Videos

Najmah Ahmad pulls back the curtain on a harsh reality in the nonprofit sector: when staff wellness is ignored, but happy hours, gift cards, and branded swag take its place. As Najmah shares, many nonprofits claim to be about liberation and social justice, but in reality: ❌ Employees are overworked and underpaid ❌ Burnout is rampant, but instead of true support, staff get free drinks and cheap incentives ❌ Systemic issues within the organization go unaddressed because leadership prioritizes “peace” over justice “We didn’t need another open bar. We needed real investment in our well-being.” 💭 💡 In This Clip, We Discuss: Why nonprofits struggle to truly support Black and Brown employees How superficial perks (happy hours, swag, free snacks) are used to pacify burnout The deeper systemic issues in nonprofit culture How funders and leadership contribute to cycles of exhaustion What real wellness and support should look like in nonprofit spaces ✨ Have you ever worked in a nonprofit tha…

What does it truly mean to be well? In this episode, Dr. Damia Thomas breaks down the power of self-awareness, listening to your body, and recognizing when it's time to pause. She shares insights on managing anxiety, practicing mindfulness, and reclaiming wellness as a radical act of self-care. Tap in for a conversation that speaks directly to the heart of Black educators, professionals, and anyone navigating spaces that demand more than they give. 🖤✨ Don't just survive—THRIVE. 🔥 Watch, like, and share! 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on Black educator wellness! #BlackEducators #WellnessJourney #Mindfulness #SelfCare #RacialBattleFatigue #Healing #BlackResilience #EducatorWellness #MentalHealthMatters #AnxietyAwareness #RestIsResistance #BlackTeachersMatter Follow me on Instagram: @hellodrasia LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/asia-lyons/ Email: asia@lyonseducationalconsulting Learn more about combatting racial battle fatigue: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d7KXbRlf6Dp…

In this episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Najmah Ahmad to explore her 20-year journey in education. From creating transformative programs to navigating systemic inequities, Najmah shares candid reflections on her career, the toll of racial battle fatigue, and her eventual path to healing and self-liberation. Najmah takes us through pivotal moments in her career: the disillusionment of nonprofit work, the challenges of being one of the few Black women in leadership, and how perfectionism and achievement addiction impacted her well-being. Ultimately, she finds freedom and purpose through entrepreneurship and therapy, inspiring others to prioritize their wellness and embrace self-liberation. 🎧 Key Topics in This Episode: Supporting young people in moments of transition How systemic inequities in education persist The toll of racial battle fatigue and finding healing through therapy The power of leaving harmful systems and creat…

In this episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Najmah Ahmad to explore her 20-year journey in education. From creating transformative programs to navigating systemic inequities, Najmah shares candid reflections on her career, the toll of racial battle fatigue, and her eventual path to healing and self-liberation. Najmah takes us through pivotal moments in her career: the disillusionment of nonprofit work, the challenges of being one of the few Black women in leadership, and how perfectionism and achievement addiction impacted her well-being. Ultimately, she finds freedom and purpose through entrepreneurship and therapy, inspiring others to prioritize their wellness and embrace self-liberation. 🎧 Key Topics in This Episode: Supporting young people in moments of transition How systemic inequities in education persist The toll of racial battle fatigue and finding healing through therapy The power of leaving harmful systems and creat…

What if trusting Black teachers to actually teach was a retention strategy? #teachers #blackscholars #podcast #wellness #retentionbeforerecruitment

In this episode of 'The Exit Interview,' host Dr. Asia Lyons welcomes Dr. Damia Thomas (https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdamiacthomas/) , who brings over two decades of experience in urban education. They discuss retention challenges in education, emphasizing the importance of work environment, culture, and kindness over monetary incentives. Dr. Thomas shares her journey from starting as a teacher to becoming a school principal and author (https://www.amazon.com/Decisions-Fire-Leadership-Strengths-Decision-Making/dp/B0DM5WPKJ3?&tag=usdeshoppin04-20)  and founding her consultancy. She highlights her experiences in transforming school cultures, working in predominantly Black communities, and the critical role of leadership. Dr. Thomas provides actionable insights on establishing consistency, leveraging leadership teams, and creating values-based systems to promote teacher retention and well-being. 00:00 Introduction to Retention Challenges 00:43 Welcome to The Exit Interview Podcast 01:3…

In this episode of 'The Exit Interview,' host Dr. Asia Lyons welcomes Dr. Damia Thomas, who brings over two decades of experience in urban education. They discuss retention challenges in education, emphasizing the importance of work environment, culture, and kindness over monetary incentives. Dr. Thomas shares her journey from starting as a teacher to becoming a school principal and author and founding her consultancy. She highlights her experiences in transforming school cultures, working in predominantly Black communities, and the critical role of leadership. Dr. Thomas provides actionable insights on establishing consistency, leveraging leadership teams, and creating values-based systems to promote teacher retention and well-being.

