The Nurturing Greatness Podcast

On this episode of The Nurturing Greatness Podcast, Drs. Tonya and Erika have a conversation with Salem City School District Assistant Superintendent Fatihah Abdur Rahman. Fatiha helps teachers and school leaders transform low performing schools into places of possibility. She has been nationally recognized for successful turnaround work and she gives educators the tools and confidence to lift stu...

In this episode of the Nurturing Greatness Podcast, we are joined by Donovan Smalls II, an accomplished educational leader dedicated to empowering educators and aspiring school leaders to reach their full potential. With more than thirteen years of experience in teaching and instructional leadership—and currently serving in his fourth year as an assistant principal, Dr. Smalls has led transformati...

Episode 5 Description — Nurturing Greatness Podcast In this episode of the Nurturing Greatness Podcast, we are joined by  Deena Freeman , a dynamic educator and presenter from the February Nurturing Greatness Summit. Deena delivered a powerful and insightful session on the critical role school counselors play in nurturing greatness in students—centering relationships, inclusion, and student voice...

In this episode of the - Nurturing Greatness Podcast, Dr. Tonya Breland and Dr. Erika Leak sit down with Dr. Marilyn Dunham. Dr. Dunham has devoted more than 25 years to the field of education. She currently serves as a school district administrator and is a founder of a charter school. She also serves as the board president of her local school district. Dr. Dunham truly understands systems.

In this powerful episode of the Nurturing Greatness Podcast, Dr. Erika Leak and Dr. Tonya Breland sit down with motivational speaker, culture architect, and founder of No Box Thinking, Jonathan Kegler—a dynamic voice redefining what’s possible for young people. Jonathan shares the story of what he calls his “gumbo of greatness”—a community of adults who poured belief, discipline, and love into him...

In this episode of the - Nurturing Greatness Podcast, Dr. Tonya Breland and Dr. Erika Leak sit down with renowned educator and school leadership expert Principal Baruti Kafele for a powerful conversation about what it means to truly nurture greatness in students and schools. Principal Kafele shares reflections from his journey as an award-winning principal, author, and speaker, offering insight in...

In the inaugural episode of the - Nurturing Greatness Podcast, Dr. Tonya Breland and Dr. Erika Leak explore the powerful idea at the heart of their work: What does it truly mean to nurture greatness in others? Drawing from their personal journeys in education, leadership, and community, they reflect on the people who first nurtured greatness in them—teachers, mentors, family members, and leaders w...