Women of Color Education Collaborative
Supporting Women of Color to Advance and Thrive
The Women of Color Education Collaborative (WOCEC) is a career and professional learning support network for women of color education system leaders. The WOCEC mission is to provide a safe and supportive space for women of color leaders with programming uniquely designed to enhance leadership skills, build strong bonds between participants, and promote and prioritize self-care and healing.
There is no cost to members to participate in the WOCEC.
There are different ways to join the WOCEC based on your professional and career needs and the time you have available to participate:
Cohort Member
Join as a WOCEC cohort member and with 10-15 other women of color school system leaders participate in multiple WOCEC convenings (in person and virtual) throughout the calendar year.
Cohort convenings feature prominent women of color keynote speakers and session facilitators and focus on building members’ understanding and sustaining self-care and wellness practices and collaborating on and developing solutions for shared problems of practice.
Executive Coaching
WOCEC executive coaching focuses on generating personal awareness and supporting members to reach their full potential while acknowledging the challenges that women of color must continually navigate when applying for and sitting in leadership positions. WOCEC members receive up to 8 hours per month of executive coaching from experienced woman of color school system leaders. You can choose to receive both regularly scheduled and on-demand executive coaching, or on-demand coaching only. WOCEC executive coaching includes resume review and career planning and guidance services.
Networking and Community Building
WOCEC members have multiple opportunities to grow their professional network, including among current members and alumni, WOCEC leadership and executive coaches and through WOCEC in-person professional networking events.
Members also participate in periodic WOCEC informal gatherings to socialize and foster community, engage in peer-to-peer professional advisories, and otherwise build community with their cohort members
“The level of intellectual and social emotional support is beyond what I have experienced in a professional learning community. [The WOCEC] community honors, respects, and re-fills the well of your soul and intellect.”
WOCEC 2022 Cohort Member
Apply to Join WOCEC!
These are the slides from the WOCEC presentation at the 2023 NJASA/NJPSA/FEA Women’s Conference.
Click here to join our WOCEC email list.
Click here for the internal WOCEC webpage.
Apply to Join WOCEC!
Final Application Deadline:December 21, 2022, 11:59pm EST
The WOCEC is now accepting applications from women of color education system leaders (superintendents, assistant superintendents, and other districts/central office education leaders) to join WOCEC in 2023. You can apply to be part of the WOCEC cohort or to receive executive coaching only. Apply today!
Apply Here
Session Dates
Session 1 – Friday, February 24 (in-person)
Session 2 – Friday, April 28 (virtual)
Session 3 – Friday, September 29 (in-person)
Session 4 – Friday, December 1 (in-person)
Session 5 – Culminating Event – Friday, February 23 (in-person)
Our Executive Coaches
Meria Carstarphen, Ed.D.
Superintendent in Residence
Dr. Meria Carstarphen has more than 20 years of transformational leadership and executive management experience in education, with a track record of dramatically improving student and organizational outcomes.
Nationally recognized as a successful and experienced public education leader skilled at managing billion-dollar organizations efficiently and effectively, her collective impact spans more than 800,000 students, 20,000 employees, and hundreds of schools.
Over her career, she has served as teacher and administrator, and, in the role of superintendent, led major metropolitan American public school districts including Atlanta, Georgia; Austin, Texas; and Saint Paul, Minnesota. Most recently, she joined Gallup as a senior scientist, their first ever in education.
Her current work is focused on solving global illiteracy by integrating human and artificially intelligent learning systems to teach the science of reading.
Meria Carstarphen, Ed.D.
Superintendent in Residence
Dr. Meria Carstarphen has more than 20 years of transformational leadership and executive management experience in education, with a track record of dramatically improving student and organizational outcomes.
Nationally recognized as a successful and experienced public education leader skilled at managing billion-dollar organizations efficiently and effectively, her collective impact spans more than 800,000 students, 20,000 employees, and hundreds of schools.
Over her career, she has served as teacher and administrator, and, in the role of superintendent, led major metropolitan American public school districts including Atlanta, Georgia; Austin, Texas; and Saint Paul, Minnesota. Most recently, she joined Gallup as a senior scientist, their first ever in education.
Her current work is focused on solving global illiteracy by integrating human and artificially intelligent learning systems to teach the science of reading.
Superintendent in Residence
Email Meria
Brenda Cassellius, Ed.D.
Superintendent in Residence
Dr. Brenda Cassellius has spent three decades as an educator devoted to helping all children succeed and thrive.
Most recently as the superintendent of Boston Public Schools, she led the district successfully through a global pandemic, secured $110 million in new annual funding, and passed an historic admissions policy, increasing diversity and opportunity for students across Boston.
