Today we’d like to introduce you to Carol Iwhiwhu.
Carol, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began as a middle school history/technology in the Mississippi Delta (Tunica County) upon graduating from Mississippi University for Women. I started my educator journey in the MS Delta because I felt called and led to the historic community filled with warm, hard-working people, and culture of blues music. After serving the local school district for over 10 years, I was ready for a change in a larger, more urbqan area. I received an incredible opportunity at Freedom Preparatory Academy, the premier charter school network in Memphis, TN. During my tenure at Freedom Prep, I met some of the most incredible people that love the city of Memphis and the people. I was ble to connect with a black woman CEO for the first time in my career. It was a game-changer, specifically for my mindset as an educator. Working alongside change agents totally opened my eyes to what is truly possible in public education, with the right team and strategy. As of today, I am in my 23rd year as an educator, and I held posiitons from classroom teacher to Executive Director of a national non-profit. My educational career catalog is unique because I’m just a Southern girl from Pontotoc, MS that loves people and loves to serve. Public education happens to be what I’m called to do in service to others.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has not been smooth, in fact, there have been so many seasons of doubt, wondering did I choose the wrong path. Some of the challenges I encountered early on my career were due to an overarching trust that everyone is well-meaning, and that everyone has a growth mindset focused on justice for the greater good. Becoming a school district-level administrator in my early 30s was challening because of age and the public perception regarding lack of experience. There was a struggle within me dealing with my own perceptions that leaders should be older and more seasoned. It was certainly challenging to lead people that I perceived as my elders. It was also incredibly challenging to accept that perceptions of me had shifted with my colleagues.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a professional educator, my expertise in the the area of diverse learning focusing on strategies to teach underserved and underperforming students due to learning disabilities, language barriers, and generally underperforming students. I am known for my jovial, warm personality that makes people feel seen, heard, and valued. I am also known for my determined mindset to ensure that all children receive the best education possible, regardless of their zip code.
I am most proud of the relationships I’ve built over the last 20+ years with change agents, groundbreakers, and giants in the educational landscape of the Midsouth.
I truly believe it’s my conviction to champion all children, and speak up and act upon my conviction that all children deserve the best teachers and leaders in front of them every day. I will not ever be silent, complacent, or satisfied until I know that all children have access to the best teachers, leaders, and schools in my community. I would not say that I am proud or satisfied, but would say that I give all of the glory to God for all that He has done, is doing, and will continue to do through me for my community. I am grateful to be a vessel, and I am humbled to have been called at some an early age of my life.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
While I am an educator, and super passionate about it, I perceive myself as a creator and an encourager. I am passionate about wholistic health and living, bringing joy to others through humor, and my lived experiences.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyfulzinnia?stkn+dXA5YXJoN25kbmQ%3D&utm_-source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/czbrady1/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroliwhiwhu/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@joyfulzinnia?si+c4ya2iRAvLCpgsDA
