Educators Rise: Voices of Change Anthology Volume II Is the Blueprint Educators Have Been Waiting For

There are books that inform, and then there are books that move people to act. Educators Rise: Voices of Change Anthology Volume II firmly belongs in the latter category. Curated by visionary educator and DEI strategist Dr. Heather A. Robinson, with foreword by Dr. Shamika Livingston, this powerful anthology brings together a collective of educators, leaders, and consultants who are not simply talking about change in education, they are actively building it. Through deeply personal narratives, hard-earned lessons, and practical strategies, Educators Rise Volume II centers Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as essential pillars for meaningful and sustainable transformation.

This powerful book is lived experience, professional wisdom, and real-world application, delivered by voices who understand what it takes to create equitable learning spaces in classrooms, institutions, and communities. Educators Rise: Voices of Change Anthology Volume II explores how DEI initiatives impact everything from classroom culture to professional development and organizational leadership. Contributors share candid reflections on successes, setbacks, and the often-unspoken challenges educators face while pushing systems forward.

Each chapter offers readers actionable insights and strategies that can be implemented, adapted, and expanded upon. The result is an anthology that serves both as a mirror and a roadmap for educators and leaders committed to equity-driven change. Designed for educators, administrators, consultants, and advocates, this volume speaks directly to those who know that access alone is not enough and that inclusion must be intentional.

At the helm of Educators Rise is Dr. Heather A. Robinson, a 4-time global/international award-winning author and educator. A two-time global award recipient and Presidential Lifetime Achievement honoree whose work continues to shape conversations around education and equity. Based in Exton, Pennsylvania, with deep roots in Philadelphia, Dr. Robinson holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Educational Leadership and brings both professional expertise and personal resilience to her leadership. As an eight-time published author, dynamic speaker, and sought-after DEI consultant, she has amassed more than 25 magazine features, 30 podcast appearances, and numerous speaking engagements across national platforms.

Her mantra, "Visibility + Credibility = Equitability," is woven throughout the anthology, serving as both a philosophy and a call to action. Under her guidance, Educators Rise Volume II expands the reach of educator voices while reinforcing the credibility of DEI work grounded in practice, not performative gestures.

Connect online: Linktr.ee: linktr.ee/anointed2writellc, Instagram: anointed_2_write, Facebook: Anointed2writeLLC, LinkedIn: Dr. Heather Robinson BA, M. Ed, Ph.D, E-mail: [email protected]

The anthology is set for release in Winter 2026, with momentum continuing at the Educators Rise Conference & Awards Ceremony on July 18, 2026 - an extension of the movement Dr. Robinson has intentionally built.

The strength of Educators Rise Volume II lies in the diversity of its contributors, educators whose experiences span early childhood education, special education, higher education, instructional leadership, and community advocacy.

Dr. Kera Longmire

A proud native of Cincinnati, Ohio and a mother of two beautiful daughters, Dr. Kera Longmire is an experienced early childhood education educator and instructor. She holds a master of Business from Strayer University, Master of Science with a specialization in Early Childhood Education from Capella University. She is proud to transit into the field of higher education as she embarks on a new career journey as an adjunct faculty at Eastern Washington University commencing Fall 2025.

She empowers individuals and organizations through her role as an instructor, educator, and advocate for children in early childhood education and strongly believes that DEI is the cornerstone for education. Guided by her mantra, "I am an advocate for DEI in early childhood education and leveling the playing field for equitable opportunities for all children in ECE", her work continues to inspire and foster diversity, equity, and inclusion while transforming lives globally. As a proud and continuous contributor to Educator Rise: Voices of Change Anthology Volume 2, she inspires transformative change and fosters inclusivity in the world.

Connect online: Instagram: @keralynnlongmire, Facebook: Ke Ke Long, Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/keralongmire, Email: [email protected]

Martiesa Smith, MS, M.Ed.

