higher Education. He has been a senior staff writer, managing editor, executiveeditor and editor-at-large. He has written and edited for the publication since 2005. He is currently on the graduate school faculty at Trinity Washington University and has served as associate dean of the School of Business and Graduate Studies since 2022. He is a contributor to The Washington Monthly and a regular commentator on television networks. In 2025, Education Week listed him as one of the nation's top 200 university-based educators who influenced education policy in 2024. A native of Philadelphia, Watson earned his bachelor’s degree in English and Theology from Georgetown University, a master's degree from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, a master's degree in Higher Education from the University of Delaware and a master's and a Ph.D. in Afro-American Studies from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.His writings have appeared in numerous publications including The Baltimore Sun, and USA Today. He is the author of a forthcoming biography on the Reverend Al Sharpton and a book about the student debt crisis.  Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ Sponsor: The 2.0 Conferences. Register for the 2026 2.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.   Your choice of the 2.0 Conferences include: CXO 2.0, Education 2.0, Health 2.0, Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference.  Xcelerated Excellence Consulting⁠Resources: Jamal WatsonDiverse: Issues In Higher EducationThe Student Debt Crisis: America’s Moral Urgency (Book)EDUP The Experience⁠Greeting: Jake Small#EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY

Our guest, Dr. Jamal Watson, is an award-winning journalist. He has held numerous roles at Diverse: Issues In Higher Education. He has been a senior staff writer, managing editor, executiveeditor and editor-at-large. He has written and edited for the publication since 2005. He is currently on the graduate school faculty at Trinity Washington University and has served as associate dean of the School of Business and Graduate Studies since 2022. He is a contributor to The Washington Monthly and a regular commentator on television networks. In 2025, Education Week listed him as one of the nation's top 200 university-based educators who influenced education policy in 2024. A native of Philadelphia, Watson earned his bachelor’s degree in English and Theology from Georgetown University, a master's degree from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, a master's degree in Higher Education from the University of Delaware and a master's and a Ph.D. in Afro-American Studies from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. His writings have appeared in numerous publicationsincluding The Baltimore Sun, and USA Today.He is the author of a forthcoming biography on the Reverend Al Sharpton and a book about the student debt crisis.  Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ Sponsor: The 2.0 Conferences. Register for the 20262.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.   Your choice of the 2.0 Conferences include: CXO 2.0, Education 2.0,  Health 2.0, Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference.   Xcelerated Excellence Consulting⁠Resources: Jamal WatsonDiverse: Issues In Higher EducationThe Student Debt Crisis: America’s Moral Urgency (Book)EDUP The Experience⁠Greeting: Jake Small#EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY

Our guest, Jerrica Thurman, is the visionary founder behind Elation Communications, a trailblazing firm helping mission-driven organizations amplify their voice, elevate their brand, and accelerate impact. With more than two decades of leadership at the intersection of strategy, storytelling, and social change, Jerrica is redefining what it means to lead with purpose in today’s fast-moving world. As President & CEO of Elation Communications, Jerrica is not just building a company—she’s building a movement. She leads with bold vision and creative edge, bringing fresh energy to brand strategy, organizational growth, and inclusive communications. Under her leadership, Elation has become a go-to partner for nonprofits, foundations, and purpose-led enterprises ready to reimagine how they show up and stand out in a crowded media landscape.Jerrica’s career is marked by transformative wins—including securing a game-changing $15 million federal grant for people with disabilities, repositioning national associations, andleading communications campaigns that drive equity, innovation, and influence. Her award-winning work has earned national recognition—including the 2024 APEX Award for Publication Excellence in Campaigns, Programs & Plans for Public Service and the 2021 APEX Award in COVID-19 Media – Education & Training, further cementing her reputation as a leader who delivers both strategy and substance.  Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ Sponsor: The 2.0 Conferences.Register for the 2026 2.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.   Your choice of the 2.0 Conferences include: CXO2.0, Education 2.0,  Health 2.0, Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference.Xcelerated Excellence Consulting⁠Resources:  Elation CommunicationsEDUP The Experience Greeting: Curtis Valentine #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY

