Author: Ashlyn N. Ramirez, MS

Hanging out in another dimension. Doing doctoral things on digital literacy and the digital divide.

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Last year, I got to stay in the coolest Airbnb. It was a small, cozy cabin––sitting near a zoo, a quaint town, and a vast lake. That staycation has stayed with me well for the past year. It’s the inspiration for this post.

Welcoming overnight guests doesn’t require a guest suite or a redesign. Even when hosting in a small home or apartment, thoughtful preparation can create a cozy, relaxed space that truly feels like a retreat for your guests. A warm, inviting space isn’t about square footage. It’s about intention.

Simple touches can go a long way in a small home or an apartment. You can make guests feel welcome, relaxed, and genuinely cared for, without overextending yourself or your space, with a bit of prep and a thoughtful mindset.

1. Set the Stage: Prep the Guest Space with Comfort in Mind

You don’t need a dedicated guest room to create a cozy overnight setup. It’s about making what you do have feel intentional.

  • Simplify the basics: Clean sheets, a cozy blanket, and a pillow—even on a sofa or air mattress—go a long way. Experts recommend selecting an extra-tall air mattress (approximately 20 inches) to replicate a traditional bed and facilitate easier access (Food52) and (NY Mag).
  • Create a drop zone: A cleared chair, luggage rack, or wall hook gives guests a spot for bags and clothes. These small gestures offer a meaningful welcome (A Life Unfolding).
  • Lighting and privacy: Even battery-operated bedside lighting or lamps help make unfamiliar spaces feel safer and cozy (Tiny Canal Cottage).
  • Thoughtful extras: A water carafe, phone charger, or handwritten note adds personal warmth. (Into the Gloss) and (Tiny Canal Cottage)

2. Hosting in Small Homes and Apartments

With space at a premium, creativity and flexibility are key.

  • Multi-purpose furniture: Consider sofa sleepers, daybeds, trundles, or futons, because they maximize utility without sacrificing comfort  (Rent-A-Center Blog) and (NY Mag)
  • Functional living areas: Shared spaces can be transformed with foldable beds or cushions. Using rugs or screens helps define guest zones  (Food52) and (NY Mag).
  • Quick tidy-ups: Rather than deep-cleaning the entire home, focus on shared areas; declutter just what’s visible, which helps guests feel welcome (Rose Lounsbury).
  • Declutter smartly: Leave open drawer or hanger space so guests can unpack, and reduce clutter for a more organized, accessible environment (Worthing Court) and (Rose Lounsbury).

3. Stock the Bathroom with Essentials

You don’t need a spa to entertain. Thoughtful basics are more than enough.

  • Clean linens and toiletries: Provide towels, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and extras like lotion, Q-tips, or disposable razors (Worthing Court) and (Southern Living).
  • Clear communication: Avoid awkward moments by ensuring there’s a plunger or spare toilet paper on hand (Into the Gloss).

4. Keep Mornings Simple and Self-Serve

Self-service eases stress for both host and guest.

  • Breakfast basics: Set out coffee, tea, and grab-and-go snacks like granola bars, fruit, or yogurt. Also, make fridge items clearly labeled “help yourself.” This autonomy helps guests start their day comfortably (The Crowned Goat) and (Southern Living).
  • Snacks and beverages: A small basket with healthy snacks or flavored water enhances convenience and hospitality (The Crowned Goat) and (Rent-A-Center Blog).

5. Communicate the Unspoken Rules

Clear, casual communication goes a long way.

  • Detail essentials: Share Wi-Fi info, where to find key items, and home quirks (e.g., sticky faucet). A framed sign or friendly text works well  (Wit & Delight).
  • Clutter-conscious hosting: Clear seating surfaces and pathways; this subtle consideration helps guests feel immediately relaxed (The Expert Beginner).

6. Build in Space, Together, and Apart

Balance connection with boundaries.

  • Offer shared time, like a meal, a walk, or a movie, but also emphasize they’re welcome to relax independently. This respect for personal space fosters comfort and goodwill.

