BDN Workshop Series: Creating a Safe Space for Black Women in Leadership

Description of the Workshop:

This workshop examines the race and gender barriers faced by Black women leaders in education and how these obstacles limit their effectiveness despite their achievements. Grounded in Black Feminist Theory, Agency of the Black Woman, and Intersectionality, the workshop explores the oppression of identity and aims to redefine the culture of achievement in educational leadership for Black women. Workshop facilitators will engage breakout sessions via the Zoom session and invite participants to share their thoughts, feelings, and ideas about the challenges related to microaggressions, fair compensation, and equity in leadership. The workshop will allow for discussion that addresses the intersection of race and gender in hiring, promotions, and access to opportunities, while sharing efforts to remove these barriers and promote success in leadership roles.

Intended Audience:

Graduate students, Professional students, Faculty, Industry Professionals and Others

Intended Experience Level:

Intermediate and Advanced

Presenter Bios:

Dr. John W. Hatcher III has over 31 years of experience has an educator from New Jersey, Virginia, & Louisiana serving as a teacher, coach, and school administrator in Pre-k-12 public schools. He has also served as an executive director of a private Christian school and currently serves an Associate Professor at Southeastern Louisiana University. Dr. Hatcher has his bachelor and master degrees from Kean University New Jersey and obtained his doctorate from Regent University in Virginia Beach. Dr. Hatcher's primary research focus is in the areas of professional identity and purpose, mentorship, and equity in education.

Dr. Kelli Joseph has served as an educator for over 28 years as a teacher, school administrator, and superintendent in the St. Helena Parish school District where she has been instrumental in developing a system that has improved educational outcomes for students. She earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership at Southeastern Louisiana University. She also attended Harvard University's Leadership Institute for Superintendents and received a certification in Lay Ecclesiastical Ministry from the Archdiocese of New Orleans. In 2020, she was named Louisiana State Superintendent of the Year. She is currently enrolled in the AASA National Superintendent Certification Program.

Ms. Renee Stokes-Love was born in New Orleans, LA, Renee Stokes-Love has taught students throughout the Greater New Orleans metro area for seven years. Ms. Stokes-Love’s key accomplishments include enhancing teacher performance through a data-driven coaching model and improving student assessment outcomes. Specializes in educational leadership, curriculum development, teacher coaching, and data-driven instructional strategies. Ms. Stokes-Love is currently a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership candidate at Southeastern Louisiana University, expected to complete in December 2025. Her dissertation research explores the experiences of Black women educators in leadership. She holds an MBA with a minor in Human Resource Management from Capella University and a Bachelor's in Business Administration from Columbia Southern University.

Follow Up:

A Zoom link will be provided via email, after you sign up, to everyone who registers for this event .

Join us now for this FREE online event for all members!

NOTE: This workshop series will be audio and video recorded.