Our guest, Nicholas D. Hartlep, Ph.D., holds the Robert Charles Billings Endowed Chair in Education at Berea College wherehe has Chaired the Education Studies Department since 2019. He is currently enjoying a research sabbatical year (2025–2026).  A scholar of educational foundations and critical pedagogy, Dr. Hartlep’s research critically interrogates the modelminority stereotype, urban teacher education, racial battle fatigue in higher education, the political economy of student debt, and the role of neoliberalism in shaping P–20 educational policy and practice. His scholarship is both prolific and widely recognized: he is the author or editor of 26 books, severalof which have received Outstanding Book Awards from the Society of Professors of Education (SPE). Dr. Hartlep currently serves as President of the Kentucky Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (KACTE) and holds national leadership roles on the Executive Boards of the American Association ofColleges for Teacher Education’s (AACTE) Advisory Council of State Representatives (ACSR) and the Diversified Teacher Workforce (DTW) Topical Action Group (TAG).  Dr. Hartlep has also been selected for several prestigious academic leadership programs, including the AACTELeadership Academy, and the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) New Leadership Academy (NLA), which was held in 2025 at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. In September of 2025 Dr. Hartlep will beginhis EPFP Fellowship in the Education Policy Fellowship Program for Community Schools Leaders coordinated by the Institutefor Educational Leadership (IEL).  His scholarship is informed by his lived experience as a Korean transracial adoptee and a deep commitment to equity, justice, and transformative educational leadership. During his researchsabbatical Dr. Hartlep is currently completing What Can Be Learned from Work Colleges? An Education That Works, under contract with SUNY Press. Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ Sponsor: The 2.0 Conferences. Register for the 2026 2.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.   Your choice of the 2.0 Conferences include: CXO 2.0, Education 2.0, Health 2.0, Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference.  Xcelerated Excellence Consulting⁠, providing bespoke consultancies to support to education leaders and  their organizations to meet their full potential for excellence.Resources: Student Loan Debt as a Wicked Problem (Book)EDUPThe Experience⁠ Greeting: Curtis Valentine #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY

Our guest, Dr. Jacqueline Rodriguez, serves as the Chief Executive Officer at the National Center for Learning Disabilities, where she leads a team at the forefrontof the learning disabilities rights movement. Her unwavering passion for promoting learning accessibility and equitable assessments drives the center’s efforts in developing impactful strategies, forging partnerships, making policy recommendations, and conducting research to improve the lives of individuals with learning disabilities and attention disorders. As an esteemed educator and professor, Jackie has taught at the elementary, middle, and high school levels,and served as a special education faculty member at the School of Education at William & Mary. Jackie has prepared countless educators in equity-driven assessment practices and progress monitoring based on each student’s individual needs. At NCLD, Jackie continues to passionately advocate for increased access to high-quality education and policies that support diverse and exceptional learners.  Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ Sponsor: The 2.0 Conferences. Register for the 2026 2.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.   Your choice of the 2.0 Conferences include: CXO 2.0, Education 2.0,  Health 2.0, Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference.  Xcelerated Excellence Consulting⁠Resources: EDUPThe Experience⁠ Greeting: Curtis Valentine #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY #NCLD