7. When Guests Stay Longer

More extended stays may require extra structure.

  • Shared routines: Establish quiet times, optional shared chores, and boundaries for your own work or rest periods.
  • Communicate gently: A kind heads-up about expectations ensures everyone’s comfort through more extended visits.

8. The Finishing Touch: Small Gestures, Big Impact

It’s often the tiniest touches that linger.

  • Vintage etiquette, modern warmth: Even small traditions—like a handwritten thank-you note, a vase of flowers, or sitting with guests in a cozy setting—drove hospitality in the past, and they still resonate today  (Better Homes & Gardens) and (Good Housekeeping).
  • Make the entry inviting: A clear, inviting entryway sets the tone. Good lighting, space to sit, and scent can all help guests feel welcomed before they even step inside (Better Homes & Gardens) and (Southern Living).

Final Note:

Hospitality isn’t measured in square feet. It’s crafted through intention. Your care and preparation count. From clearing a chair for luggage to leaving a thoughtful note, these small preparations make guests feel not just welcomed, but genuinely at home.

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Repotting plants this morning has me thinking about the work of crafting a story. Two were propagated, and two were replanted. That means new stories were created through tiny green succulent leaves, while others started a new chapter, in a new home, rising slowly from a drastic cliffhanger.

One has root rot, so I had to take special care to cut off the dead roots without damaging the structure. It reminded me of combing through something I wrote early in the morning, and finding parts to fix. Brushing off old soil is like cleaning and tightening up the story.

When you move a plant to new soil, you’re creating a new space for growth. Roots need room to breathe, nutrients to feed on, and a rosy foundation that supports them through seasons.

Writing (and editing) is the same. A narrative might already exist. However, to truly bring impact, it often needs fresh soil. Structure, clarity, and a stronger frame to hold the weight of ideas are what usually make a story pop.

Sometimes that means trimming back; other times, it means adding in what was missing. Both require patience, strength, and resilience to grow.

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Putting on makeup feels far more tedious than writing. I enjoy it. Unfortunately, I’m not especially good at it. It remains a hobby, more than a craft. Still, makeup is a lot like writing a story. It moves in chapters, with parts that blend into one another through quiet transitions.

Think about every layer of mascara like the climax of a book you can’t seem to put down or look away from. The lipliner and lipstick are the takeaway, wrapping up a story so seamlessly.

Makeup tells stories, too. Some passages are cursive, delicate, and flowing; others are written in dark ink, bold and confident. There’s a dichotomy between fountain pens and ballpoint pens, like the contrast between eyeliner and lipstick, which holds the story structure together. Then there are the bright colors behind eyeshadow—the kind that make the eyes pop like exclamation points on a page.

Blush is like an adjective, and bronzer is the adverb supporting the text with grace.

I have so much respect for the meticulous women who shape their faces as if each brushstroke were an extension of themselves. They create narratives with color and precision, crafting a beauty I can only admire from the periphery.

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I start my mornings early, but my problems with technology begin even sooner. Sometimes, I open and close my laptop and restart it because I cannot get the internet to cooperate with me. I run to restart the router. Luckily, I get on my cellphone to finish my call to my Chair. The baby is now crying, and usually I would want to cry too. But this is something I am used to, and I’m too busy taking notes to fall apart mentally. 

I am in the final year of my dissertation, focusing on Hispanic students at Hispanic-Serving Institutions. I’m fascinated by the Digital Divide Theory and its impact on marginalized students seeking technology access, user ability (digital literacy), and their perceptions of online course success. Pursuing my doctoral degree is a distinctive milestone and an assurance to give back to my community through knowledge and awareness. That, in itself, is both my end goal and my path to happiness.

On paper, this is research. In my heart, it’s personal. 

As a first-generation Hispanic college student, first-time mother, and communications professional, I have overcome challenges in health, identity, and access. I still struggle with my health as my ulcerative colitis progresses. But I persist. 

