Behind every meaningful movement is a leader with a vision, and for Dr. Heather A. Robinson, that vision has always been bigger than publishing books or hosting conferences. Through Educators Rise Enterprises, she has created a platform where educators, authors, advocates and leaders are encouraged to share their stories, strengthen their leadership and support one another in meaningful ways.
That vision reached another milestone with the July 18 release of Educators Rise: Voices of Change Anthology Series Volume III, alongside the 2nd Annual Educators Rise Conference & Awards Ceremony. While the three-volume anthology series has come to a close, the mission continues to grow, bringing together educators committed to collaboration, innovation and creating lasting impact in their schools and communities.
In this exclusive interview, Dr. Heather reflects on the journey behind Educators Rise, the power of elevating educator voices, the importance of building community, and why she believes the greatest impact happens when educators rise together.
What inspired you to create the Educators Rise Conference, and how has it grown into a movement that extends beyond the pages of the anthology series?
Dr. Heather: Educators Rise was born from a desire to celebrate educators, amplify their voices, and provide a platform where they could inspire one another through their stories and expertise. What began as an anthology series has evolved into a thriving community of educators committed to leadership, collaboration, and innovation. The conference has become an extension of that vision, creating opportunities for meaningful conversations, professional growth, and lasting connections that continue well beyond the event itself.
This year’s conference marked the conclusion of the Educators Rise three-volume anthology series. What does reaching this milestone mean to you, the co-authors, and the Educators Rise community?
Dr. Heather: Completing the three-volume anthology series is a tremendous milestone. It represents the voices, experiences, and wisdom of educators who courageously shared their journeys to inspire others. For our co-authors, it is a testament to their commitment to educational excellence and servant leadership. For the Educators Rise community, it signifies not an ending, but the foundation for continued collaboration, innovation, and educator empowerment.
How have the stories shared by the anthology’s co-authors helped shape the mission and vision of Educators Rise?
Dr. Heather: Every chapter reinforces the belief that educators are leaders, innovators, mentors, and changemakers. The co-authors shared stories of resilience, equity, leadership, and hope, reminding readers that every educator has a story worth telling. Their collective voices have strengthened the Educators Rise mission to inspire educators to lead with authenticity, courage, and purpose.
Keynote Speaker Sacha Walton-Gutierrez presented “E.V.O.L.V.E.: Preparing Educators for the AI-Powered Future of Learning.” Why was it important to open the conference with a conversation about artificial intelligence, and what do you hope educators took away from her message?
Dr. Heather: Artificial intelligence is transforming education, and educators deserve practical guidance on how to use it responsibly and effectively. Sacha emphasized that AI is not here to replace teachers but to enhance their work by streamlining lesson planning, reducing administrative tasks, and giving educators valuable personal time back. Her message empowered attendees to embrace AI as a tool that supports innovation while preserving the human connection that makes teaching meaningful.
Keynote Speaker Professor Steve Maynor, Jr. challenged attendees through his presentation, “Is It DEI, or Is It Something Else?” What impact did his keynote have on the overall conference experience, and what conversations do you hope it continues to inspire?
Dr. Heather: Professor Maynor challenged attendees to move beyond assumptions and examine the role fear often plays in difficult conversations. Through his discussion of F.E.A.R. (False Evidence Appearing Real), he encouraged educators to approach differences with empathy, understanding, and a willingness to engage in authentic dialogue. His keynote set the tone for courageous conversations throughout the conference and reminded attendees that while we are not all the same, our differences strengthen our schools and communities.
Your conference featured an impressive lineup of speakers and educational leaders. What qualities do you look for when selecting presenters for Educators Rise?
Dr. Heather: We intentionally seek presenters who are authentic, experienced, and passionate about serving educators. Our speakers are thought leaders who not only inspire but also provide practical strategies educators can immediately implement in their classrooms, schools, and communities.
Several presenters are also published authors and co-authors. How does highlighting educators who write, research, and share their lived experiences strengthen the conference and the profession?