Prior to her work in Boston, she served as the commissioner of education in Minnesota, where she worked to enact comprehensive education reforms that resulted in a remarkable list of accomplishments, including historic new funding for schools, all-day kindergarten, state-funded preschool, and the highest high school graduation rates on record.
Dr. Cassellius is best known for her unrelenting advocacy and commitment to ensuring all children receive an equitable and excellent education.
Brenda Cassellius, Ed.D.
Superintendent in Residence
Dr. Brenda Cassellius has spent three decades as an educator devoted to helping all children succeed and thrive.
Most recently as the superintendent of Boston Public Schools, she led the district successfully through a global pandemic, secured $110 million in new annual funding, and passed an historic admissions policy, increasing diversity and opportunity for students across Boston.
Prior to her work in Boston, she served as the commissioner of education in Minnesota, where she worked to enact comprehensive education reforms that resulted in a remarkable list of accomplishments, including historic new funding for schools, all-day kindergarten, state-funded preschool, and the highest high school graduation rates on record.
Dr. Cassellius is best known for her unrelenting advocacy and commitment to ensuring all children receive an equitable and excellent education.
Superintendent in Residence
Email Brenda
Constance Evelyn, Ed.D.
Superintendent in Residence
For more than three decades, Dr. Constance Evelyn has represented the interests of public education at the local, state, and national levels.
Her transformative executive leadership, which is focused on promoting equitable educational experiences and outcomes for all children, undergirds her reputation both in New York State and nationally. Her roles as a teacher, principal and superintendent promoted targeted support for educators and led to closing opportunity gaps and dramatic increases in student achievement.
Dr. Evelyn was twice appointed by Governor Cuomo to represent the voice of New York State superintendents on the Smart School Commission and the Common Core Learning Standards Task Force. Dr. Evelyn was also called upon to provide testimony to the Board of Regents in New York State regarding the importance of diversifying educator talent.
In 2019, Dr. Evelyn was awarded the Harriet Tubman National Freedom Award for her ceaseless dedication to equity and excellence. She is the co-author of Evaluating the Superintendent: The Process of Collaborative Compromises and Critical Considerations.
Constance Evelyn, Ed.D.
Superintendent in Residence
For more than three decades, Dr. Constance Evelyn has represented the interests of public education at the local, state, and national levels.
Her transformative executive leadership, which is focused on promoting equitable educational experiences and outcomes for all children, undergirds her reputation both in New York State and nationally. Her roles as a teacher, principal and superintendent promoted targeted support for educators and led to closing opportunity gaps and dramatic increases in student achievement.
Dr. Evelyn was twice appointed by Governor Cuomo to represent the voice of New York State superintendents on the Smart School Commission and the Common Core Learning Standards Task Force. Dr. Evelyn was also called upon to provide testimony to the Board of Regents in New York State regarding the importance of diversifying educator talent.
In 2019, Dr. Evelyn was awarded the Harriet Tubman National Freedom Award for her ceaseless dedication to equity and excellence. She is the co-author of Evaluating the Superintendent: The Process of Collaborative Compromises and Critical Considerations.
Superintendent in Residence
Email Connie
Lorna Lewis, Ed.D.
Superintendent in Residence
Dr. Lorna Lewis has been a pioneer over her nearly 40-year career as an educator. In June 2018 she became the first woman of color to preside over the New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYCOSS), which represents more than 800 top education leaders statewide.
She currently serves as the superintendent of Malverne Union School District (UFSD), after having served as the superintendent of Plainview-Old Bethpage CSD and East Williston UFSD. She has also served as an adjunct professor at Hofstra University and an invited lecturer for Adelphi University and Fordham University.
In 2019 the NAACP recognized her with a Legacy Award and has been recognized for her incredible accomplishments as a leader in education by the Anti-Defamation League of New York and New Jersey, The Korean Parents Association of Long Island, St John’s University Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, Long Island Black Educators Association, National Coalition of 100 Black Women – Suffolk County Chapter and Erase Racism.
Lorna Lewis, Ed.D.
Superintendent in Residence
Dr. Lorna Lewis has been a pioneer over her nearly 40-year career as an educator. In June 2018 she became the first woman of color to preside over the New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYCOSS), which represents more than 800 top education leaders statewide.
She currently serves as the superintendent of Malverne Union School District (UFSD), after having served as the superintendent of Plainview-Old Bethpage CSD and East Williston UFSD. She has also served as an adjunct professor at Hofstra University and an invited lecturer for Adelphi University and Fordham University.