Now, ten months postpartum, I am more motivated than ever to finish my degree, for myself and my son. I want him to see what it looks like to keep going, even when the light at the end of the tunnel is too faint to make out. I want him to grow up knowing that knowledge is indispensable, education is power, and lifting others is a part of our purpose. These are key to an inevitable path to happiness.

I took time off after my C-section to recover physically and mentally, navigating postpartum depression without the safety net of paid leave. As a self-employed communications consultant, there was no paycheck waiting for me, no HR department checking in. Recovery happened in between diaper changes, dissertation edits, and client calls.

 I’ve gone the extra mile to manage recovery, parenting, and doctoral coursework, but like many women, especially women of color, I have done it quietly while balancing family life. I do not always have childcare readily available. I have health conditions that need monitoring, like my colitis and my asthma, which result in more routine doctor appointments than most at my age. 

My son accompanies me to appointments sometimes, and he enjoys chatting on the phone when I talk to my Chair, as if he already understands the importance of what I’m working toward. He is a good sport about it, and he loves to try to grab my fountain pens and “help” me type. 

I often feel empowered knowing I can be a mom, a writer, a consultant, and a student working on a degree that is statistically difficult to achieve. I am among the 16.7 percent of Hispanic students who earn doctorates, and 2.6 percent of disabled students who earn a doctorate in education. 

I know what it’s like to feel unseen in academic spaces, as if the systems around you weren’t built with you in mind. I aim to use this research to inform institutional practices that are more inclusive, accessible, and supportive of students from all walks of life.

This process has shaped me in ways I never imagined. It has made me more empathetic, resilient, and undoubtedly sure that the work I am doing matters, not just for me or my son, but for many others who deserve to thrive in higher education.

I’ve been the student who couldn’t rely on her Wi-Fi or cell signal, but I always found a way to make things work. Some people are more disadvantaged and are unable to do the same. I’ve learned what equity means when you’re living it, not just researching it.

My career goals are founded in service. I aim to utilize my research, writing, and strategic communication skills to influence policy, guide institutions, and champion the voices of historically underrepresented groups through education. I believe deeply in the power of storytelling, not only as a former journalist but as someone who has seen how narratives can shape access to opportunity. 

This journey has not been easy, but it has been transformative. My experiences are woven into every part of who I am. It has reminded me that you can still take the next step forward even when you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, or unsure. And those steps matter. 

Those steps lead towards a seat at the table.

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Sometimes I hold my breath until it hurts. And then everything in my vision is shaking. But the shake isn’t fear, per se.

There are moments of anticipation that run through your veins like ice-cold rain—moments when you take the plunge, not because it’s comfortable, but because you want the result badly enough to face the shock.

The shock burns cold, tightening my body as I submerged myself for 90 seconds. Meditate, relax, and move forward. And start the life cycle all over again.

I’ve now gone from hot water (104 degrees, to be exact) to a violent burst of refreshing cold.

The truth is, nerves are just water, and we’re all vessels. How we carry the water, how we let it flow between our fingers, determines whether it moves us forward.

So, here’s to the plunge and the shock that comes with it.

Side note: cold plunges are about 48 degrees. And I’d do it again.

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Technological convergence is daunting; something that many are unable to understand with the exacerbating gap separating the wealthy from those in poverty. And I’m not the only one struggling with the digital divide. The divide is vast like a black hole, swallowing up knowledge faster than it flies in.

Let’s acknowledge some facts regarding obstacles to equity.

Seventy-three percent of students find that lack of support from their educators remains a significant barrier to their success in online courses. This statistic indicates a crucial gap in the education system. It’s challenging to pinpoint a single strategy that can effectively adapt to public education, especially in this political climate.

However, one strategy can come into play more than others. That approach is rooted in servant leadership, which sits at the intersection of transformational and authentic leadership. 