Our guest, Xiomara J. Giordano, is Assistant Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer at SUNY Empire. Xiamara holds a Master of Science in Educational Policy and Leadership with a focus on Higher Education from the State University of New York at Albany and received her BA in Spanish and Portuguese Literature from Smith College.  Previously, Xiomara worked at Bennington College, where she made significant contributions to the field of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). In her role as Director of the Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion and as the College’s Deputy Diversity Officer, she led transformative initiatives aimed at fostering a more inclusive campus environment. This included developing and implementing comprehensive DEI strategies, organizing workshops and training programs for faculty, staff, and students, and creating partnerships with local organizations to further promote diversity and inclusion in the broader community. In her free time, Xiomara has volunteered as a guiding scholar with the Adirondack Diversity Initiative, where she playeda pivotal role in collaborating on the creation of a comprehensive DEI curriculum tailored specifically for small businesses. Her dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion extends beyond her professional roles, reflecting her commitment to creating lasting change. Xiomara's work in DEI extends her influence beyond academia, making a meaningful impact on both educational institutions and the wider community. Her dedication to these principles is a testament to her passion for addressing issues related to culturally relevant pedagogy, equitable access to higher education, and incorporating alternative resolution systems into institutions of learning, all with a strong emphasis onpromoting diversity and inclusion. Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ Sponsor: The 2.0 Conferences.Register for the 2026 2.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.   Your choice of the 2.0 Conferencesinclude: CXO 2.0, Education 2.0, Health 2.0, Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference. Resources: EDUP The Experience⁠Xcelerated Excellence Consulting⁠ Greeting: Curtis Valentine #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY

Our guest, Antrina Leeth, is an educator with over 18 years of experience. She currently serves as Senior Outreach and Development Manager for the International BaccalaureateOrganization (IBO). Her initial introduction to IB began as a Primary Years Programme (PYP) teacher, before moving into the role of IB Coordinator for 5 years. Prior to joining the International Baccalaureate Organization, Antrinaalso held the role of IB District Manager for all IB Programmes within District of Columbia (DC) Public Schools, supporting the instructional and logistical implementation and sustainability of each IB Programme. Antrina is also a proud parent of 3 IB students and avidly supports the social-emotional and academic growth of all students. Antrina holds a degree from the University of Florida in Elementary Education with a specialization in English Language Learners and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Educational Business Administration.   Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ Sponsor: The 2.0 Conferences. Register for the 2026 2.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.   Your choice of the 2.0 Conferences include: CXO 2.0, Education 2.0,  Health 2.0, Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference. Resources: International BaccalaureateCultivating Peacebuilders Through International Education EDUP The Experience⁠Xcelerated Excellence Consulting⁠Greeting: Brent MillerResearch Assistant: Emily Bloom #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY #IBO

Dr. Felecia S. Russell, author of Amplifying Black Undocumented Student Voices in Higher Education. Listen to her EDUP Xcelerated Excellence podcast episode: Drs. Miriam Feldblum and Felecia Russell—Advocating for Immigrant Equity in Higher Education!Sponsor: The 2.0 Conferences. Register for the 20262.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.   Your choice of the 2.0 Conferences include: CXO 2.0 Education 2.0 Health 2.0 Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference.  

Our guest, Kaplan Mobray, is globally acclaimed as one of the world’s most dynamic and inspirational  business speakers and award-winning author of  “The 10Ks of Personal Branding”.  Educated at the University of Pennsylvania’s  Wharton School, he has been featured across global media outlets including CNN, Biz Asia, FOX Business, Businessweek, The Wall Street Journal, and shares his message to NFL players and fans annually at the Super Bowl. Kaplan has delivered keynote presentations and leadership development workshops on 5 continents helping individuals globally to build their brand, grow their business,become better leaders, increase sales, and advance their career. He continues to serve as a consultant to multinational companies working with global business leaders to elevate Performance Excellence, Branding, Business Growth,Innovation, Leadership Excellence, Culture and Engagement, Inclusion, and Workforce Transformation. All of his innovative presentations have been described as life-changing events.  Inhis personal pursuits, Kaplan is a professional saxophone player.  Kaplan serves as a frequent speaker acrossthe Global Conferences and Events Circuit. Kaplan has been a frequent main platform speaker at the prestigious Million Dollar Roundtable (MDRT) national and global conferences. Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ Sponsor: The 2.0 Conferences. Register for the 2026 2.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.   Your choice of the 2.0 Conferences include: CXO 2.0, Education 2.0,  Health 2.0, Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference. Resources: Kaplan MobrayEDUP The Experience⁠Xcelerated Excellence Consulting⁠Greeting: Brent Miller #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY #Media #Marketing

