Nothing for Them, Without Them: Dr. Monique Darrisaw-Akil’s Humble, Reflective Leadership

📢 Encore Episode: A Must-Listen for School Leaders! 🎧

 

As educators across the country gear up for a new school year, we’re bringing back one of our most powerful conversations featuring Dr. Monique Darrisaw-Akil, Superintendent of the Uniondale School District in New York. 🙌

 

Dr. Darrisaw Akil led a massive cultural and educational shift in a district that had been facing significant challenges. This episode is full of honest reflections and practical leadership lessons. Here are 3 big takeaways:

 

🌿 Imperfect Leadership as a Strength Dr. Darrisaw Akil defines an imperfect leader as someone “always reflecting, always searching internally.” She shares how taking responsibility for a failed tech rollout actually built trust. 

 

📘 Equity = Opportunity + Support Equity isn’t a buzzword for Dr. Darrisaw-Akil. It’s about making sure every child is prepared to lead, not just follow. She’s opened access to AP/IB courses, added summer supports and bootcamps, and even brings back alumni to mentor current students. 

 

🗣️ Community Voice + Data = Real Change “Know your numbers, without judgment,” she says. But more importantly: “the answer is in the room.” Her strategic plan was built with families and students. Her motto? “Nothing for them. Without them.” 

 

🎙️ This episode is a must-listen for any leader looking to build authentic community partnerships and center equity every step of the way.

Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/

Youtube (video of conversation): https://www.youtube.com/@animperfectleaderleadershi5144/featured

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@animperfectleader 

——- 

An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr. 

Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health.

Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal.

Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day.

MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL.

Go to overyondr.com to learn more.

 

——

Imperfect Leaders! Are you facing challenges filling open Speech-Language Pathologist positions within your district? Empat Speech understands the critical need for qualified professionals in your schools. They recognize that communication lies at the heart of academic success. Don’t let open positions hinder your students’ progress. Partner with Empat Speech today and ensure every child in your district has access ot the speech therapy they deserve.

——–

An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com.

Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley.

Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.