Servant leadership is my favorite leadership style. Servant leadership is a powerful, emerging strategy in education that ensures that all students, particularly those from underserved communities, are supported to thrive. Unlike traditional top-down leadership models (transactional), servant leadership flips the script completely by focusing on empowering others, listening to their needs, and prioritizing their well-being.

It can be a game-changer for students facing barriers like the digital divide. And the digital divide is only going to become bigger as technological convergence evolves.

What Is Servant Leadership?
Servant leadership, a philosophy coined by Robert K. Greenleaf, emphasizes that leaders should prioritize serving those they lead (Greenleaf, 1970). Rather than focusing on personal power or recognition, a servant leader’s primary goal is to support others in their growth, development, and success. 

Greenleaf found that a servant leader has a social responsibility to be concerned about the marginalized and those less privileged. If inequalities and social injustices exist, a servant leader tries to remove them (Graham, 1991). 

A leader uses less institutional power and control while shifting authority to those being led in becoming a servant leader. Servant leadership values a community of care (CoC) because it provides a face-to-face opportunity for individuals to experience interdependence, respect, trust, and growth (Greenleaf, 1970)

This leadership style creates an environment where everyone can succeed by embracing principles of empathy, active listening, and shared responsibility. According to Northouse’s book on Leadership Theories (2021), “conceptualizing refers to the capacity that gives leaders the ability to browse through a multitude of problems without any creative downfalls on them or the team” (p. 261).

Adopting the servant leadership mindset can significantly improve student outcomes, particularly for those facing technology-related challenges. It’s well-documented that hyper-urban and rural areas often remain disconnected due to systemic discrimination, which limits access to essential resources (Cabral, 2018). 

Wang et al. found that exploring cultural elements happens when confronting and surpassing them through social and technological influence (Wang et al., 2014). Wang also found that political issues contribute to cultural norms (Wang et al., 2014). 

For example, as pointed out, a system of expectations surrounding societal organizational culture provides a standard of behavior for employees, providing a reason for leadership Behavior; thus, a relationship between “authenticity, morality, and organizational cultures aligns accordingly” (Schein, 1985)

Scholars like Greene and Murphy (2021) argue that many of these technological barriers stem from unstable or inadequate access. However, some researchers, including Kersch and Lesley (2019), suggest that these gaps in education could be mitigated through curricular changes designed to support students navigating these challenges better.

The Connection Between Servant Leadership and the Digital Divide:
There are many ramifications of the digital divide beyond access to technology. Support systems are needed to help students succeed in a digital world. Students from low-income backgrounds, particularly Hispanic and first-generation students, are often left behind because they don’t have the resources or guidance to navigate online learning environments successfully.

A servant leader in education doesn’t just stand at the front of the class or set policies from a distance; they listen to students’ concerns, offer guidance, and create spaces for growth. 

Assuring all students have access to the tools they need to succeed and listening to their voices when challenges arise is one of the most salient parts of the process. Servant leaders can close the gap between technology and students by providing support and encouragement.

How Servant Leadership Transforms the Learning Experience:

  1. Empathy Over Authority: Servant leaders approach education with empathy, understanding that each student has different obstacles to overcome. When students lack reliable internet or digital skills, empathy can translate into providing tangible solutions, whether it’s offering free access to tech resources or setting up one-on-one tech support sessions.
  2. Listening to Student Needs: Listening is a core aspect of servant leadership. Leaders in education must listen to the voices of students to understand their experiences with the digital divide. Servant leaders act on what they hear, making sure that students feel supported, whether it’s survey data or direct feedback.
  3. Creating a Community of Care: Servant leadership creates an environment that is safe and inclusive. Education starts with building a CoC where students feel valued and connected to their peers and to the technology that enables their success. This can be especially salient for Hispanic students attending Hispanic-Serving Institutions, where there may be a heightened sense of belonging when technology challenges are met with collaborative solutions.