Our guest, Mario Jovan, is a world-renowned Leadership Coach and Founder of Messy Roots, LLC. He has developed a specialized coaching curriculum focused on Diversity, Equity,Inclusion & Belonging (DEI) to empower leaders of color. Drawing from his extensive leadership experience, which includes spearheading a multi-million-dollar non-profit, Mario used coaching techniques to foster team member retention. Witnessing firsthand the transformative impact of coaching,Mario is now dedicated to assisting coaches and organizations in harnessing these strategies to grow leaders. Together with his fellow coaches, he eagerly anticipates sharing these valuable insights with you in this immersive experience. Mario Jovan has been recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 as a leader in social entrepreneurship.  Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ Sponsor: The 2.0 Conferences. Register for the 2026 2.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.   Your choice of the 2.0 Conferences include: CXO 2.0, Education 2.0,  Health 2.0, Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference. Resources: EDUP The Experience⁠Xcelerated Excellence Consulting⁠Greeting: Brent MillerResearch Assistant: Emily Bloom #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY #LGBTQ

Our guest, Robert Kelty, is Head of Outreach, Government Relations, and Development for the International Baccalaureate (IB) North America.  Robert embarked onhis career journey in Crownpoint, New Mexico, nestled within the Navajo Nation, when he joined Teach For America in 2001. The IB, renowned globally as an esteemed education foundation, operates across more than 6,000 schools worldwide and 2,000 schools within the United States. Robert earned his doctorate from Northern Arizona University (NAU) and received an honorary doctorate from NAU in 2008.  Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ Sponsor: The 2.0 Conferences. Register for the 20262.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.   Your choice of the 2.0 Conferences include: CXO 2.0, Education 2.0,  Health 2.0, Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference.  Resources: International BaccalaureateCultivating Peacebuilders Through International Education EDUP The Experience⁠Xcelerated Excellence Consulting⁠Greeting: Brent MillerResearch Assistant: Emily Bloom #EDUPXE #Educationalexcellence #Educationalequity

Our guest, Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy, Ph.D., currently serves as the president and CEO of AACTE (American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education). She joined AACTE in January 2025, after serving as a distinguished professor and dean of the Schoolof Education at American University (AU) in Washington, D.C., for over eight years. During her tenure at AU, Holcomb-McCoy implemented various programs that heightened the visibility of the school within the University and on a national stage. Notably, under her leadershipthe SOE became a stand-alone school in 2019 and grew its enrollment from 200 to more than 1,500 students. In addition, she led the development and implementation of the AU/District of Columbia Public Schools Teacher Pipeline Project and secured a multi-million grant from JP Morgan Chase to launch the stackable credentialing project, Advancing Early Education Collaborative (AEEC) with DC area partners. Before leading the School of Education at AU, Holcomb-McCoy served as vice provost for Faculty Affairs campus-wide andvice dean of Academic Affairs in the School of Education at Johns Hopkins University, where she launched the Johns Hopkins School Counseling Fellows Program and the Faculty Diversity Initiative. She also served as an associate professor in the Department of Counseling and Personnel Services at the University of Maryland College Park and as director of the School Counseling Program at Brooklyn College of the City University of New York. She received her bachelor’s in early childhood education and master’s in school counseling degrees from the University ofVirginia and earned a doctorate in counseling and educational development from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.  Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ Sponsor: The 2.0 Conferences. Register for the 20262.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.   Your choice of the 2.0 Conferences include: CXO 2.0, Education 2.0,  Health 2.0, Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference.  Resources: AACTEAACTE Holmes ScholarsAACTE Leadership AcademyEDUP The Experience⁠Xcelerated Excellence Consulting⁠Greeting: Cheryl L. Delk-Le Good Research Assistant: Emily Bloom #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY

