Dr. Heather Jenkins, the Chief Executive Officer of the Literacy Lab, a national non-profit organization founded in 2009. Dr. Jenkins’ remarkable journey in the field of education, her innovative initiatives, and her dedication to fostering inclusivity and equity have significantly impacted the lives of students and the broader education community.
Dr. Heather Jenkins: Championing Literacy and Equity
In her role as CEO of The Literacy Lab, Dr. Jenkins leads an organization deeply committed to providing evidence-based, culturally responsive literacy instruction to students in communities facing racial and economic inequities. The Literacy Lab’s programs, including the AmeriCorps tutoring initiative and the Leading Men Fellowship program, aim to support individualized literacy development in Pre-K through 3rd grade students. Through these programs, Dr. Jenkins and her team have pioneered practices rooted in the science of reading, empowering young minds for academic, professional, and personal success.
A Journey Rooted in Equity
Dr. Jenkins’ journey in education started from a place of deep empathy for her students. As a teacher, she witnessed the barriers that hindered the educational growth of talented students in under-resourced communities. Driven by a desire to create equity, she delved into understanding the systemic challenges faced by Black and brown students. This exploration led her to become a leader, advocating for empathy, compassion, growth mindsets, and authentic leadership as essential tools in addressing deeply rooted educational challenges.
Empowering Women of Color: A National Movement
Recognizing the gender gap, especially for women of color in leadership positions, Dr. Jenkins initiated the Women of Color in Leadership Initiative. This groundbreaking effort aims to create a supportive network where women of color mentor, guide, and sponsor one another. The initiative is not just about breaking barriers within The Literacy Lab; it is a national movement, challenging the status quo and reshaping narratives around leadership.
Transformative Change: A Best-in-Class Workplace
Dr. Jenkins and her team at The Literacy Lab are driving transformative change within their organization. They are crafting a workplace where authenticity is celebrated, individuals are valued, and everyone receives equitable compensation and comprehensive benefits. This pioneering effort is not just confined to their organization; the goal is to extend this support to other workplaces, fostering a culture of care and inclusivity across industries.
Leveraging Technology for a Brighter Future
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, Dr. Jenkins recognizes the pivotal role of technology. Over the past year, The Literacy Lab has delved deep into understanding how technology can be integrated into their programs. Viewing technology as essential, the organization is exploring ways to extend its reach affordably. Dr. Jenkins envisions a future where technology seamlessly integrates with the organization’s mission, offering a diverse menu of services to students, schools, and communities.
Equity and Inclusivity at the Core
Creating diverse and inclusive classrooms is a cornerstone of The Literacy Lab’s mission. So many people at The Literacy Lab work to ensure this, daily. Dr. Jenkins ensures that her team is prepared to foster equity and inclusivity among their students. This preparation involves intensive training for Tutors and Fellows, emphasizing understanding students’ developmental stages, backgrounds, and lived experiences. By investing in relationship building and emotional support, The Literacy Lab is fostering an environment where every learner is valued and included.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Women Leaders
Drawing from her personal journey, Dr. Jenkins shares invaluable advice for young women aspiring to leadership roles in any industry. She emphasizes the importance of self-trust, unwavering commitment to values, and clarity on non-negotiables. Having the right support system is crucial. Dr. Jenkins stresses the significance of surrounding oneself with the right people who encourage growth and authenticity. Equally important is self-care; a lesson learned through her own experiences, highlighting the importance of balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being.
Broadening Collaboration and Innovation
At The Literacy Lab, collaboration is not just encouraged; it’s embedded in the organizational culture. Dr. Jenkins and her team have diligently worked on democratizing access to information, transparent communication, and inclusive decision-making, and understand that this must be continually improved. By opening up budget information and involving team members in decision processes, The Literacy Lab fosters a culture of collaboration where all voices are heard, empowering staff to innovate and enhance the educational experience.
Overcoming Personal Challenges
Dr. Jenkins candidly acknowledges her own struggles with self-doubt resulting from systemic racism and sexism. However, her journey stands as a testament to resilience. Surrounding herself with strong women of color and allies, she overcame her fears, standing firmly in her leadership. This experience has not only liberated her but also serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges.
Balancing Leadership and Life: A Journey of Self-Care
Reflecting on her earlier years as a working parent, Dr. Jenkins admits to neglecting her own well-being in the pursuit of balancing family and career. However, a shift occurred, urging her to prioritize self-care. Now, with intentional morning and evening routines and a focus on utilizing her vacation time, she navigates the delicate balance, understanding that nurturing oneself is not selfish but essential.
Staying Informed in a Dynamic Educational Landscape
In the face of ever-changing policies and regulations, Dr. Jenkins and her team remain vigilant. Engaging in continuous learning, the leadership team at The Literacy Lab actively shares knowledge, recommending articles, books, and podcasts. Monthly team-based learning sessions ensure that the organization remains adaptable and responsive, aligning its strategies with the evolving educational landscape.