Practical Steps for Implementing Servant Leadership in Education:

  • Provide Personalized Tech Support: Offering tutoring or assistance in navigating digital platforms ensures that students can fully engage with their courses, especially those without prior experience.
  • Collaborate with Students: Work with students to co-create solutions that address their digital struggles, from organizing community-driven tech drives to connecting them with local tech support services.
  • Mentorship and Advocacy: Serve as a mentor and advocate, not just for academic success, but for students’ digital fluency and access to technology. Ensure that all students have equal opportunities to succeed by advocating for policies that support digital equity.

As a result, the digital divide isn’t an insurmountable mountain. An increasingly digital world can be made more successful by educators and institutions adopting servant leadership principles. 

Similarly, empirical studies have shown that when educators matched servant leadership with followers who desired it, this type of leadership had a positive impact on performance and organizational citizenship behavior (Meuser et al., 2011; Otero-Neira et al., 2016; Ozyilmaz & Cicek, 2015). 

In doing so, we can create a future where technology serves as a tool for inclusion and opportunity, rather than a barrier to achievement. It’s not about how hard it is to climb the mountain; it’s about the run back down. The digital divide is something we have to learn to live with, and awareness in education equals awareness in the workplace. Vital progress of pedagogy starts in the praxis.

References

Carbajal, Jose (2018). “Patriarchal Culture’s Influence on Women’s Leadership Ascendancy,” The Journal of Faith, Education, and Community: Vol. 2: Iss. 1, Article 1. Available at: https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/jfec/vol2/iss1/1

Graham, J. W. (1991). Servant leadership in organizations: Inspirational and moral.

Leadership Quarterly, 2, 105-119.

Greenleaf, R. K. (1970). The servant as leader. Westfield, IN: Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership.

Hu, J., & Liden, R. C. (2011). Antecedents of team potency and effectiveness:

Examining goal and process clarity and servant leadership, Journal of Applied Psychology, 96(4), 851-862.

Northouse, P. G. (2019). Leadership: Theory and Practice (9th Edition). SAGE Publications, Inc. (US). https://reader2.yuzu.com/books/9781071834473

Schein, E. H. (1985). Organizational culture and leadership, by Edgar H. Schein. san … – JSTOR. JSTOR. Retrieved February 26, 2023, from https://www.jstor.org/stable/258322

Schein, E. H. (2004, July 8). Organizational culture and leadership. Google Books. Retrieved February 25, 2023, from https://books.google.com/books/about/Organizational_Culture_and_Leadership.html?id=THQa4txcMl4CWang, V. X., Russo, M. R., & Fay, K. M. (2014). Collective transformation of three generations of Chinese adult learners in K–20 education. In Adult and continuing education (pp. 824–838). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-4666-5780-9.ch107

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Introduction

Leadership isn’t about holding a title in today’s rapidly changing workplace; it’s about influencing, motivating, and empowering others (Reed & Klutts, 2019). While many leadership models are presented as stand-alone solutions, the reality is that no single style works in every situation.

The most successful leaders take a blended approach — combining elements of servant leadership, transformational leadership, authentic leadership, and emotional intelligence to adapt to their teams’ needs.

Core Leadership Approaches That Work Together

1. Servant Leadership

Servant leadership flips the traditional hierarchy: leaders serve first, lead second. This style prioritizes empathy, active listening, and the well-being of others (Greenleaf, 1970, 1977). Servant leadership builds trust, creates an environment for loyalty, and helps teams thrive in modern workplaces.

Key Benefit: Creates a culture of care and mutual respect, boosting employee engagement and retention.

2. Transformational Leadership

Transformational leaders lead by example through vision, innovation, and motivation (Bass & Avolio, 1994). They encourage personal and professional growth, often driving organizations to adapt and evolve in competitive industries.

Key Benefit: Encourages change readiness and fosters a shared sense of purpose.

3. Authentic Leadership

Authentic leadership is grounded in transparency, moral integrity, and self-awareness (Walumbwa et al., 2008; Azanza et al., 2013). Authentic leaders build strong relationships by being open about challenges, admitting mistakes, and aligning actions with values.

