Designing Belonging — with Shailee Patel

Making Learning Magical — with Tisha Richmond

In this episode of The Bold Women Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Tisha Richmond — a culinary arts educator, author, speaker, and podcast host — for an inspiring conversation about rediscovering joy in teaching and creating learning experiences that students never forget. After experiencing burnout, Tisha found renewed purpose through innovation, creativity, and connection. That journey led her to write Make Learning Magical, speak to educators around the world, and ultimately return to the classroom where her passion began. * In this conversation, we explore: * How to reignite joy in teaching * The power of creativity, curiosity, and gamification * Why every educator has their own unique "magic" to share * Creating classrooms where students feel seen, valued, and inspired * Finding the courage to say yes to unexpected opportunities Tisha's message is simple but powerful: every educator can create meaningful learning experiences—and a little magic can change a student's life forever.

Turning Setbacks into Purpose — with Dr. Nyeisha DeWitt

In this episode of The Bold Women Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Dr. Nyeisha DeWitt, Founder and CEO of Wizearly, for a powerful conversation about resilience, purpose, and transforming the future of education. After leaving high school in the 10th grade, Nyeisha found her way back through education—a journey that led her to earn multiple advanced degrees and to dedicate her life to helping students at risk of becoming disconnected from school. Today, she's combining lived experience, community partnerships, and AI-powered technology through Wizearly to help schools identify students who need support before they fall through the cracks. In this conversation, we explore: * How setbacks can become a source of purpose * The realities behind chronic absenteeism * Why schools and communities must work together * How AI can help identify students before they disengage * Creating systems that reconnect students and families with education Nyeisha's message is clear: every student deserves someone who sees their potential, believes in their future, and creates a pathway for success.

Designing Belonging — with Shailee Patel

In this episode of The Bold Women Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Shailee Patel, Director of Special Education Programs and Innovation at Novi Community Schools, for an inspiring conversation about advocacy, leadership, and reimagining what special education can be. Inspired by her cousin with Down syndrome and the challenges her family faced advocating for equal opportunities, Shailee built a career dedicated to ensuring every student has access to the support, services, and environments they deserve. She shares the story of creating one of Michigan's most innovative special education facilities—a space she affectionately called the "Taj Mahal"—designed to serve students from birth through age 26 with dignity, purpose, and a sense of belonging. In this conversation, we explore: * The power of advocacy in special education * Why equitable access matters for every student * Designing environments that support diverse needs * Building innovative programs that keep students connected to their communities * Creating a vision that transforms lives and families Shailee's message is clear: belonging doesn't happen by accident—it is intentionally designed through advocacy, opportunity, and a commitment to seeing every student's potential.

Creating Opportunity Through Connection — with Laura Alvarez

In this episode of The Bold Women Backstory, Darlene Akers sits down with Laura Alvarez, Support Sales Director at KiSP, for a conversation about career pivots, technology, and finding your place in an industry you love. From growing up in Argentina and studying international trade to building a career in software and sales, Laura shares how following her curiosity and passion for people led her to the commercial interiors industry. She reflects on the importance of relationships, the need to embrace change, and how emerging technologies like AI are creating new opportunities for designers, dealers, and sales professionals. In this conversation, we explore: * Following an unexpected career path * Finding purpose in the work you do * How technology is changing the design process * The growing role of AI in the industry * Why relationships remain at the heart of success Laura's story is a reminder that sometimes the best opportunities come from saying yes to something new and trusting where the journey leads.

Purpose, Safety & Leading Through Adversity — with Jill Lemond

In this episode of The Bold Women Backstory, Jolene Levin sits down with Jill Lemond, Vice President of Education at Evolv Technology, for a powerful conversation about education, empathy, resilience, and creating safer school communities. Jill shares her journey from teaching English language learners and leading innovation initiatives in public education to becoming a nationally recognized voice in school safety and security. Following a tragic school shooting in her district, Jill found a renewed sense of purpose—helping schools navigate the complex challenges of safety while ensuring students continue to feel supported, connected, and able to learn. In this conversation, we explore: * The importance of empathy in education * What it means to create a culture of safety * Why relationships matter more than technology alone * Lessons learned through leadership and adversity * Balancing motherhood, purpose, and professional growth Jill’s message is clear: safer schools are built through trust, relationships, and a shared commitment to protecting and supporting every student.