Leadership Insights: Dr. Heather Jenkins on Essential Qualities and Continuous Growth
Essential Qualities of a Successful Female Leader
Dr. Heather Jenkins identifies key qualities and skills that are fundamental for any leader, transcending gender boundaries. These attributes not only define successful leadership but also contribute significantly to the greater good of the organization:
I. Empathy & Equity: Demonstrating authentic care for everyone within the organization is paramount. Dr. Jenkins emphasizes the importance of valuing staff, tutors, and fellows, understanding that their well-being directly impacts the quality of education provided to students. Central to this is ensuring equity, where the voices of those most affected by decisions are prioritized, fostering a culture of genuine inclusivity.
ii. Growth Mindset & Humility: A commitment to continuous learning and feedback is vital. Dr. Jenkins views feedback as a gift and values it as a means of personal and professional growth. Embracing a growth mindset and approaching feedback with humility are essential for leaders to evolve and adapt effectively.
iii. Adaptively & Accountability: Navigating uncertainty requires adaptive thinking. Leaders must encourage innovative problem-solving while maintaining accountability. Dr. Jenkins
emphasizes that this adaptability begins at the top, with senior leaders setting the tone and modeling adaptive behavior for the entire organization.
iv. Stability & Security: Stability and security provide the foundation for creativity and risk taking. Leaders must create a safe environment where team members feel secure to explore new ideas and approaches. This sense of stability is nurtured through consistent leadership, financial sustainability, and trust in the decision-making process.
v. Courage & Creativity: Leadership demands courage and creativity, especially in the face of ambiguity and challenges. Dr. Jenkins highlights the importance of approaching leadership with boldness, embracing the unknown, and fostering a culture where mistakes are viewed as opportunities for growth rather than failures.
Continuous Professional Development: A Lifelong Pursuit
For Dr. Jenkins, continuous professional development isn’t just a philosophy—it’s a way of life. By engaging in constant learning, she ensures her leadership remains relevant and impactful. Sharing her audiobook recommendations with her team fosters a culture of shared learning. Moreover, the organizational values at The Literacy Lab emphasize lifelong learning, reflecting the organization’s commitment to the ongoing development of its staff.
Dedicated professional development funds, regular team learning sessions, and a comprehensive organization-wide calendar of training opportunities underline The Literacy Lab’s dedication to nurturing a culture of continuous learning. Education professionals within the organization are encouraged to pursue knowledge, ensuring they remain at the forefront of their field.
Future Aspirations: Dr. Heather Jenkins’ Vision for The Literacy Lab
As Dr. Heather Jenkins looks ahead to the future of education, her aspirations for The Literacy Lab are nothing short of transformative. With her unwavering commitment to caring, compassionate, courageous, and connected leadership, she envisions leaving behind a legacy of positive, systemic change in the communities touched by the organization. More than just a CEO, Dr. Jenkins hopes to be known as someone deeply connected to the people she serves and as a leader who truly understands the individuals working alongside her.
Building Lasting Connections
In Dr. Jenkins’ vision, her legacy is not just about the achievements of The Literacy Lab but the lasting connections she forms with everyone involved. It’s about knowing the people within the organization on a personal level and being known in return. It’s about fostering a culture of genuine care, where individuals feel valued and understood. Through her leadership, Dr. Jenkins aims to create an environment where feedback is not only welcomed but cherished, a tool for growth rather than critique. She hopes that her approach to leadership becomes
ingrained in the very fabric of the organization, ensuring that future leaders carry forward this legacy of compassionate and connected leadership.
Courageous Innovation and Humble Learning
Dr. Jenkins’ vision extends beyond the present, encompassing a future where The Literacy Lab becomes a beacon of innovative educational practices. She envisions a culture of experimentation, where pilots and experiments are not just encouraged but celebrated. Each venture is approached with courage and humility, recognizing that even failures are stepping stones to progress. It’s about a continuous cycle of learning and improvement, where gratitude accompanies feedback, fostering an atmosphere of trust and growth.
Working Toward Self-Sufficiency
Furthermore, the ultimate goal for The Literacy Lab lies in its self-sufficiency. Dr. Jenkins and her team aspire to work themselves out of their roles, not because they wish to leave but because they hope that one day, the students they serve have everything they need. They dream of a future where the support of organizations like The Literacy Lab is no longer required because every child has equal access to quality education, breaking barriers and ensuring a brighter future for all.
In essence, Dr. Heather Jenkins’ vision for The Literacy Lab extends far beyond the organization itself. It embodies a profound impact on the lives it touches, rooted in the principles of empathy, courage, innovation, and genuine connection. Dr. Jenkins stands as a transformative leader, showcasing not only the qualities of adaptability and continuous learning but also the immense power of compassion and resilience.
Dr. Jenkins’ journey is a testament to her unwavering commitment to equity in education. Her leadership exemplifies the transformative potential of empathy and collaboration, illuminating a path toward educational excellence and equality. Through her dedication, she not only shapes the future of education but also serves as an inspiring beacon for aspiring leaders.
In conclusion, Dr. Heather Jenkins stands as a symbol of innovation, inclusivity, and empathy—qualities vital for addressing the multifaceted challenges in education today. Her story resonates as a powerful reminder of the substantial impact one dedicated individual can make in the realm of education. As she continues to lead with grace and determination, her legacy becomes a guiding light, illuminating the way for future leaders in the pursuit of a brighter, more equitable educational landscape.