Martiesa Smith, MS, M.Ed. is a special education educator dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in learning environments. Guided by the mantra, " We listen. We understand. We teach with purpose," she centers her practice on understanding each student's unique strengths and perspectives. With experience in both school-based and community settings, Martiesa specializes in multisensory and culturally responsive instruction, social-emotional learning, literacy development, and behavior management. She holds degrees in Psychology, Addiction Counseling, Juvenile Justice, and Special Education, with certifications in Behavior Coaching and Dyslexia, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Martiesa is the founder of New Growth Behavioral Counsel and Color Dynamic, contributes to educator professional development, and coaches' youth basketball, fostering empowerment, inclusion, and growth in all she serves.

Mantra: "We listen. We understand. We teach with purpose."

This mantra guides her practice as both an educator and a learner. It challenges her to embrace diverse viewpoints, adapt instruction to individual needs, and create a supportive environment where every student feels seen, understood, and capable of success.

Connect online: LinkedIn: Martiesa Smith, BA, BS, MS, MEd,

E-mail: [email protected]

Dr. Alisha Broughton

Dr. Alisha Broughton's journey in education spans nearly three decades, touching countless lives through her roles as an elementary and high school English educator. Born and raised in Millsboro, Delaware, she currently serves as a full-time high school English educator and part-time professor, with dual certifications in Special Education. A survivor of two intrusive brain surgeries, she holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership.

Her dedication has earned national recognition, including a National Jefferson Award, ranking among Delaware Today Magazine's Top 10 Businesswomen, and a Stevie Awards for Women in Business in Public Relations. From 2022 to 2024, she volunteered over 2,000 hours in Sussex County community centers and founded the Unlimited Expectations Express nonprofit. A local author of six books, Pastor, and Hospital Chaplain, Dr. Broughton lives by her own words:

Mantra: "Live life like it's your last day. Make every minute count, for tomorrow is not promised. Live in the moment."

Connect online: Facebook: alishabroughton, LinkedIn: dralishabroughton, Instagram: @alisha.broughton

Dr. Tiffany J. Fisher

Dr. Tiffany J. Fisher is an accomplished educator, instructional leader, and equity advocate with over 18 years of experience serving students and educators across Mississippi and Alabama. She holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and is currently recognised as Teacher of the Year at ACCEL Preparatory Academy. Dr. Fisher has served as a science teacher, assistant principal, associate principal, adjunct instructor and educational impact strategist, with a career grounded in culturally responsive pedagogy, teacher retention, and student leadership development.

She is the founder of 1280 Forward Education Consultants and 1280 Leads, initiatives dedicated to expanding access, opportunity, and leadership capacity for underserved students and educators. Dr. Fisher is also the creator and author of Chapter 1280 (https://chapter1280.substack.com), a thought-leadership blog amplifying educator voices and interrogating equity, policy, and practice in education. Her writing bridges research and lived experience to challenge systems and inspire sustainable change.

Mantra: "Access without opportunity is not equity."

Contact info: Facebook: 1280 Forward Education Consultants, Instagram: @1280forward, IN: tiffany-fisher-1280forward, Linktree: linktr.ee/drfisher1280forward

Tammy Walsham

To have a long desire for education is not common but it is for Tammy Walsham. She wanted to teach since the age of 5 and has now entered her 25th year of education. Her love for reaching has allowed Tammy to bless the lives of students grades k-12. Although she loves general education, she found her passion even more driven as a Special Education teacher. Tammy's teaching journey started in the west coast and she's now residing in the east coast. With a doctoral degree near completion, education leadership is right around the corner. The blessing of a career she's passionate about is only part of her story. She is also a mother who is blessed to inspire her daughter to be the amazing person she desires to be. Through parenthood and teaching, she is able to inspire and impact young minds everyday and she's just not ready to quit yet.

Mantra: "An obstacle is only meant to be temporary unless you allow it to become permanent. Success is not the absence of failure, it's persistence through failure."

Connect online: Facebook: Tammy Walsham, Instagram: @1stladytammy916, E-mail: [email protected]

More About The Book:

The book does more than document experiences, it invites readers into a collective responsibility. It challenges educators to reflect on their own practices, question systems that maintain inequity, and actively participate in shaping more just learning environments.

This anthology arrives at a critical moment, when educator voices matter more than ever and DEI work requires both courage and clarity. With honesty, intention, and practical insight, Educators Rise Volume II stands as both affirmation and challenge for those committed to doing the work.

For educators ready to rise, this book is not optional reading, it is essential.