Retaining Black educators requires creating environments where they feel safe, respected, and fully supported. Addressing their concerns with meaningful action and providing strong leadership backing are essential steps. Discover the challenges they face and explore solutions to help them thrive—because supporting Black educators benefits everyone. #BlackEducators #TeacherWellness #Retention

Building safe, supportive communities where Black educators feel heard, seen, and valued is essential. From addressing concerns with action to ensuring administrators and leaders back educators against challenges, true support makes a difference. Discover what’s needed to retain Black educators and foster wellness in their schools. Let’s explore solutions together—because thriving educators lead to thriving students. #BlackEducators #TeacherWellness #Retention #teacherrecruitment

Creating supportive, safe spaces where Black educators feel valued, heard, and respected is crucial. Addressing concerns with genuine action and ensuring strong backing from administrators and leaders can make all the difference. Learn about the challenges Black educators face and the solutions needed to help them thrive—because when educators are supported, students succeed. Join the conversation. #BlackEducators #EducatorWellness #Retention

Retaining Black educators starts with creating spaces where they feel safe, valued, and supported. From addressing concerns to ensuring strong backing from administrators and leaders, real change begins with action. Explore the challenges Black educators face and the steps needed to build environments where they can thrive—because their success is key to student success. #BlackEducators #TeacherSupport #Retention

What do you think schools, districts, and unions can do to keep Black educators? Building safe, supportive communities where Black educators feel heard, seen, and valued is essential. From addressing concerns with action to ensuring administrators and leaders back educators against challenges, true support makes a difference. Discover what’s needed to retain Black educators and foster wellness in their schools. Let’s explore solutions together—because thriving educators lead to thriving students. #BlackEducators #TeacherWellness #Retention

What does it take to retain Black educators and create inclusive schools? This video honors a Black math teacher who inspired generations and explores key strategies for educator retention. Highlighting the importance of wellness, diversity in leadership, and inclusive professional development, it offers actionable solutions for schools, unions, and districts. Join the movement to support and empower Black educators. #BlackEducatorsMatter #TeacherRetention #DiversityInEducation

How can mentorship and sponsorship transform the careers of Black and Brown educators? This video tells the story of Lois Annie Collins, a teacher and youth ministry leader who shaped a young educator’s path. Her advocacy ensured an opportunity to work in the same district she dedicated her career to. This narrative underscores the importance of supporting Black educators, addressing burnout, and creating inclusive teaching spaces to promote equity in education and empower educators of color.

Are we truly supporting Black and Brown educators when we invite them to the table? This video explores the importance of amplifying their voices, addressing compassion fatigue, burnout, and the unique challenges they face. Learn why mentorship, sponsorship, and safe spaces are essential for their success. Let’s create inclusive environments where educators of color can thrive, share their truths, and transform education for the better.

In this episode of The Exit Interview Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons and guest host Stacey Taylor Brandon welcome Dr. Shawn Ginwright, a thought leader in education and youth development. Dr. Ginwright discusses his revolutionary concept of healing-centered engagement and the importance of self-reflection for Black educators dealing with racial battle fatigue and systemic oppression. Emphasizing the need for self-care and community healing, he shares insights from his acclaimed book, 'The Four Pivots.' He highlights practical steps leaders can take to foster wellness in educational spaces. Dr. Ginwright also underscores the vital role of Black women in caregiving, the necessity of establishing sanctuary spaces, and the importance of giving from one's excess rather than essence. Throughout the episode, the conversation delves into personal narratives, systemic challenges, and actionable strategies for integrating wellness practices into everyday life and professional setti…

In this episode of The Exit Interview Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons  (https://www.instagram.com/hellodrasia/) and guest host Stacey Taylor Brandon (https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-taylor-brandon-msw-47b927263/)  welcome Dr. Shawn Ginwrigh (https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawn-ginwright-26499a82/) t, a thought leader in education and youth development. Dr. Ginwright discusses his revolutionary concept of healing-centered engagement and the importance of self-reflection for Black educators dealing with racial battle fatigue and systemic oppression. Emphasizing the need for self-care and community healing, he shares insights from his acclaimed book, 'The Four Pivots. (https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Four_Pivots/ejErEAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0) ' He highlights practical steps leaders can take to foster wellness in educational spaces. Dr. Ginwright also underscores the vital role of Black women in caregiving, the necessity of establishing sanctuary spaces, and the importan…

Our first guest for Season Five is Dr. Shawn Ginwright. Take a listen to a clip where we discuss #racialbattlefatigue.

There are lots of folks who leave education and become a consultant. Here are a few tips from someone consulting for a few years!

How many Black educators have you had in your time in school?

I think it's time for more Black educators to start asking, what if....

In season four, Jalisa Evans joined Dr. Asia on The Exit Interview to share her education journey and what she is doing as a community member and advocate for Black educators.

When the school nurse has to check your blood pressure three times, you know you're in trouble. In this episode of the 'Exit Interview' podcast, I archive the story of Dr. LaShaune Stitt. Dr. Stitt recounts her journey from childhood dreams of teaching to pioneering spaces for young men of Color, and the community-centered approaches that defined her work. Amidst these achievements, she opens up about the health crises and systemic challenges that led her to leave formal education. Our discussion touches on the critical support from women in her professional community, her experiences with racial battle fatigue, and the vital importance of therapy and self-care for Black educators. We delve into the significance of culturally responsive teaching environments and Dr. Stitt's current consulting work, emphasizing the broad, impactful ways educators can contribute to their communities beyond traditional classroom roles.

When the school nurse has to check your blood pressure three times, you know you're in trouble. In this episode of the 'Exit Interview' podcast, I archive the story of Dr. LaShaune Stitt. Dr. Stitt recounts her journey from childhood dreams of teaching to pioneering spaces for young men of Color, and the community-centered approaches that defined her work. Amidst these achievements, she opens up about the health crises and systemic challenges that led her to leave formal education. Our discussion touches on the critical support from women in her professional community, her experiences with racial battle fatigue, and the vital importance of therapy and self-care for Black educators. We delve into the significance of culturally responsive teaching environments and Dr. Stitt's current consulting work, emphasizing the broad, impactful ways educators can contribute to their communities beyond traditional classroom roles. 00:00 Welcome and Milestones 00:57 Introducing Dr. LaShaune St…