The Leaders' Table

Andy Rotherham, Co-Founder and Senior Partner at Bellwether, has built a career in public service driven by a deep belief in expanding opportunity for those too often left behind. Growing up in Reston, Virginia, he saw how even communities that appear integrated can mask significant inequities — particularly in education, where disparities compound and shape outcomes over the course of a lifetime.   In this episode, Andy reflects on the importance of looking beyond ideology and asking a simple question: Is a policy good, or just partisan? He shares why leaders are stronger when they cultivate diverse circles, resist echo chambers, and stay curious: whether that means learning the banjo, serving as an EMT, or studying the double-edged impact of AI.    A thoughtful conversation on leadership, lifelong learning, and unlocking the untapped potential in communities too often overlooked.

Michele Jawando, CEO of Omidyar Network, leads with both head and heart — grounded in analytical rigor, driven by collaboration, and deeply committed to people. A lawyer, former Hill staffer, and lifelong sci-fi fan, she brings curiosity and optimism into every space she leads — whether she’s thinking about the transformative power of technology or investing in the people and culture around her.   In this episode, Michele reflects on the mentors who shaped her career and the throughlines that connect her career across policy, advocacy, and philanthropy. She discusses technology’s potential to shape our future, emerging questions around AI, and how she applies lessons from public service — which she calls a sacred profession — to leading a major philanthropic organization.   A thoughtful conversation on creativity, values, connection, and what it means to be a builder of ideas, people, and place.

Darryl serves as President of the Charter School Growth Fund, where he leads investments supporting a national community of over 100 high-performing charter school networks. As the founder of the Emerging CMO Fund, he also supports and invests in charter school leaders of color.   In this episode, Darryl reflects on what failure taught him while leading a charter school in Chicago — and why growth comes from making mistakes rather than avoiding them. He shares why joy belongs in classrooms and boardrooms alike, and how his family shapes his leadership style and keeps him focused on what matters most.   A candid conversation on resilience, leadership, and finding purpose by leaning into unexpected career turns and nonlinear paths.

This is the first live show for the Leader’s Table recorded at the inaugural Courageous Leadership Conference! In this conversation we get to hear the dynamic journey of LEE Member and Texas State Board of Education Member Staci Childs. Staci is being interviewed by fellow LEE member Brittany Packnett Cunningham. Both leaders discuss race, gender, and the power of being authentically yourself in politics. Staci shares candidly about the real-world challenges and decisions that she faces in her role as an elected leader and how she centers kids and communities. You won’t want to miss this season finale episode!    "The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by Leadership for Educational Equity.  Go to http://info.EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.

Activist Brittany Packnett Cunningham exemplifies authenticity, honesty, and bravery in leadership. Drawing from her upbringing, experiences, and cultural relevance, she advocates for the importance of community building, in diverse spaces. Brittany underscores the transformative power of collective action and speaking truth to power. She stresses that integrity and courage are essential for driving positive change in the face of adversity.   "The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by Leadership for Educational Equity.  Go to http://info.EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.

As the first woman to represent Ward Two on the Saint Paul City Council, Councilwoman Rebecca Noecker knew from her teenage years that she was destined to challenge the status quo. With a focus on relational leadership and integrity, she tackles divisive issues, such as issuing a response to the Israel-Hamas conflict, with care. Councilwoman Noecker emphasizes the need for active community and civic engagement and inclusive policy making for a better future.   "The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by Leadership for Educational Equity.  Go to http://info.EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.

Resilience is a major tool in journalist and activist Isabel Gonzalez Whitaker’s toolbox. Being first-generation Cuban-American, and watching her immigrant mother’s journey, ignited a spark that followed the path of the transformative potential of marginalized communities. Emphasizing the significance of finding one's "impact lane," as the AVP at Moms Clean Air Force and Director of EcoMadres, fighting for clean air on behalf of children and community, she encourages advocacy for meaningful causes and highlights the importance of patience and gratitude in achieving success.   "The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by Leadership for Educational Equity.  Go to http://info.EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.

From early on, a focus on education saved Jean Desravines, who is now the CEO of New Leaders, a nonprofit dedicated to training and equipping education leaders to be powerful forces for change. Guided by his father and high school principal, Desravines highlights the importance of recognizing leaders in daily public service, the value of empathy and proximity in community engagement, and the significance of fidelity to one's mission. Desravines urges leaders to maintain intentional and purposeful leadership in order to serve communities effectively.   "The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by Leadership for Educational Equity.  Go to http://info.EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.

Jonah Edelman, co-founder of Stand for Children, recounts his transformative journey from resisting his family's legacy to embracing it, spurred by personal experience and his mother Marian Wright Edelman’s guidance and support. Reflecting on his 28-year tenure leading Stand for Children and his dramatic shift in perspective during that time, Jonah talks about overcoming impostor syndrome, prioritizing service, passion, and legacy over personal ambition, and the significance of sustainability, humility, and mindfulness to effective public leadership.   "The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by Leadership for Educational Equity.  Go to http://info.EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.