Dr. Heather: When educators become published authors, they demonstrate that classroom experiences, leadership journeys, and educational research deserve to be documented and shared. Their stories inspire other educators to recognize the value of their own voices and contribute to meaningful conversations that advance the profession.
What role have the Educators Rise co-authors played in building a supportive community that extends beyond the conference?
Dr. Heather: The Educators Rise co-authors are the heart of this movement. Their willingness to share their personal stories, professional expertise, and educational experiences has created a community rooted in collaboration, encouragement, and service.
Several co-authors have made lasting contributions throughout the anthology series. Dr. Alisha Broughton, presenter of “Beyond the Lesson Plan: Protecting the Mental Health of DEI Educators,” Tammy Walsham, presenter of “DEI Implementation: A Requirement, Not an Option,” and Dr. Kera Longmire were featured in all three volumes of the Educators Rise anthology series. Although Dr. Longmire was unable to attend this year’s conference, her impact on the movement has been immeasurable.
Minister Phillip Lyde, a contributor to Volumes 1 and 3, was also unable to attend the conference, but his leadership and contributions continue to inspire the Educators Rise community.
Dr. Martiesa Smith, featured in Volumes 2 and 3, was likewise unable to attend, yet her voice remains an important part of the anthology’s legacy.
Our keynote speaker, Professor Steve Maynor, Jr., is also a contributing author in Volume 3, while Shannel Williams, who presented “Remember the ABCs of DEI: Acknowledge Differences, Build Belonging, Cultivate Change,” is both a Volume 1 co-author and one of this year’s featured conference speakers.
We also extend an honorable mention to Y’Keitha Atkins and Tiffany Jones-Fisher for their meaningful contributions to Volume 1 of the Educators Rise anthology series.
Together, these educators have built far more than a collection of books — they have created a network of leaders committed to mentoring, encouraging, and empowering educators across the country. Their collective impact extends beyond the conference and continues to inspire excellence in education.
What were some of the most memorable moments or breakthrough conversations you witnessed during this year’s conference?
Dr. Heather: Watching educators celebrate one another’s accomplishments, exchange ideas, and engage in meaningful conversations was incredibly inspiring. From the keynote presentations to the breakout sessions, networking opportunities, book signings, and the awards ceremony, attendees experienced a genuine sense of belonging that reminded them they are part of a community dedicated to transforming education.
How did attendees respond to the keynote presentations, breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and opportunities to connect with the anthology’s co-authors?
Dr. Heather: The response was overwhelmingly positive. Attendees appreciated the balance of inspiration and practical application, as well as the opportunity to connect personally with speakers, authors, and fellow educators. Many shared that they left feeling energized, encouraged, and equipped with new strategies they could immediately implement in their classrooms, schools, and communities.
In addition to the rich professional learning experience, every attendee earned four (4) Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours for participating in the conference. Providing CPD hours reinforced our commitment to delivering high-quality, meaningful professional development while supporting educators’ continued professional growth and licensure requirements.
Why is it important to create spaces where educators can collaborate, learn from one another, and build lasting professional relationships?
Dr. Heather: Education is strengthened when educators learn together. Conferences like Educators Rise encourage collaboration, innovation, and shared learning while reminding educators that they are part of a larger community committed to improving outcomes for students and supporting one another.
What makes the Educators Rise Conference different from other professional development conferences?
Dr. Heather: Educators Rise intentionally combines professional development with inspiration, networking, leadership development, published author recognition, and community building. It celebrates educators not only for what they do in the classroom but also for the impact they make as leaders, writers, mentors, and advocates.
Were there any attendee testimonials or success stories that especially stood out to you?
Dr. Heather: Many attendees shared that the conference reignited their passion for education and reminded them of their purpose. Others expressed appreciation for the authentic conversations, practical strategies, and supportive atmosphere that encouraged both personal and professional growth. Several attendees also shared how meaningful it was to meet the Educators Rise co-authors whose stories had inspired them throughout the anthology series.
The conference also celebrated outstanding educators through the 2026 Educators Rise Awards. Why was it important to recognize these individuals, and what do these awards represent?