In 2019 the NAACP recognized her with a Legacy Award and has been recognized for her incredible accomplishments as a leader in education by the Anti-Defamation League of New York and New Jersey, The Korean Parents Association of Long Island, St John’s University Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, Long Island Black Educators Association, National Coalition of 100 Black Women – Suffolk County Chapter and Erase Racism.
Superintendent in Residence
Email Lorna
Denise M Lowe, Ed.D.
Superintendent in Residence
A determined advocate for children and education; a progressive and courageous woman inspired to make a difference and bring about change. These are just a few buzz words circulating amongst the media and civic leaders to describe Dr. Denise M. Lowe, former Superintendent and Chief School Administrator of the Asbury Park School District.
With more than 42 years of experience as a teacher assistant principal, assistant superintendent, English Department Chair, and Associate for the New York State Education Department Office of School Improvement and former State Monitor. Dr. Lowe is the Managing Director of All Children Can Learn, LLC, an educational consulting firm based on the tenets of Dr. Ronald Edmonds Effective Schools research.
Dr. Lowe serves on the Howell Township Board of Education and her memberships include the National Alliance of Black School Educators, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and Associate Jewel of Suffolk County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
Denise M Lowe, Ed.D.
Superintendent in Residence
A determined advocate for children and education; a progressive and courageous woman inspired to make a difference and bring about change. These are just a few buzz words circulating amongst the media and civic leaders to describe Dr. Denise M. Lowe, former Superintendent and Chief School Administrator of the Asbury Park School District.
With more than 42 years of experience as a teacher assistant principal, assistant superintendent, English Department Chair, and Associate for the New York State Education Department Office of School Improvement and former State Monitor. Dr. Lowe is the Managing Director of All Children Can Learn, LLC, an educational consulting firm based on the tenets of Dr. Ronald Edmonds Effective Schools research.
Dr. Lowe serves on the Howell Township Board of Education and her memberships include the National Alliance of Black School Educators, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and Associate Jewel of Suffolk County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
Superintendent in Residence
Email Denise
Cynthia Paris
Superintendent in Residence
Cynthia Paris is a transformational leader. Her career in education spans more than 25 years, much of it focused on working with bilingual students and turning around underperforming schools. She spent 4+ years in Lawrence Public Schools (MA), as the superintendent, following her nomination by the Lawrence Alliance for Education and appointment by the state commissioner of elementary and secondary education. Prior to that, she worked in Newton Public Schools (MA), where she was the assistant superintendent of elementary education. She worked in Boston Public Schools for 17 years, serving as a bilingual speech-language pathologist before becoming a principal, leading her second school to turn around its status. Ms. Paris holds a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Massachusetts at Boston, was an academy fellow at the Lynch Leadership Academy at Boston College in 2012, and served as a teaching fellow at the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s School Leadership Program in 2013–2014.
Cynthia Paris
Superintendent in Residence
Cynthia Paris is a transformational leader. Her career in education spans more than 25 years, much of it focused on working with bilingual students and turning around underperforming schools. She spent 4+ years in Lawrence Public Schools (MA), as the superintendent, following her nomination by the Lawrence Alliance for Education and appointment by the state commissioner of elementary and secondary education. Prior to that, she worked in Newton Public Schools (MA), where she was the assistant superintendent of elementary education. She worked in Boston Public Schools for 17 years, serving as a bilingual speech-language pathologist before becoming a principal, leading her second school to turn around its status. Ms. Paris holds a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Massachusetts at Boston, was an academy fellow at the Lynch Leadership Academy at Boston College in 2012, and served as a teaching fellow at the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s School Leadership Program in 2013–2014.
Superintendent in Residence
Email Cynthia
Dr. Alicia Thompson
Superintendent in Residence
Dr. Alicia Thompson has served as the superintendent of the Wichita Public Schools (KS) for 6 years. Her 25-year career in Kansas’ largest school district began as a teacher at Ingalls Elementary, now Spaght Magnet Elementary. She transitioned into a building leader and then a district administrator prior to her appointment as Wichita’s superintendent in spring 2017.
She obtained her postsecondary education from Langston University and Newman University, and ultimately received her doctorate of educational leadership from Wichita State University.
In her role as superintendent, she serves on the Wichita Regional Chamber Board of Directors, the United Way of the Plains Board of Directors, and the Greater Wichita Partnership and Business Education Alliance. She also serves on the WSU School of Education Leadership Advisory Board and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and The Links, Inc. Dr. Thompson has been honored with the Wichita Business Journal’s Leadership in Diversity Award and the NAACP Education Award, to name a few.
