Summary: In the season two premiere of Next Man Up, host Kareem Thomas welcomes Harrison Peters, co-founder and CEO of MCEL, to discuss the current state of the organization and its initiatives. They delve into the National Leadership Institute, its core principles, and the importance of community among leaders of color. The conversation also covers the competencies framework for leaders, the application process for the next cohort, and highlights from the recent Leaders Developing Leaders Summit. Finally, they discuss the upcoming National Convening and share insights on resilience and leadership for the new school year.Key Takeaways:The National Leadership Institute focuses on personal growth and leadership identity.Cohorts create a supportive community for leaders of color.Self, site, and system are critical pillars of leadership development.Leaders of color face unique challenges in their professional journeys.The importance of accountability in educational leadership is emphasized.The application for the next cohort opens in November.The Leaders Developing Leaders Summit fosters collaboration among educational leaders.The National Convening is a key event for networking and professional development.Resilience and grace are essential qualities for educators in today's world.Understanding the assignment means prioritizing the needs of students.Quote Worthy:"The principal role is a critical cheerleader.""We believe that the answer was in the room.""We have to understand that it's not about us."About Harrison PetersbeganHarrison Peters is the CEO and Co-founder of Men of Color in Educational Leadership (MCEL) and a former State Turnaround Superintendent of Providence Public Schools. Inspired by teachers who believed in him, he grew up in Pensacola, Florida, raised by his grandmother with limited education, which fueled his passion for advocating for children nationwide. Harrison started his career as an elementary teacher. He advanced into leadership roles across major school districts, including Charlotte-Mecklenburg, Chicago, Houston, Hillsborough County, and Providence, where he helped transform struggling schools. His achievements include improving graduation rates, ACT scores, and reducing achievement gaps. A Navy veteran, he holds degrees from the University of West Florida, Nova Southeastern University, and the University of South Florida. Passionate about student success, Harrison believes in unlocking every child's potential through support and dedicated leadership.About the PodcastNext Man Up amplifies the voices and experiences of men of color in educational leadership. Hosted by Kareem Thomas, the podcast explores the triumphs, challenges, and pivotal moments that shape leaders who break barriers and drive systemic change in education. Through candid conversations and expert insights, Next Man Up inspires listeners to embrace their unique power, build community, and foster mentorship. Whether you're a current leader, aspiring changemaker, or ally, this podcast will empower you to step up and make a meaningful impact. The next man up could be you!Learn MoreTo learn more about the Next Man Up podcast or to be a guest, visit mcelleaders.org/podcast or follow us on social media at @mcelleaders.

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