Celeta Devine is a seasoned educational leader, author, and instructional coach with over 21 years of experience in building teacher capacity, fostering student success, and she holds her Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership. Celeta is a two-time Teacher of the Year awardee, recognized for her exemplary instructional practices and dedication to student success. She also holds National Board Certification in Adolescent and Young Adult English Language Arts, showcasing her advanced expertise in education. She is the author of So You Think You Can Coach? 10 Instructional Plays That Build Teacher Capacity, offering practical strategies and research-based insights to empower educators in diverse settings.

As the founder of Diverse Learning Practices, Celeta collaborates with schools to enhance instructional practices and promote professional growth for teachers. In addition, Celeta is the founder of L.E.A.D. (Leadership Excellence and Direction), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth and young adults through leadership development and mentorship. Her work reflects her passion for education, community impact, and inspiring future generations to lead with purpose.

Her book, So You Think You Can Coach?, is available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The book provides real-world strategies and actionable tools for educators, featuring interviews with accomplished coaches, including Division I leaders. To connect with Celeta, follow her on Facebook and Instagram under Celeta Devine or Diverse Learning Practices, or for more information, visit www.dlpeducation.org or email Celeta at cdevine@dlpeducation.org.

Mayra is a launch and sales conversion copywriter and marketing strategist who connects the public to socially conscious leaders by writing culturally relevant and genuine copy.

She believes that authentic marketing to today's diverse public can help bridge the cultural divide we see today. Making the realm of marketing as a place where all business owners can come together and create a space of inclusivity.

Before I get into who Dr. Will is, I want to introduce you to a life-changing course from Dr. Akilah Willery.

The Midlife Educator's Job Search Blueprint is your personalized roadmap to navigating career transitions confidently. Whether you're seeking a leadership role in K12 education or exploring new paths beyond the classroom, this beginner-friendly, 6-module support program equips you with the actionable steps you need to shine.

You can learn more about the course here: https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/a/2147852369/pCgXU4Wd

Meet Dr. Will

As seen on Forbes.com, Schoology Exchange, District Administration, EdSurge, iNACOL, and TechEdge magazine, Will Deyamport, III, Ed.D. is a District Instructional Technologist for a K12 school district. Dr. Will, as he is better known as, specializes in assisting educators in going digital. In this role, he delivers in-person and virtual training, coaching, and designs and delivers online professional development courses and live webinars for teachers in grades K-12.

Additionally, Dr. Will is the creator and host of The Dr. Will Show Podcast, freelance writer, author, and educational consultant.

On March 19th of this year, EduMatch Publishing released Dr. Will’s first book, The Edupreneur: Your Blueprint To Jumpstart And Scale Your Education Business.

The book goes beyond the conventional business literature, providing a comprehensive roadmap from the initial idea to the successful launch and expansion of an education business.

In addition, this is the fifth year anniversary of Dr. Will’s documentary, The Edupreneur: Making the Impact and the Income was released. The movie takes you on a journey into the successes and challenges of some of the most recognized names in K-12 education consulting. The interviews feature eight edupreneurs discussing their lives and careers as educators and entrepreneurs.

You can get your digital copy of The Edupreneur on Vimeo OnDemand.

Before I get into who Dr. Darrin is, I want to introduce you to a life-changing course from Dr. Akilah Willery.

The Midlife Educator's Job Search Blueprint is your personalized roadmap to navigating career transitions confidently. Whether you're seeking a leadership role in K12 education or exploring new paths beyond the classroom, this beginner-friendly, 6-module support program equips you with the actionable steps you need to shine.

You can learn more about the course here: https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/a/2147852369/pCgXU4Wd

Meet Dr. Darrin Peppard

Dr. Darrin Peppard is an author, leadership coach, consultant, and speaker focused on organizational culture and climate, and growing emerging leaders. Darrin is the best-selling author of the book Road to Awesome, and is the host of the Leaning into Leadership podcast. As a ‘recovering high school principal’, Darrin shares strategies and lessons learned from 26 years in public education to help leaders gain clarity, find joy in their work, and walk in their purpose.