Our guest, Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz, Ph.D. (she/her), is a Professor of English Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. In May, 2024 Yolanda was recognized with the prestigious Dorothy Height Distinguished Alumni Award from New York University. She is co-editor of five books and is co-author of the multiple award-winning book Advancing Racial Literacies in Teacher Education: Activism for Equity in Digital Spaces (2021) where she examines her concept of Archeology of Self ™ in education. Her first full-length collection of poetry, Love from the Vortex & Other Poems, was published in March 2020. Her sophomore book of poetry, The Peace Chronicles, was published in July, 2021. Yolanda opened the 2022 TEDx UPENN conference at the University of Pennsylvania with her TEDx Talk: Truth, Love & Racial Literacy.  For three years in a row, she was named one of EdWeek's EduScholar Influencers -- a list of the Top 1% of educational scholars in the United States -- a highly selective group of 200 scholars (chosen from a pool of 20,000).   Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠  Sponsors:  Western Governors University. WGU is an online, accredited university that specializes in personalized learning and making higher education accessible for as many people as possible. ·      The 2.0 Conferences. Register for the 2026 2.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.   Your choice of the 2.0 Conferences include: CXO 2.0, Education 2.0,  Health 2.0, Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference.   Resources: Love From the Vortex and other Poems (Book)Advancing Racial Literacies in Teacher Education (Book)The Peace Chronicles (Book)All About Black Girl Love in Education: Bell Hooks and Pedagogies of Love (Book)⁠EDUP The Experience⁠⁠Xcelerated Excellence Consulting⁠ Greeting: Cheryl L. Delk-Le Good Research Assistant: Emily Bloom #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY

Xcelerate educational excellence and equity with Dr. Rosa Rivera-McCutchen, author of Radical Care: Leading for Justice in Urban Schools.Sponsor: The 2.0 Conferences. Register for the 20262.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.   Your choice of the 2.0 Conferences include: CXO 2.0, Education 2.0,  Health 2.0, Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference.  Resource:Radical Care: Leading for Justice in Urban Schools (published by Teachers College Press)#EDUPXE #EducationalE&E #Educaitonalexcellence #Educationalequity #Radicalcare

Our guest, Rick Benbow, is the Regional Vice President (West) at Western Governors University, the nation’s largest competency-based university. He leads efforts to expand access to affordable, high-quality education for adult learners by advancing strategic partnerships and driving student success across the region.  Rick earned his MBA degree at the University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business and an MA in Emerging Communication Technology Policy; Strategy from the University of Southern California. He completed a BS in Business Management and International Business from Howard University in Washington D.C. Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ Sponsor: The 2.0 Conferences. Register for the 20262.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.   Your choice of the 2.0 Conferences include: CXO 2.0, Education 2.0,  Health 2.0, Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference.   Resources: ⁠EDUP The Experience⁠⁠Xcelerated Excellence Consulting⁠ Greeting: Cheryl L. Delk-Le Good  #EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY

Our guest, Curtis Valentine, MPP,  has dedicated over 20 years to the field of public education. Curtis is Founder of Real Men Teach, a community of educators striving to recruit and retain male educators of color. Curtis also serves as Co-Director of the Progressive Policy Institute's Reinventing America's Schools Project and as Adjunct Professor at the University of Maryland. For over 10 years Curtis served as an At-Large Member of the Board of Education for Prince George’s County (MD) Public Schools.  A graduate of Morehouse College and Harvard University, Curtis serves as Vice President of National Alumni Associationof Morehouse College and its nearly 20,000 alumni.  Curtis is currently writing a book entitled “Real Men Teach,” highlighting the impact of Black male educators throughout history.Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ Sponsor: The 2.0 Conferences. Register for the 20262.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.   Your choice of the 2.0 Conferences include: CXO 2.0 Education 2.0 Health 2.0 Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference.   Resources: Real Men Teach⁠EDUP The Experience⁠⁠Xcelerated Excellence Consulting⁠ Greeting: Cheryl L. Delk-Le Good Research Assistant: Emily Bloom#EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY

