Two-time Fordham University graduate and former clinical assistant professor Shannon Waite, Ed.D., was recently recognized with the University Council for Educational Administration’s (UCEA) 2024 Paula Silver Case Award. This prestigious award honors the authors of the most outstanding case published in the previous volume year of The Journal of Cases in Educational Leadership. Waite’s article, co-authored with Courtney Wilkerson, Ed.D., is titled “Are Educational Leaders of Color Truly Able to Lead for Equity? Maintaining the Status Quo or Disrupting Unequitable Systems?”
The case study explores the story of Dr. Gabriella Ramirez, the first female Latinx superintendent to lead Metropolitan City Public Schools. Ramirez, an anti-racist, culturally responsive leader, initiated several successful programs but faced the threat of a public smear campaign after recommending a significant policy shift for the district. Waite’s work has been instrumental for current and aspiring educational leaders, emphasizing the importance of developing a critical consciousness. Waite explains, “anyone that reads the case understands that racial equity work begins within themselves, and it is only once you begin to do the internal work that one can hope to lead it externally.”
Reflecting on the award, Waite expressed gratitude, saying, “as a practitioner who is a scholar-activist, it is truly an honor to win an award for a teaching case focused on antiracism and challenging leaders to commit to the hard and necessary work of developing their own consciousness in support of the work of building equitable schools for ALL students.”
Waite’s time at Fordham was foundational to the work she is doing today. She attributes her journey as a researcher and professor to her experiences completing her Ed.D. at Fordham and continues to stay connected with many faculty and students. Reflecting on her progression from student to doctoral candidate to clinical assistant professor, Waite describes it as an “incredible experience.”
Currently, Waite serves as the principal investigator of the Equity-Centered Pipeline Initiative. Sponsored by the Wallace Foundation, the Howard University School of Education—partnering with District of Columbia Public Schools—was selected to develop an equity-centered career lattice grant initiative.
This content was provided by Leah McKirgan.
