Voices of Change: How Leaders are Shaping Equitable Organizations

In our recent Building Equitable Montessori Organizations webinar, three outstanding leaders shared their experiences and insights on building equitable, anti-racist spaces within their schools and communities. 

Liza Davis, an alumna of the Embracing Equity Leadership Residency, was joined by Dawn Grover and Braden Pemberton, both of whom are currently participating in the yearlong program. Each leader’s journey through the Embracing Equity Leadership Residency highlights different aspects of their equity work and leadership development, showcasing how the program can be transformative in various ways.

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Liza Davis, Interim Executive Director of the Montessori Center of Minnesota, emphasized how the Leadership Residency gave her team the confidence and framework to lead their organization through a deep, introspective equity audit and create action plans as a community. Liza shared how her organization is focused on creating a truly inclusive and anti-racist environment. She discussed how the residency pushed her to think critically about structures within teacher training that must be addressed intentionally to create more equitable Montessori environments for adult learners. This includes infusing strategies in training that include working with teachers on preparing themselves to acknowledge and address personal biases to avoid perpetuating inequities within the prepared environment. Additionally, students and trainers collaboratively develop community agreements about how they want to be with each other and support each other's growth during training. Another key action step was reviewing the prepared environment with the adult learners, during which trainees consider where mirrors and windows for their own identities and those of the children they serve might be present and absent, with suggestions for enhancement and development.

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Dawn Grover, Head of School at Elizabeth Ann Clune Montessori School of Ithaca, reflected on how the transformative residency helped her reframe leadership to be more collaborative and community-focused. Dawn explained, “Equity work cannot be siloed to a single department or leader; it must permeate the entire school.” She further discussed how the residency challenged her team to address systemic issues such as the underrepresentation of marginalized voices in decision-making processes. Dawn shared that the program gave her tools to lead difficult conversations about race and equity with her staff and parents, helping them collectively reimagine how their school could become a model for inclusivity and belonging. 

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Braden Pemberton, Director of Admissions and Special Projects at The Portland Montessori School, spoke about the impact the residency has had on their admissions policies and community engagement efforts. Braden’s focus was on dismantling barriers to access and opportunity for historically underrepresented families. Through the residency, Braden and his team conducted a comprehensive review of their admissions practices, realizing they had been prioritizing strict toileting policies over the needs of families. The team realized they were putting pedagogy before families. They recognized the need for more equitable, inclusive environments that respect diverse cultural approaches to toileting. Braden reflected, “In the past, I would have let these policies default to the status quo, but now I feel empowered to push back and examine our practices through a different lens.” He also shared how the program inspired him to take a more intentional, strategic approach to building a school community that truly reflects Portland's diversity. By implementing targeted recruitment and engaging in transparent conversations with future and current families, the school is committed to real change, taking concrete, measurable steps to ensure lasting equity and accountability.

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Each of these leaders highlighted a unique aspect of the residency’s profound impact on their organization, demonstrating how we go beyond theory, giving leaders actionable steps to drive equity forward in their schools. Importantly, the Leadership Residency is not just for Montessori organizations; it’s designed to support any organization committed to anti-racism, fostering a culture of belonging, and ultimately Building Equitable Organizations! 

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If your team (of up to three leaders!) is ready to transform your organization and embrace equity, then apply now for the 2025 Leadership Residency!

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BUTTON TO APPLY 2025: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Leadership2025Cohort 

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Dear Leaders,

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We are thrilled to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 Embracing Equity Leadership Residency (EELR)! If you’re ready to become a truly inclusive, equitable, and affirming organization, this national program is your next step for your leadership team.

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BUTTON TO APPLY 2025: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Leadership2025Cohort ‍

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Why Partner with Embracing Equity?

• 100% of participants implement their learning within 3 months of completing the program.
• 92% of graduates find the program extremely valuable 
• World-Class Net Promoter Score of 81—our participants highly recommend this experience!

By participating in the EELR, your organization will be equipped with the tools, systems, and strategies to foster a culture of belonging. Through comprehensive training and personalized support, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to transform your community and lead with an equity-centered approach.

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What Leaders Are Saying:

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"The thought-provoking survey conducted by Embracing Equity gave us the direction we needed to dive deeper into our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. Their support has been invaluable in empowering our staff and creating a more inclusive environment. The program has been transformational for our school and community." — Lisa Berry, Head of School, Woodland Montessori School

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"Becoming an equitable and anti-racist leader has been the hardest yet most fulfilling work of my lifetime. Through the yearlong Leadership Residency program, I learned to unlearn and relearn as a leader, to navigate challenges with grace and boldness. The consistent support from Embracing Equity helped me push past my fears and create real, lasting change in my organization." — Pam Dunn, Founder, Your Infinite Life

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Take the First Step!

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Ready to transform your leadership and make an impact in your community? Schedule a free inquiry call today to learn more about the program and how we can help your organization thrive.

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Schedule Your Call Now 

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Don’t miss the opportunity to join a community of leaders committed to creating equitable, inclusive, and just environments. The time to lead with courage and impact is now!

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Warmly,

Dr. Nicole Evans