Nancy Gutierrez is a former teacher and principal now serving as the President and CEO of The Leadership Academy, a nonprofit that has created a national model for teaching and inspiring leadership at every level of the school system.  In our interview, she discusses the importance of proactive leaders who confront injustice, and how the love of her hometown inspires her work everyday.     "The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by LEE Studios, from Leadership for Educational Equity.  Go to http://EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.

LEE member Dr. Elora Diaz is the real deal: She has the degrees, she has the experience, but most importantly she is driven by her belief that students’ creativity should be nurtured, and they should be treated with respect. As governing board president for the Phoenix Elementary No. 1 School District, Elora knows how to leverage her personal experiences with educational inequity and create a safe learning environment focused on doing what is best for students.    "The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by LEE Studios, from Leadership for Educational Equity.  Go to http://EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.

This tenacious Kentucky State Representative and mother of three thrives on breaking through barriers. As a self-described former “free lunch kid” in her community, Rep. Raymond now focuses on creating opportunities, particularly pathways to education, for people in poverty. In this interview, Josie shares secrets for keeping her personal and professional life balanced and “running the best campaign your district has ever seen.”     "The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by LEE Studios, from Leadership for Educational Equity.  Go to http://EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.

At only 26 years old, Carlos Mark Vera has already had a profound impact, landing him on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list as the Founder and Executive Director of Pay Our Interns. After experiencing inequities first hand as a United States Congress and White House intern, he put together a plan that ultimately led to over $48 million being devoted to funding paid congressional career-building opportunities. Listen in to hear how his work is helping pave the way for all students – especially Black, Latinx, and Native American students – to access paid internships, leading to a more equitable workforce and more diverse leadership across all sectors.   "The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by LEE Studios, from Leadership for Educational Equity.  Go to http://EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.

This extra-special episode features a conversation between Sen. Cory Booker and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries. Originally recorded as part of a virtual event for LEE’s SparkLeadership initiative, this conversation was hosted by former-US Secretary of Education, Dr. John B. King Jr. This episode is full of inspiring takeaways and features questions directly from LEE members. Tune in for a dynamic conversation around racial justice and gain insights from the panelists’ experience in public leadership.

An honor anyone would be proud of, Kira Orange Jones was named one of TIME Magazine’s most 100 influential people in 2015 for her work reshaping the school system when she served as Executive Director of Teach For America in New Orleans. She currently serves as a member of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, representing District 2. In this episode, Kira dives deep into the lessons she has learned about how to gain technical skills for governing, and how invaluable it is to stay connected to the communities you serve.   "The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by Leadership for Educational Equity.  Go to http://EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.

From humble beginnings, Marvin Figueroa has built his career around serving others through public policy. Most recently, he has joined the new presidential administration as Director of the Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In the episode, Marvin discusses how he served as the Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Resources for Virginia and various other roles in which he advanced equal access to quality, affordable, and accessible social services.    "The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by Leadership for Educational Equity.  Go to http://EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.

Former U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. John B. King Jr. joined LEE’s final virtual forum of 2020 for a special conversation surrounding the state of the nation’s education system on the brink of political change. Featuring questions from LEE members, Dr. King offered inspiring ideas for moving forward with a new presidential administration and a vision for the future-focused on equity, technology, and leadership. Dr. King was also a guest on The Leaders’ Table earlier this year, so be sure to check out his full episode titled, “Importance of Second Chances”!   "The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by Leadership for Educational Equity.  Go to http://EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.

Marco A. Davis is President & CEO of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), which was founded in 1976 by Latino Members of Congress to develop new generations of leadership. Marco is a thought leader in the areas of civic engagement, educational achievement, community advocacy, and Latinx leadership. He brings wisdom from years of spearheading leadership development for UnidosUS and serving (as Deputy Director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics and as Director of Public Engagement for the Corporation for National and Community Service) in the Obama Administration. Marco and CHCI host a leadership-focused podcast, Here to Lead.   "The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by Leadership for Educational Equity.  Go to http://EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.

From neighborhood pulpits to national conventions, Reverend Leah Daughtry is a multifaceted leader with expertise in organizing communities. During the Clinton Administration, she held a number of senior posts in the U.S. Department of Labor and became the first person to become the CEO of the Democratic National Committee twice: first in 2008, and again in 2016. With innumerable contributions to the Democratic platform on her resume, Rev. Daughtry is also the co-author of the NAACP Image Award-winning book For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics.    "The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by Leadership for Educational Equity.  Go to http://EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.

Over three decades, Caraway has played a major behind-the-scenes role in shaping national politics. She kicked off her career supporting local campaigns, then got a big break working as Chief of Staff for Reverend Jesse Jackson’s second presidential bid. Caraway’s impact has been felt from the operations of national political conventions to hosting intimate dinners between Black female leaders and every major candidate for the Democratic Party's presidential nominees since 1994. Caraway tells the story and offers a blueprint to Black women in the NAACP Image Award-winning book she co-authored, For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Politics.    "The Leaders' Table" is a podcast by Leadership for Educational Equity.  Go to http://EducationalEquity.org/LeadersTable for an episode transcript and complete show notes.