Our guests, Dr. Joe Sallustio and Elvin Freytes are co-founders and hosts of The EdUP Experience podcast, America's leading platform for higher education insights, featuring interviews with prominent global leaders.Joe stands out as a leading expert and influential voice in the world of higher education. His unique blend of experience across operations, finance, and academics positions him as a rare breed of executive with leadership acumen in diverse functional areas. Across his impressive 20+ year career, Joe has ledteams in every critical aspect of university operation, from non-profit institutions to for-profit colleges. This comprehensive understanding makes him invaluable for scaling and operating businesses and institutions effectively in the 21st century.Currently, Joe is the Vice President of Industry Engagement for the market-leading educational technology company, Ellucian. Joe is also of co-author of the forthcoming book “Digital Modernization for Higher Education Boards,” commissioned by AGB and set for release in June of 2025.Elvin has been podcasting since 2019, produced over 1,000 podcast episodes, and helped to create over 20 new podcast shows. Has experience with podcast monetization and marketing strategies. Worked in higher education for over 20 years. He is also a contributor to the best-selling book "Commencement: The Beginning of a New Era in Higher Education," co-authored by Joe and a trusted resource guiding thousands of staff and faculty worldwide.Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ Sponsor: The 2.0 Conferences. Register for the 20262.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.   Your choice of the 2.0 Conferences include: CXO 2.0 Education 2.0 Health 2.0 Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference.   Resources: Commencement: The Beginning of a New Era in Higher Education⁠EDUP The Experience⁠⁠Xcelerated Excellence Consulting⁠ Greeting: ⁠Adil Bentahar⁠ Research Assistant: Emily Bloom#EDUPXE #EDUCATIONALEXCELLENCE #EDUCATIONALEQUITY

Our guest, Joel Nomdarkham, is a dynamic marketing strategist with a gift for transforming both personal brands and corporate identities into powerful, market-ready forces. With nearly a decade of experience, Joel has carved a unique niche at the intersection of personal branding, corporate marketing, and social impact—helping professionals and organizations alike unlock their full potential.Joel's journey began humbly as an intern, where his passion for storytelling and strategy quickly set him apart. Today, he is the founder of Amplify Studios, a social impact marketing agency that blends analytics, strategy, and creative direction to craft campaigns that drive meaningful results.Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and a Master's in Marketing & Data Analytics, Joel bridges creative thinking with data-driven precision. His thought leadership is featured in respected global publications like Adweek and Social Media Examiner, where he shares insights on marketing, tech, and digital culture with audiences around the world.As a global speaker, Joel has brought his expertise to stages in Belize, Grenada, European Digital Week, and his home country, Jamaica. Known for his engaging, actionable talks, he’s inspired countless marketers, entrepreneurs, and creatives to build impactful, purpose-driven brands.Outside of the boardroom, Joel is also passionate about the next generation. He’s the author of “Future Makers: A Guide to 30 Creative Careers”, a children’s book designed to spark curiosity and ambition in young minds.Creative, strategic, and deeply mission-driven, Joel Nomdarkham is not just a marketer—he's a change maker helping others craft their stories, scale their impact, and shape the future.Your Host: ⁠⁠Jacob Easley II, PhD, PMP⁠⁠ Sponsor: The 2.0 Conferences. Register for the 20262.0 Conferences in Las Vegas, Nevada and receive a discount courtesy of EDUP Xcelerated Excellence with the code EDUPXE15OFF.  Your choice of the 2.0 Conferences include: CXO 2.0 Education 2.0 Health 2.0 Founders 2.0, and the Fueld Conference.   Resources: Future Makers 30Amplify Studios⁠EDUP The Experience⁠⁠Xcelerated Excellence Consulting⁠ Greeting: ⁠Adil Bentahar⁠ Research Assistant: Emily Bloom#EDUPXE #Marketing #Media #Educationalequity #Educationalexcellence