Meet Our Co-Founder, Dr. Iris Zuñiga, the powerhouse of Amanecer Consulting Group! With two decades of expertise at the intersection of social services and education, Iris is a driving force behind our mission to empower communities. From managing Cradle to College and Career initiatives to leading scholarship programs benefiting thousands, Iris's dedication to breaking barriers and fostering change is truly inspiring.
#CommunityLeadership#Empowerment#Inspiration#AmanecerConsultingGroup
Education is a catalyst for social change. For me, SEL is a powerful pathway toward building a more just and compassionate world.
While the term "Beloved Community" is increasingly prevalent in SEL discourse, there's often a gap in understanding its essence and practical application. At Transformative Educational Leadership (TEL), we envision schools as Beloved Learning Communities, where every individual feels valued, empowered, and loved. Our mission is to guide educational leaders in becoming architects of Beloved Community.
Rooted in the legacy of nonviolence, the Beloved Community is a vision of unity across diverse backgrounds and beliefs. Inspired by luminaries like Reverend Howard Thurman and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we embrace the Six Principles of Kingian Nonviolence as our guiding light. These principles urge us to cultivate courage, understanding, and accountability while dismantling systems of oppression.
The convergence of Emotional and Spiritual Intelligence lies at the heart of building Beloved Community. Emotional Intelligence equips us to navigate emotions and foster meaningful connections, while Spiritual Intelligence deepens our sense of purpose and interconnectedness.
If this concept intrigues you or you are interested in learning more, I published an article in the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (#CASEL) on "Expanding the Vision of SEL to Cultivate Beloved Community." Check it out at the link below for more on this topic!
Additionally, please share your thoughts in the comments, I love to collaborate and learn from my community!
#SEL#EducationForChange#EmotionalIntelligence#EQ
Embrace Your Journey to Greatness with @GeniusShiksha
Unlocking your potential starts with embracing education, building character, and giving back to the community. At @GeniusShiksha, we believe that true greatness is not just measured by academic achievements, but by the impact we make in the world around us. Our mission is to create an environment where every learner can grow, thrive, and contribute meaningfully to society. 🌟
At @GeniusShiksha, education is more than a series of lessons—it's a transformative journey. We strive to provide access to quality education for all, fostering an inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and excel. Our programs are designed to help students develop critical thinking, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning. Beyond academics, we focus on character building, instilling values of integrity, empathy, and resilience. We believe these are the cornerstones of true success and leadership. We empower our learners to become well-rounded individuals who are not just prepared for exams, but also for life's many challenges. 📚
But our commitment doesn’t stop at the individual level. @GeniusShiksha is deeply rooted in the philosophy of giving back. We encourage our students to engage in community service and outreach, to understand the importance of social responsibility, and to actively contribute to positive change in society. Together, we aim to create a generation of compassionate leaders who will uplift their communities and inspire others to do the same. Through various initiatives, we provide platforms for students to volunteer, lead, and make a real difference. 🌍
Join us at @GeniusShiksha and be part of a movement that nurtures greatness in every sense. We are committed to unlocking the potential within each student and shaping future leaders who will make the world a better place. Let's embrace this journey of growth, character, and community together. Education is not just about knowledge; it’s about transforming lives. Let’s nurture greatness, one student at a time. ✨
#nurturinggreatness#educationforall#geniusshiksha#unlockyourpotential#communityimpact#characterbuilding#lifelonglearning#futureleaders#inspireothers#growtogether#socialresponsibility#empowermentthroughlearning#compassionateleaders#transforminglives#learnandgrow#givingback#inclusiveeducation#educationalexcellence#leadwithvalues#bethechange
Values Strategist |Igniting a Values Revolution, One Life at a Time|Pioneering Values-Driven Educator | Empowering the Next Generation of Ethical Leaders| Designing Cultures of Purpose and Integrity.
The Power of Values-Based Extracurricular Activities:
At the recently concluded International Children's Day Conference, co-hosted by Uncle Sele foundation and my foundation, Shape A Child, we had the opportunity to highlight how children can defend their values using drama as the teaching method. It was remarkable to see the children move from cognitive to behavioral understanding, empowering them to actively defend their values.
For this reason, Incorporating values-based extracurricular activities can be a powerful way to help raise a society that transitions from self-interest to a focus on common goals. Some key advantages of this approach:
💡 Instilling Values: Activities that stimulate children’s cognitive, socio emotional and behavioural senses can trigger ethical leadership and ignite important values like empathy, cooperation, and social responsibility.
