Book Groups

Join us as we delve into the memoir of Kerry Washington, a mother, artist, advocate, and trailblazer. In her story, she shares life growing up in the Bronx and venturing into her career as an actress in Los Angeles. Her relationship with her family and feelings of belonging evolve over time as she learns about her lineage through DNA tests. Kerry unpacks her battles with body image and childhood abuse while “playing the role” people need her to be professionally. Through all this, she identifies her authentic voice and channels her clout into political advocacy. While reading Kerry’s journey, we’ll reflect on authentic leadership, our roles as agents of change, and opportunities to build resilience.  

Registration: If you’re able to attend both meeting dates and would like to register, please email leadershipinitiative@earlychildhoodny.org to join the interest list. We’ll confirm registration after everyone has had an opportunity to indicate their interest.

Registration includes a copy of the book and participation in our book group discussions at no cost. Book groups are available to all members of the NYC Leadership Initiative who are working in NYC (five boroughs). Book groups are virtual events held on Zoom. 

Join us as we explore this text in a small group with the Leadership Initiative! The authors unpack the CRABAR framework - culturally responsive, anti-bias, anti-racist. This educator-friendly text connects history and current events to demonstrate classroom practices that deliver on the promise of high-quality education for all children. We'll look at learning environments, assessments, and sustainability all through the CRABAR lens. We'll engage in self-inquiry and consider our positionality in safe, brave settings. We welcome you for this discussion on creating joyful spaces for all young children to thrive and learn! 

Book groups are available at no cost to members of the Leadership Initiative. We encourage you to register if you're able to read along with us and attend the book group virtual discussions on Zoom. Registered participants will receive a copy of the text by mail. 

Book Group Meeting 1: January 9th at 6pm

Book Group Meeting 2: January 31st at 6pm 

If you're interested in joining this book group, please reply to this email or email us at: leadershipinitiative@earlychildhoodny.org. Book Groups are available to all members of the NYC Leadership Initiative who are working in NYC (five boroughs). We hope you can join us! The interest list is open now through September 30th, members will be randomly selected from the interest list.

Join us as we explore this book and challenge our unconscious bias. We enter into this space knowing we each have biases. Together, we'll join in a safe space to reflect and identify how they show up. From the authors - "How can we dismantle inequities and provide nurturing, responsive care and education to all children?" This book will lead us in conversation exploring equity, bias, and creating culturally responsive learning environments. 

Join us! We are reading the memoir of Elaine Welteroth, a barrier-breaking leader of multiple levels. We'll take a deeper dive into her childhood stories as she navigates a biracial household and her ongoing exploration of self identity that follows her into adulthood. She faces societal barriers head on and openly shares the joys and pains of her experience. Elaine finds her voice as a leader and quiets her self-doubt while venturing into new roles. 

In these sessions, we'll consider what it means to be "enough" and how to identify it in a workforce that is always called on to do more. We'll think about the ways our self-identity shows up in the workplace and ways to be intentionally inclusive with our teams. Join us to think about these themes and consider our own stance on being leaders that are "more than enough". 

Learn more about the book

Learn more about the book