In this episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with award-winning educator and advocate Keisha Rembert to discuss her journey in education, the challenges Black educators face, and the importance of racial literacy, affinity spaces, and wellness.

Keisha reflects on her 17-year career as a middle school educator, emphasizing how she initially resisted entering the profession. Coming from a lineage of Black educators, she found herself drawn into teaching after a series of experiences, including substitute teaching, which led her to recognize her passion for learning and co-teaching with students. She shares how her students played an integral role in shaping the curriculum, a strategy that strengthened engagement and student agency.

In this episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Dr. Adrienne Davenport, a veteran educator, administrator, and author, to talk about career transitions, leadership, and the realities of being a Black educator.

Dr. Davenport shares how she unexpectedly entered the field of education, her journey from teacher to administrator, and why she made the bold decision to leave her role as a principaleven before knowing what was next. She reflects on what schools need to do to attract, support, and retain Black educators, the importance of instructional leadership, and why stepping outside of your comfort zone is the key to growth.

If youre an educator thinking about making a shift, an aspiring leader, or just someone who needs a reminder that faith, preparation, and trusting your instincts matter, this episode is for you.

What Youll Hear in This Episode:

[00:02:00] Dr. Davenports unexpected journey into education and how she pivoted from a legal career to teaching
[00:05:00] Navigating family and community expectations when making a career switch
[00:08:00] Teaching middle school: Why eighth graders were her favorite students
[00:15:45] "If you want something, you have to go out and get it." The importance of career growth and leadership development
[00:16:45] "When you get too comfortable, you dont grow." Why taking risks in your career is necessary
[00:24:45] "I didnt know what was next, but this wasnt it." Walking away from a leadership role without a set plan
[00:33:45] The role of Black educators as ambassadors for the profession
[00:37:00] Barriers to entering education: cost, licensing exams, and lack of support
[00:43:15] "You cannot be afraid of instruction." The key to effective school leadership
[00:50:45] "None of us have arrived. Every morning we get another opportunity." Finding wellness, peace, and purpose in education

Quotes Worth Sharing:

"We have to be good ambassadors of our profession."
"Nothing ventured, nothing gained!"
"You dont need all the answersyou just need to know when something isnt right."
"Leaving my principal role wasnt leaving the missionit was expanding it."

Connect with Dr. Adrienne Davenport:

Website: drdconsulting.org
Email: drdconsulting407@gmail.com
LinkedIn: Dr. Adrienne Davenport
Instagram: @DrDavenportEd
Books:

• My Hope Is Built: Reflections of Faith, Grace, and Resilience from an Educational Leader
• STAND: Five Powerful Strategies for Overcoming Barriers to Becoming an Instructional Leader

Resources & Mentions in This Episode:

National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE)
The Exit Interview Podcast Website

Keep the Conversation Going!

What resonated with you most from this episode? Let us know in the comments or tag us on social media using #ExitInterviewPodcast

YouTube: The Exit Interview Podcast for Black Educators

Website: exitinterviewpodcast.com

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In this powerful and reflective episode of The Exit Interview: A Podcast for Black Educators, Dr. Asia Lyons sits down with Najmah Ahmad to discuss her nearly 20-year journey through education, from working in nonprofits and higher education to leadership roles in school districts and national policy. Najmah candidly shares her experiences navigating systemic challenges, microaggressions, and the often overwhelming toll of racial battle fatigue.

Listeners will hear how Najmahs desire to support people in moments of transition shaped her career and led her to create transformative programs for young people, such as leadership curriculums and paid internships. She also opens up about the pivotal moment when her physical health forced her to confront the toll her work was taking on her mind, body, and spirit, leading to her decision to leave traditional education spaces and build her own consulting business.

This episode explores themes of wellness, self-liberation, and the importance of acknowledging the impact of systemic racism in professional spaces. Najmahs story is a testament to resilience, healing, and the power of creating your own path to freedom.