the-leaders-table

Rebecca Noecker was the first woman elected to represent Ward Two in Saint Paul. From a young age, she knew she wanted to lead and challenge the status quo.

In this episode, she talks about how relationships, values, and deep listening help her navigate complex topics, including issuing a public response to the Israel and Hamas conflict. Rebecca shares why community engagement matters and how thoughtful policymaking can build trust in a divided landscape.

A timely conversation about leading with care, even when decisions are hard.

Jonah Edelman spent years resisting the legacy of his family before learning to embrace it on his own terms. In this episode, the co-founder of Stand for Children shares how his path was shaped by personal experience, public service, and the influence of his mother, Marian Wright Edelman.

He reflects on nearly three decades of leading Stand for Children, how his mindset shifted over time, and what it took to overcome doubt and impostor syndrome. Jonah speaks candidly about prioritizing purpose over ambition and why humility, mindfulness, and sustainability are essential to lasting leadership.

A powerful story about legacy, growth, and staying grounded in service.

Kentucky State Representative Josie Raymond is reshaping what leadership looks like. A mother of three and former “free lunch kid,” she now fights to expand access to opportunity and education for families navigating poverty.

In this episode, Rep. Raymond shares how her personal story drives her public service and how she balances family, community, and legislative work with grit and clarity. From campaign trail lessons to the realities of policymaking, Josie offers an honest look at what it takes to lead while staying grounded in purpose.

A conversation about persistence, possibility, and public service that delivers.

Kira Orange Jones has spent her career pushing boundaries in education and public service. Named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2015, she led transformational work as Executive Director of Teach For America in New Orleans and now serves on Louisiana’s Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

In this episode, Kira shares the leadership lessons that have guided her journey, including how to grow technical skills for governance and why staying deeply connected to community is essential. Her story offers powerful insight into leading with both conviction and care.

A conversation about influence, impact, and staying grounded in service.

Marco A. Davis has spent his career building pathways for future leaders. As President and CEO of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, he leads work that empowers the next generation of changemakers through leadership development and civic engagement.

In this episode, Marco reflects on lessons from his time in the Obama Administration and his decades of advocacy through UnidosUS and beyond. He shares what it takes to support Latinx leadership at scale and how community-centered leadership can shape systems that reflect and serve us all.

A conversation about building legacy, cultivating leaders, and staying committed to impact.

Dr. John B. King Jr. has lived many chapters, as a student navigating personal loss, a teacher in Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Secretary of Education. His journey has shaped a deep belief in the power of second chances and the need for supportive environments where students and educators can thrive.

In this episode, Dr. King reflects on lessons from the classroom to the cabinet and the importance of self-care, strong leadership, and public responsibility. Now serving as CEO of The Education Trust, he continues to champion opportunity and academic success for all students.

A conversation about growth, resilience, and the future of education.

Rep. Josie Raymond brings bold energy and a deep commitment to breaking barriers. A mother of three and a former free lunch kid, she now serves in the Kentucky State House, where she fights for policies that expand access to education and opportunity for families experiencing poverty.

In this episode, Rep. Raymond shares how her personal journey shapes her approach to leadership. She offers an honest look at balancing public service with family life and explains what it means to run a campaign that truly reflects the people you serve.

A conversation about persistence, purpose, and leading with authenticity.

Irene Holtzman knows how to think fast and lead with purpose, whether she is advocating for smarter school decision making or tearing up the dance floor. As Executive Director of Friends of Choice in Urban Schools, Irene draws on a path that began in the classroom and grew through years of leadership, challenge, and mentorship.

In this episode, Irene reflects on what it took to lead a team for the first time, why mentorship from bold women shaped her approach, and how preparation helps her move quickly and with confidence. Her story offers both strategy and joy.

A conversation full of insight, rhythm, and lessons learned through action.

Pedro Martinez brings deep experience and sharp insight to every role he takes on. Now leading one of the fastest growing school districts in the country as Superintendent of San Antonio Independent School District, he draws from a career that includes working alongside Arne Duncan in Chicago and leading system-wide change in Nevada.

In this episode, Pedro shares practical advice for building systems that work, how to balance quick wins with long-term strategy, and what it means to lead a community that is ready for change.

A powerful conversation about clarity, momentum, and building for impact.

At The Leaders’ Table, we are on a mission to understand what drives bold, values-based leadership. This week, Kaya Henderson brings her full self to the conversation.

As former Chancellor of D.C. Public Schools, Kaya is known for her powerful presence and deep commitment to students. In this episode, she shares how she defines personal and professional success, the lessons she learned from her favorite mistakes, and why being honest and vulnerable is essential to strong leadership.

A candid and energizing conversation with one of education’s most dynamic voices.

Manny Lamarre is the kind of leader whose energy you feel the moment he walks in. As Executive Director of the Nevada Governor’s Office of Workforce Innovation, he works at the intersection of education, workforce development, and community advancement in a state still recovering from economic challenges.

In this episode, Manny shares how he approaches systems change with vision, optimism, and urgency. He talks about building opportunity for others, navigating new leadership roles, and what it takes to lead from a place of both strategy and heart.

A vibrant conversation with a leader on the rise and a future full of possibility.

Matt Candler is a builder at heart. As Founder and CEO of 4.0 Schools, he and his team have launched charter schools, supported EdTech entrepreneurs, built homes, and sparked community innovation.

In this episode, Matt reflects on his journey from startup leader to systems thinker. He shares how letting go of perfection opened the door to creative, living ideas and why humility is essential for sustainable leadership. Whether you are an educator, founder, or community organizer, Matt’s story will shift how you think about growth, failure, and making an impact.

A grounded conversation about curiosity, courage, and learning out loud.

This week on The Leaders’ Table, we sit down with Marc Holley, director of the evaluation unit at the Walton Family Foundation. With a career grounded in data, research, and strategy, Marc brings a unique perspective on what it takes to make meaningful change through philanthropy and policy.

In this episode, Marc shares what tends to attract a foundation’s attention, why strong investments in teachers matter, and how leaders can create space to reflect on the big questions that shape their work. His insights offer valuable guidance for anyone looking to deepen their impact in policy and advocacy.

A thoughtful conversation about focus, learning, and leading with intention.

Luis Avila brings the fire. As Senior Vice President at 270 Strategies and former National Program Director at Stand for Children, he has spent his career at the intersection of organizing, policy, and advocacy.

In this episode, Luis shares how movements are built from the ground up, what it means to stay close to the community while navigating systems, and why effective advocacy requires both heart and discipline. His reflections will challenge and inspire anyone working to create meaningful change.

A passionate conversation about power, purpose, and people-centered leadership.

Ryan Smith brings powerful insight to the conversation on education, justice, and leadership. As Executive Director of The Education Trust–West at the time of this recording, he led efforts to advance student achievement and close opportunity gaps across California.

In this episode, Ryan unpacks the connection between Black Lives Matter and Black Minds Matter, and why the ability to stay steady under pressure is one of the most essential qualities in a leader. He reflects on how advocacy, data, and lived experience can work together to drive lasting change.