Dr. Heather: Recognizing excellence is one of the hallmarks of the Educators Rise Conference. These awards honor educators and leaders who exemplify service, innovation, mentorship, advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of students, colleagues, and their communities.
2026 Educators Rise Award Recipients:
Dr. Sandi Hagans-Morris — Educators Rise Transformational Leadership Award
Dr. Tierra Graves — Educators Rise Award
Chiquo Stokes — Educators Rise Inspiring Educators Impact Award
Shirley Preyan — Educators Rise Inspiring Educators Impact Award
Jene Gilbert Duffy — Community Empowerment Champion Award
Cynthia Jones — Educators Rise Award
Sacha Walton-Gutierrez — Educators Rise Mentor Award
The conference also recognized our anthology contributors with the 2026 Educators Rise Co-Author Award, presented to:
Professor Steve Maynor, Jr.
Dr. Alisha Broughton
Tammy Walsham
Additionally, Shannel Williams received the 2026 Educators Rise Panelist Award in recognition of her impactful conference presentation and continued contributions to education.
These awards represent more than individual accomplishments — they celebrate servant leadership, educational excellence, and the commitment to lifting others while advancing the profession.
Breakout speakers addressed a range of timely topics shaping education today. Dr. Alisha Broughton presented “Beyond the Lesson Plan: Protecting the Mental Health of DEI Educators,” Shannel Williams shared “Remember the ABCs of DEI: Acknowledge Differences, Build Belonging, Cultivate Change,” and Tammy Walsham presented “DEI Implementation: A Requirement, Not an Option.” How did these sessions complement the keynote presentations, and what practical strategies do you hope educators will implement in their schools and communities?
Dr. Heather: These breakout sessions translated the keynote messages into practical action. Dr. Broughton reminded educators to prioritize their own well-being, Shannel Williams provided a practical framework for creating inclusive environments, and Tammy Walsham challenged participants to move from discussing equity to intentionally implementing it. Together, these sessions equipped attendees with tools they can immediately apply to create healthier, more inclusive, and equitable learning environments.
Many attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with the anthology co-authors. Why is it important for educators to see themselves represented as published authors, thought leaders, and changemakers?
Dr. Heather: Representation matters. When educators see their peers becoming published authors and recognized leaders, they begin to realize that their own experiences have value. The anthology demonstrates that every educator has a story capable of inspiring others and advancing the profession.
Looking back over all three anthology volumes and two successful in-person conferences, what impact do you believe Educators Rise has made on educators and educational leadership?
Dr. Heather: Educators Rise has created a platform where educators are celebrated, empowered, and encouraged to lead beyond the classroom. The movement has elevated educator voices, fostered collaboration, inspired leadership, and demonstrated that storytelling can transform individuals, schools, and communities.
As this chapter of the anthology series comes to a close, what is the next vision for Educators Rise? What can educators and supporters look forward to in the future?
Dr. Heather: While the anthology series has reached its conclusion, the Educators Rise mission continues. We look forward to expanding professional development opportunities, leadership initiatives, strategic partnerships, mentoring programs, and future conferences that continue empowering educators to grow, lead, and inspire.
How can educators, administrators, community leaders, authors, and organizations become involved with Educators Rise and continue supporting its mission?
Dr. Heather: There are many ways to become involved — attend future conferences, participate in leadership opportunities, collaborate on educational initiatives, sponsor events, mentor fellow educators, or partner with Educators Rise to help amplify educator voices and create lasting impact.
If you could summarize the biggest takeaway from this year’s conference — and from the Educators Rise anthology series — in one sentence, what would it be?
Dr. Heather: When educators rise together, they inspire one another, strengthen their communities, and transform the future of education.
Finally, what does the phrase “Educators Rise” mean to you personally, and what legacy do you hope this movement leaves for future generations of educators?
Dr. Heather: Educators Rise represents hope, resilience, collaboration, and purpose. It is a reminder that educators have the power to influence generations through their leadership, compassion, and commitment to lifelong learning. My hope is that this movement leaves a lasting legacy where every educator knows their voice matters, their story deserves to be told, and together we can continue to elevate the teaching profession and transform lives for generations to come.
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