Website: roadtoawesome.net

Twitter @DarrinMPeppard

Facebook @Darrin M Peppard

LinkedIn Darrin M Peppard EdD

Instagram @darrin_m_peppard

TikTok @darrinmpeppard

YouTube @DarrinMPeppard

Lauren Kaufman’s passion is to empower teachers to lead and develop lifelong-literacy practices in all learners. She’s currently serving as a district leader in Long Island, NY, has served as an assistant principal, classroom teacher, elementary and middle school literacy specialist, instructional coach, and mentor coordinator K-12. Lauren has led teams developing a comprehensive approach to literacy, provided job-embedded professional learning, and leads with a coaching mindset. Lauren is the author of The Leader Inside: Stories of Mentorship to Inspire the Leader Within. She is passionate about sharing her learning on her own blog, through podcasts, and is a guest blogger for The Teach Better Team, Future Ready Schools and Defined. Lauren is also a contributing author in various educational journals, Edutopia, Education Week, Defined, George Couros' #BecauseOfATeacher and Lainie Rowell’s #EvolvingWithGratitude. She wholeheartedly believes in the importance of developing powerful professional learning communities and networks that foster meaningful, relevant learning and growth.

Website: www.LaurenMKaufman.com

Link to The Leader Inside book HERE

Before I get into who Dr. Brandi Kelly is, I want to introduce you to a life-changing course from Dr. Akilah Willery.

The Midlife Educator's Job Search Blueprint is your personalized roadmap to navigating career transitions confidently. Whether you're seeking a leadership role in K12 education or exploring new paths beyond the classroom, this beginner-friendly, 6-module support program equips you with the actionable steps you need to shine.

You can learn more about the course here: https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/a/2147852369/pCgXU4Wd

Meet Dr. Brandi Kelly, Ed.D, LCSW

Dr. Brandi Kelly has been in the field of education for over 20 years. She was a school social worker for 10 years and has served as a Principal for 10 years. Dr. Kelly is currently a Superintendent at Mt. Olive CUSD #5. Dr. Kelly was an award winning principal receiving the NAESP Distinguished Elementary School Principal Award in 2014. She also earned the Middle School Principal of the Year Award in 2021. Dr. Kelly is a member of the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA), Teach Better Network, Illinois Principals Association (IPA), and the Educational League of Illinois (ELI). Dr. Kelly enjoys speaking, writing, and hosts the Lead with HOPE podcast. In her spare time, she loves to spend time with her family, read and travel. You can find her on most social media platforms and at www.leadwithhope.net.

Don't forget to check out my book, The Edupreneur: Your Blueprint To Jumpstart And Scale Your Education Business.

The book goes beyond the conventional business literature, providing a comprehensive roadmap from the initial idea to the successful launch and expansion of an education business.

Ray'Chel Wilson is an educator turned entrepreneur who was recently recognized as the 2024 U.S. Small Business Administration Young Entrepreneur of the Year for the state of Oklahoma. As a Teach for America alumna, the challenges faced by Ray'Chel's scholars inspired her to become a Certified Financial Education Instructor and author the "Black Wealth Freedom" series. Having sold nearly 2000 copies of the series in 7 different countries, she now serves as CEO of the upcoming "ForOurLastNames" app - removing the barrier of financial trauma from wealth building. As a Duke Master’s level student, Ray'Chel researches the value of stewardship and its impacts on personal finance & economic engagement. Ray’Chel’s multi-industry background positions her to share her keynote “The Pace of Productivity” and financial wellness workshops for corporate and nonprofit audiences. Ray’Chel is passionate about providing marginalized communities with financial knowledge, empowerment, and resilience. Why? To build generational wealth, for our last names.

Sign up for the ForOurLastNames waitlist at www.ForOurLastNames.io! Launching September 2024.

Access the internationally selling Black Wealth freedom 3-part workbook series at www.RTBInvestments.org.

Want Ray’Chel to speak to your team on personal finance, entrepreneurial thinking, or change management? Email admin@raychelwilson.com.