Dr. Alicia Thompson
Superintendent in Residence
Dr. Alicia Thompson has served as the superintendent of the Wichita Public Schools (KS) for 6 years. Her 25-year career in Kansas’ largest school district began as a teacher at Ingalls Elementary, now Spaght Magnet Elementary. She transitioned into a building leader and then a district administrator prior to her appointment as Wichita’s superintendent in spring 2017.
She obtained her postsecondary education from Langston University and Newman University, and ultimately received her doctorate of educational leadership from Wichita State University.
In her role as superintendent, she serves on the Wichita Regional Chamber Board of Directors, the United Way of the Plains Board of Directors, and the Greater Wichita Partnership and Business Education Alliance. She also serves on the WSU School of Education Leadership Advisory Board and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and The Links, Inc. Dr. Thompson has been honored with the Wichita Business Journal’s Leadership in Diversity Award and the NAACP Education Award, to name a few.
Superintendent in Residence
Email Alicia
Kaweeda G. Adams
Superintendent in Residence
Kaweeda G. Adams served as the superintendent of the City School District of Albany, NY, for 6 years. She is currently the deputy executive director of research and policy for the Conference of Big 5 School Districts in New York State.
A native of Shreveport, LA, and a third-generation educator, Mrs. Adams served in a variety of teaching and administrative positions in the Clark County (NV) School District, the nation’s fifth largest school district, for 28 years prior to accepting the leadership role in Albany in 2017.
In Albany, Mrs. Adams was a leader in developing the first Equity in Education Policy, which serves as the foundational lens for restructuring instructional and operational best practices. The district also committed to enhancing the delivery of quality instruction through culturally responsive education and implementing research-based educational practices to eliminate racial predictability of student success, disproportionality in behavioral consequences, inequities impacting marginalized and underserved populations, and systemic barriers to opportunities and access.
Kaweeda G. Adams
Superintendent in Residence
Kaweeda G. Adams served as the superintendent of the City School District of Albany, NY, for 6 years. She is currently the deputy executive director of research and policy for the Conference of Big 5 School Districts in New York State.
A native of Shreveport, LA, and a third-generation educator, Mrs. Adams served in a variety of teaching and administrative positions in the Clark County (NV) School District, the nation’s fifth largest school district, for 28 years prior to accepting the leadership role in Albany in 2017.
In Albany, Mrs. Adams was a leader in developing the first Equity in Education Policy, which serves as the foundational lens for restructuring instructional and operational best practices. The district also committed to enhancing the delivery of quality instruction through culturally responsive education and implementing research-based educational practices to eliminate racial predictability of student success, disproportionality in behavioral consequences, inequities impacting marginalized and underserved populations, and systemic barriers to opportunities and access.
Superintendent in Residence
Email Kaweeda
Dr. Talisa Dixon
Superintendent in Residence
A veteran educator and longtime champion of equitable opportunities and student voice, Dr. Talisa Dixon retired as the superintendent and chief executive officer (CEO) of Columbus City Schools (OH) in 2023. Her 25-year (and counting) career in public education began in Akron Public Schools (OH), where she served as a social studies teacher and then as an assistant principal. But she is no stranger to Columbus. CCS Leader on the Rise Dr. Dixon spent 9 years as an administrator in Columbus City Schools from 2001–2010. She served 3 years as an assistant principal at Brookhaven High School and then 6 years combined as the principal at Brookhaven and at Columbus Alternative High School. She began her tenure as the superintendent/CEO in March 2019 after 5 years of leading the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District in northeast Ohio. Dr. Dixon successfully led CCS through the global COVID-19 pandemic, making shifts from remote to hybrid to full in-person learning while implementing creative strategies to meet the needs of students and their families.
Dr. Talisa Dixon
Superintendent in Residence
A veteran educator and longtime champion of equitable opportunities and student voice, Dr. Talisa Dixon retired as the superintendent and chief executive officer (CEO) of Columbus City Schools (OH) in 2023. Her 25-year (and counting) career in public education began in Akron Public Schools (OH), where she served as a social studies teacher and then as an assistant principal. But she is no stranger to Columbus. CCS Leader on the Rise Dr. Dixon spent 9 years as an administrator in Columbus City Schools from 2001–2010. She served 3 years as an assistant principal at Brookhaven High School and then 6 years combined as the principal at Brookhaven and at Columbus Alternative High School. She began her tenure as the superintendent/CEO in March 2019 after 5 years of leading the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District in northeast Ohio. Dr. Dixon successfully led CCS through the global COVID-19 pandemic, making shifts from remote to hybrid to full in-person learning while implementing creative strategies to meet the needs of students and their families.
Superintendent in Residence
Email Talisa
