BWEL Presents... #LetsTalkSis

Your stress responses aren't character flaws—they're survival strategies in systems designed to overwhelm you. In this episode, Kristen sits down with Dr. Allisyn Swift, Executive Director of the Coalition for Compassionate Schools. Dr. Swift shares her leadership journey and breaks down the crucial difference between coping and healing—and why it matters mightily for Black women in educat...

"...much is required." Your gifts come with responsibility. In this episode, Kristen sits down with Darlisha Barnes, founder of Gathered Coaching and Consulting, LLC. Darlisha shares her journey to leadership, including her growth from a more passive team member to an active leader who learned to recognize patterns that were no longer serving her, embrace her gifts, and walk fully in her...

"I will not choose self-abandonment ever again." In this episode, Kristen sits down with Guerschmide Saint-Ange, Chief Operating Officer at the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA). Guerschmide shares about her leadership journey, including the transformative moment she said no to an appealing opportunity because it didn't meet what she knew she deserved—and how...

"You can't pour from an empty cup." In this episode, Kristen sits down with LaMecca Coates, founder of Inspire Ed, and veteran educator and leader. Through their conversation, LaMecca shares about a pivotal moment in her career when operating with integrity meant risking her job security - and how that experience taught her the profound wisdom of choosing yourself. Drawing from her j...

What if performance reviews didn't suck? Performance reviews can become spaces of clarity and growth instead of anxiety and guesswork—and as Black women, we have the power to transform these conversations whether we're sitting across the table or leading them, creating the affirming professional experiences we've always deserved. In this episode, Kristen sits down with Travonnie Mackey...

"The sauce lives with you." True leadership isn't about harmonizing with everyone else's expectations—it's about owning your unique expertise, trusting your inner voice, and standing firm in your authentic self, even when it means respectfully disagreeing with the status quo. In this episode, host Kristen N. Briggs sits down with Monica Lewis, founder of Education Catalyst fo...

They got to see what it looks like to stand up. In this powerful premiere episode of BWEL Presents #LetsTalkSis, host Kristen N. Briggs sits down with Dr. Meredith Chase Mitchell as she takes us on her journey of finding her voice as a leader. Meredith reflects on her growth from staying silent in uncomfortable moments to boldly advocating for Black students - and herself. When anonymous social me...

Welcome to BWEL Presents... #LetsTalkSis! Join Kristen Briggs, founder of the Black Women Educators' League (affectionately known as BWEL), as she brings you intimate, honest conversations with Black women leaders who are transforming education and nonprofit spaces every single day. Whether you're leading a classroom, district, organization, or simply striving to navigate your work with pu...