Takeaways

• Financial literacy is important because it helps individuals understand their relationship with money and the rules of that relationship.
• Investing is a critical component of building wealth because it allows money to grow at a faster rate than saving alone.
• Diversification is key in investing to mitigate risk and maximize returns.
• Overcoming the fear of market fluctuations requires developing a healthy mindset and healing from financial trauma.
• Financial trauma can impact our relationship with money and our ability to make sound financial decisions. Developing a healthy mindset around money is crucial for financial freedom.
• Integrating financial literacy into the classroom can be done by incorporating career discussions and comparing salaries and cost of living in different cities.
• Starting a business as an educator can be done gradually, using your job as your first investor.
• Prototyping and testing your business ideas with a target market can lead to a successful launch.
• The Four Our Last Names app offers money mindset meditations and connects users with trustworthy financial professionals.
• Financial liberation should be prioritized over personal financial freedom, and investing in communities is essential for collective liberation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Excitement for the Guest

02:00 Ray'Chel Wilson's Journey from Educator to Entrepreneur

02:58 Becoming a Teacher and the Importance of Relationships

05:17 Ray'Chel's Personal Finance Journey and Student Impact

08:27 The Importance of Financial Literacy and Personal Finance

09:54 Why Financial Literacy is Crucial in Today's World

13:01 Investing as a Pillar of Building Wealth

15:27 The Importance of Financial Planning and Sharing Wealth Journey

19:11 Investing for Everyone and Mistakes to Avoid

20:25 Why Investing is Critical for Building Wealth

23:12 Overcoming the Fear of Market Fluctuations

25:00 Healing from Financial Trauma for a Healthy Relationship with Money

26:54 Developing a Healthy Mindset for Financial Freedom

29:10 Transitioning from Educator to Entrepreneur

33:32 Integrating Financial Literacy into the Classroom

38:47 The Journey of Creating the Four Our Last Names App

48:27 Financial Liberation and Investing in Communities

Dr. Kendrah Underwood is a Global Education Consultant and the founder of Level Up Education Consultancy. Her education philosophy is grounded in the 6 E's—Equity and Excellence in Education for Every Child, Every Chance, Every Day. Her inspiration to start her own education business stemmed from a deep passion for equity in education and a desire to make a broader impact beyond the walls of a single institution. Throughout her career in education leadership, she consistently encountered systemic challenges—gaps in resources, disparities in student outcomes, and the need for more effective teacher support. These experiences fueled her determination to create solutions that could address these issues on a larger scale. Dr. Underwood has a certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard Business School and an Executive Leadership certificate from Cornell University. She holds a BA in Sociology and Anthropology with a minor in Africana Studies from Agnes Scott College, two MBAs, and an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership and Development from Grand Canyon University. Her dissertation, titled "A Descriptive Phenomenological Reflective Study of Black Women who are First-Generation Doctorates," explored the theme of belongingness.

Dr. Underwood boasts a distinguished track record of achieving impressive student outcomes. Her extensive experience spans teaching and administrative roles across elementary, middle, and high schools in diverse settings, including inner-city, urban, and suburban neighborhoods. Her portfolio includes supervising, coaching, and training principals, as well as managing all facets of school-related operations in elementary, K-8, middle, high, virtual, and early college school environments. She has worked in schools across inner-city, urban, suburban, and rural communities, including both traditional public and charter schools. Dr. Underwood’s guiding principle is straightforward: “I prioritize what’s best for kids, not what’s easiest for adults.

She has served in traditional public, private, and charter schools in cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Tampa, St. Louis, and Houston. Dr. Underwood also taught college-level courses for four years and has held roles such as principal, assistant principal, grade team leader, content leader, and new teacher mentor. As a 12th-grade advisor, she guided all 23 of her advisees to college acceptance, with two achieving valedictorian and salutatorian honors.

In addition to her educational leadership, Dr. Underwood initiated "Bridging the Divide," a community outreach program in partnership with the Chicago Police Department, and created several viral videos showcasing her passion for learning and engagement. Dr. Underwood defines success as the positive impact one can make on others’ lives and believes that one’s story is not a fortress but a source of fuel.