Paige Cooper Byas, PhD’s Post

We are back for another year of well-intentioned work on behalf of students, staff, and families! In-building, on-site school leadership is unique to most leadership positions in corporate, non-profit, and education spaces. The stakeholders and opinions are vast. It’s a pan with hot, hot oil and high stakes. →Hundreds (if not thousands) of students. →One to four guardian grown-ups per student. →On average, for every 20 students in a school there is 1 staff member—that’s a lot of staff! →Advisory and oversight committees: PTSA, PTA, CSC, PAC, SLT to name a few. →District leadership. →Community organizations. The pan is hot; always! If we are honest, it’s what draws us to the work. It probably draws you to your work. We love doing challenging, dynamic work with people we like and trust on behalf of children. Does that resonate with you? Let’s run it back!

This weekend, I had the pleasure of kicking off and co-facilitating the first cohort for Bright Power Fellowship program named after the Honorable Louvenia Bright, the first woman of color and Black woman to serve in the Vermont legislature. This unique, year-long fellowship program was inspired by my colleague Ana Mejia and designed by myself & co-facilitator, Sarika Tandon to help train emerging BIPOC leaders based in Vermont to serve on non-profit & philanthropic boards and appointed commissions. A powerhouse-selected cohort of 10 individuals from almost 30 applicants will participate in this journey. Each of the candidates were amazing and our size was only limited by our total funding which enables us to pay each of our fellows. Participants are multi-generational; from recent college graduates and indigenous elders and multiple gender identities. This cohort includes a majority LGBTQIA+ champions with various identities, differing abilities, refugee and migrant experiences, land stewards, entrepreneurs, community workers, parents, and more. This program teaches introductory skills and knowledge of board mechanics and management while helping participants learn: * Standing in your power and dignity, white supremacy in board dynamics * Building distributive power practices * Decolonized financial education * Centering agency in bureaucracies * Conflict Transformation * Self and community practices of care & healing HUGE thanks to the Rutland Branch of the NAACP for providing funding for this much-needed and important work and to the Everything Space in Montpelier for hosting our first gathering. It is our goal to develop and launch an advanced program for current BIPOC leaders who need greater support in their ongoing leadership roles on boards and commissions in the next few months. If you would like to become a financial sponsor for either the Emerging or Advanced courses, DM me or Sarika Tandon here. If you would like us to bring our training program to your area - contact us for availability! Congrats to all involved! Let's goooooo!!!!! #leadership #nonprofit #publicprivatepartnerships #JEDI #equity #indigenousrights #opportunities #mentorship #skillstraining #fellowship #BIPOC #transformativeleadership #powerbuilding #sponsorshipopportunities

One of the most important things that I have learned as a manager is how to give feedback to the facilitators and teaching artists I work with. I wish I had known these skills when I was a new employee, so I could speak up to my supervisors. If you are looking for better ways to communicate with your team members, join me next week for this webinar on using Creative Feedback as a Tool for Arts Education Leadership!

Taking proactive steps to build resilience and skills early in order to lead with our strengths, create sustainable lifelong habits that supports our mental health. Looking forward to share our resources and strategies to caregivers and educators for young children. #leadingthroughstrengths #neuroinclusion #parentingskills #earlychildhooddevelopment #earlychildhoodeducation #giftededucation #positiveinfluence

So grateful for my classmates (and family) on this journey at USC Rossier School of Education. Another term completed, this one with supposedly the toughest class in the sequence. Two more courses and a completed dissertation, and this doctoral program will be done. #fighton #highered #highereducation #education #professionaldevelopment #leadership #nonprofitleadership #nonprofits

Nonprofit organizations are particularly crucial for communities that lack resources where they address systemic inequalities and provide essential support in areas such as education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and social justice. Nonprofit organizations often serve as advocates for the community, working to dismantle discriminatory practices and policies that disproportionately affect a certain demographic. By offering programs and services tailored to the unique needs of the community, nonprofits help to close gaps in access to resources and opportunities.

Here's a recent story I did on one our GAP School alumni!

Today, the Indiana Commission for Higher Education released the first-of-its-kind report for the Indiana Partnership Pentagon, a culmination of ideas and recommendations gathered from six meetings with more than 100 thought leaders from five sectors of Indiana society, including business, education, government, non-profits (community- and faith-based organizations), and philanthropy. These recommendations align with the Commission’s HOPE Agenda, strengthening the pipeline of education to workforce needs and economic and social mobility and prosperity for all Hoosiers. The report is not an implementation plan with a defined timeline, and the Commission does not expect all recommendations to be enacted. Instead, the Commission encourages all sectors to consider what role they play in execution – whether it is through a leadership or supporting role. Here is the link to the Press Release: https://lnkd.in/gErqvVP2 Here is the link to the Report: https://lnkd.in/gavbfBrk

Gain Practical Skills: From financial management to team leadership, the SVP Fellowship empowers you with a comprehensive toolkit essential for navigating the complexities of nonprofit management. Our immersive sessions not only provide theoretical knowledge but also offer hands-on exercises and real-world case studies. Secure your spot today to acquire invaluable skills that drive organizational success and sustainability. Elevate your professional journey with SVP San Antonio and harness the power of continuous learning. https://loom.ly/He5DM28 #NonprofitLeadership #SkillBuilding #SVPFellowship #nonprofitmanagement #teamleadership #casestudies

Empowering the next generation is critical to shaping our future. Youth empowerment nonprofits are crucial in developing young individuals' leadership skills, self-confidence, and a sense of agency. Recent insights from the “InspireToEmpower” program show that 80% of mentees reported increased self-confidence and leadership skills. Additionally, 90% of participants feel more prepared for future careers and community engagement after our workshops. Private sector partnerships have boosted our program funding by 30% and expanded our reach by 15% in the past year. In what ways can education and the private sector collaborate to empower youth? 💬 Share your thoughts below! Are you interested in joining forces to make a difference? Connect with us to explore collaboration opportunities. Together, we can inspire and support the leaders of tomorrow. #youth #college #donors #philanthropies #education #corporatepartnerships #leadership #community #government #nonprofits