🤝 Building Connections: Shared experiences in extracurriculars can foster stronger social bonds and encourage individuals to consider the needs of their community.
🌍 Broadening Perspectives: Engaging in diverse activities exposes people to different realities, reducing prejudices and developing a more holistic understanding of societal issues.
🙌 Cultivating Leadership: Values-based extracurriculars empower individuals to take an active role in addressing community challenges and working towards the common good.
By prioritizing these types of activities, we can create a positive feedback loop that gradually shifts cultural norms towards greater collective well-being and shared prosperity. #socialimpact#communitydevelopment#valuebased#socialtransformation#commongood#valueseducation
🌟 Good Day LinkedIn Friends and Fam!
Today, let’s celebrate the unsung heroes of the school year—the kids who faced challenges head-on and kept pushing forward, even when accolades weren’t part of the equation.
🔹 Cheers to Resilience:
- 👊 To all the kids who didn’t win an award, didn’t make the honor roll, or barely made it through the school year. Your perseverance is your trophy.
- 🏀 To those who didn’t make the team but found new teams or passions to pursue. Remember, every path is unique, and yours is worth exploring.
🔸 Supportive Circles:
- 🤗 A massive shoutout to the moms, dads, grandparents, caregivers, and foster parents who stood by these incredible kids. Your support shapes futures.
🔹 Undeniable Worth:
- 🌟 To the kids who missed out on traditional high school milestones—no prom, no scholarship, no sports due to work commitments, or those heading straight into the workforce—your value is immeasurable, and your efforts do not go unnoticed.
🔸 A Call to Action:
- ✨ Some students work twice as hard for half the recognition. If you know someone who might be slipping through the cracks, reach out. Every gesture of recognition can make a monumental difference in their lives because every life enriches the world.
Let’s make it our mission to recognize and applaud the courage and strength it takes to face life’s challenges. These young individuals inspire us with their resilience and determination to succeed against the odds.
#Resilience#Education#YouthEmpowerment#ParentSupport#LifeChallenges#Recognition#DiversityInEducation#Inspiration
The universe has a way of putting the right people in the right place at the right time. Once my professional chapter with my last mentor came to a pause, the world brought me Stacey Horn, who my next #womenshitorymonth post of recognition and gratitude, is dedicated to.
Stacey established the Youth Development Program at the UIC College of Education, which gave practitioners such as myself, language and space to process our lived experiences in ways that were appreciated and understood. She organized coalitions to go out and do the work- stronger and better for the sake of youth empowerment.
Stacey’s main ingredient of making all of this possible- love. I cannot explain this to you in one post- but Stacey is pure love. To try and simply state it, Stacey is the personification of the 5 C’s of youth development: Care, Competence, Confidence, Character, and (always making) Connection.
Let me add a 6th C: There’s also a simplistic Calm to Stacey that always beguiled me. When I told her that I’m not fit for the job she referred me to (and a wave of panic washed over me)- she’d simply said, “You’re overthinking. Apply anyways. See what happens.” …almost 10 years later…. here I am. Still overthinking, but so thankful I listened to her.
Without Stacey, there is no graduate assistantship, there is no M.Ed (literally- the program would not exist at that time), there would be no career for me at University of Illinois Chicago.
I am inspired by her genuine kindness and care for others, her intelectual prowess in her field, combined with her light-hearted spirit. Stacey is the voice in my head to take a step back and remember that sometimes, things aren’t always that serious, kindness matters, and at the end of the day- we should do what calls to our heart and find all the small moments where happiness lives, even at its most difficult moments. It does exist.
Thank you for telling me to trust the process, Stacey.
#womenshistorymonth#mentor#mentorship#highereducation#womeninhighereducation#youthdevelopment#womeninleadership
Establishing a firm stance on equity means providing unequivocal clarity: it's not an optional addition to our efforts, it's the very bedrock upon which we build.
From the outset of your hiring process to the daily operations within your classrooms, are you actively weaving an equity lens into every aspect of your culture? For us, it's about stating our commitment to these values clearly (now, more crucial than ever!) — and it's about demonstrating it in tangible ways.
Part of our commitment involves immersing candidates in our environment during the interview process. Why? Because we understand that by experiencing firsthand how we center equity, candidates can truly grasp the depth of our dedication. We want them to walk through our doors already feeling that sense of belonging, knowing that this is a place where they are valued and seen.
Moreover, our dedication to equity isn't just an add on (read: checkquity) —it's ingrained in our organizational DNA. It's evident in our core values, prominently displayed on our website and careers page.
Are your values of equity, anti-racism, and joyful liberation clear? How do people know? Join us in prioritizing #equity in action.
By aligning our values with our actions, we not only attract like-minded individuals but also create an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute and thrive.
Join us as we continue to prioritize equity, fostering a culture of inclusivity and belonging where everyone can flourish.
Interested in learning more? Visit https://lnkd.in/gNZEK7W3 to watch the full recording of Montessori Town Hall Diversity & Inclusion in the Montessori Space!
And sign up for a free consultation: https://lnkd.in/gTP9fwgD
Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below! ⬇️
#EquityInAction#InclusiveLeadership#Belonging#EquityAndInclusion#Education#Learning#MontessoriConference#Montessori#DEI#EmbracingEquity#iteach#classroom#teacherlife#Montessori#teachersfollowteachers#education#teachers#teachersofinstagram#montessoriteacher#teachersofig#blacklivesmatter#socialjustice#teachershare#iteachfifth#edujustice#iteach456#iteachtoo#iteachthird#iteachfirst#whitesupremacy#criticalaction#criticalconversations#criticalconsciousness
Honored to be interviewed by #canvasrebel. Sharing my story helped remind me that while the journey has not always been straight, it has held deep meaning and beauty. https://lnkd.in/e9qQZrSe It came out a month sooner than expected (as I am still developing my website), but if you are interested in talking more about how I can help connect your team to creative change-makers to solve complex problems in governance, education or international development, message me! #storiesmatter#leadershipmatters#harnessthepowerofconnection#teamsmatter#thereisalwaysasolution
Fulbrighter | Ph.D. in Immunology Leicester University_ UK 🇬🇧, Fulbright Scholar_ USA 🇺🇸 and Canadian 🇨🇦 Educational Institutes were thoroughly explored.
A memory from the last year's #graduation ceremony_
By #positively_impacting a person, we create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the individual. When we offer guidance, knowledge, or support to one person, we empower them to reach their potential, inspiring confidence and growth. This transformation in turn influences those around them—family, friends, colleagues—creating a stronger, more supportive community. As individuals thrive, they become role models and contributors to a collective well-being, fostering a culture of collaboration, empathy, and progress. Ultimately, this chain of positive influence strengthens the fabric of the community, driving sustainable development and shared success.
Tishk International University
Do you ever feel like you’re walking a tightrope between your faith and your career?
Are you navigating a secular workplace where your values feel out of place, struggling to balance job demands and practicing your faith fully, or wanting to make a difference but unsure how your Catholic faith fits into your ambition?
All of this can leave you feeling isolated, stuck, and uncertain of your next steps.
But you don’t have to do it alone.
Why should you get an executive mentor through YCP?
Getting an executive mentor through YCP can be a game-changer for your personal and professional growth. Here’s why:
Faith-based support: Your mentor will be a practicing Catholic, meaning they can guide you in a way that aligns with your values and helps you live out your faith at work.
Comprehensive development: This mentorship isn't just about advancing your career, it's also about growing as a person and as a leader who can inspire others.
Personalized match: Through the MentorCloud platform, you can choose a mentor who fits your specific goals, making sure that the guidance you receive is relevant and helpful.
Proven success: Past mentees have seen incredible benefits from the program, including personal growth, career advancement, and the development of leadership skills.
Our executive mentors are practicing Catholics who get it, they’ve walked this path and are committed to helping you grow as a person and a leader. With their guidance, you’ll find ways to live out your faith at work and develop the leadership skills to inspire others. Through the MentorCloud platform, you’ll be matched with someone who fits your specific goals, offering relevant and impactful guidance.
Join Belong now and sign up for Executive Mentorship!
https://lnkd.in/gbVxcWMP#YCP#YoungCatholicProfessionals#Mentorship#Belong#ExecutiveMentorship
Ready to stop yelling? I provide culturally-grounded programs for parents and teachers | Parenting Coach & Educator | Triple P Method certified
5moYour heart must've been bursting on Amtrack!