Key Benefit: Builds deep trust and credibility with teams.

4. Emotional & Social Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EI) involves recognizing and managing your emotions while understanding and influencing others (Tucker et al., 2000). Social intelligence complements EI by helping leaders navigate complex interpersonal dynamics.

Key Benefit: Strengthens communication, conflict resolution, and team collaboration.

Why Blending Leadership Styles Works

Research consistently shows that combining leadership theories leads to stronger outcomes in the praxis:

  • Authentic leadership increases job satisfaction and team commitment (Bamford et al., 2012; Leroy et al., 2012).
  • Servant leadership, when aligned with employee values, boosts performance and reduces turnover (Meuser et al., 2011; Ozyilmaz & Cicek, 2015).
  • Emotional intelligence equips leaders to handle conflict, navigate change, and foster psychological safety (Boyatzis et al., 2006).

By utilizing these approaches, leaders can create pedagogy catered to inclusive, adaptable, and resilient organizations.

Practical Tips for Leaders

  1. Assess your team’s needs before choosing a leadership approach.
  2. Lead with empathy, but balance it with clear expectations.
  3. Be transparent about decisions and challenges.
  4. Invest in emotional intelligence training for yourself and your team.
  5. Model adaptability — shift your style as situations change.

Conclusion

No single leadership theory can address every challenge. By blending servant, transformational, authentic, and emotionally intelligent leadership, leaders can inspire trust, drive results, and build teams that thrive, even when times feel more uncertain than ever.

If you want to improve retention, harbor innovation, and create a culture of trust, start by expanding your leadership toolbox.

References

  • Azanza, G., Moriano, J. A., & Molero, F. (2013). Authentic leadership and organizational culture as drivers of job satisfaction. Revista de Psicología del Trabajo y de las Organizaciones, 29(2), 45–50.
  • Bass, B. M., & Avolio, B. J. (1994). Improving organizational effectiveness through transformational leadership. Sage.
  • Boyatzis, R. E., Smith, M. L., & Blaize, N. (2006). Developing sustainable leaders through coaching and compassion. Academy of Management Learning & Education, 5(1), 8–24.
  • Greenleaf, R. K. (1970). The servant as leader. Greenleaf Center.
  • Greenleaf, R. K. (1977). Servant leadership: A journey into the nature of legitimate power and greatness. Paulist Press.
  • Meuser, J. D., Liden, R. C., et al. (2011). Servant leadership and follower outcomes. The Leadership Quarterly, 22(2), 344–361.
  • Northouse, P. G. (2021). Leadership: Theory and practice (9th ed.). Sage.
  • Ozyilmaz, A., & Cicek, S. (2015). Servant leadership in for-profit organizations. Journal of Management & Organization, 21(3), 263–290.
  • Reed, B. N., & Klutts, A. M. (2019). A systematic review of leadership definitions. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 83(9).
  • Tucker, M. L., Sojka, J. Z., et al. (2000). Training tomorrow’s leaders. Journal of Education for Business, 75(6), 331–337.
  • Walumbwa, F. O., Avolio, B. J., et al. (2008). Authentic leadership: Development and validation. The Leadership Quarterly, 19(2), 241–272.

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Written in 2023, expanded in 2025

Being a leader in education doesn’t often come with a personal handbook. Or if it does, it’s outdated; ill-equipped for the complexities of 21st-century classrooms and communities. As we continue to confront widening disparities in educational access, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, one truth becomes clear: effective leadership isn’t just about policies or protocols. It’s about people, and the ability to lead with empathy, community, and transformation in mind.

Leadership in the Age of Digital Learning

The pandemic redefined what it means to teach and learn. As online learning became the norm, issues like internet accessibility rose to the surface, especially in rural and low-income areas where connectivity is often limited or unreliable. But beyond technology gaps, we also saw cracks in leadership communication, especially between administrators and educators.

Outdated systems, hierarchical thinking, and transactional leadership styles have created barriers that make it difficult for teachers and students to advocate for their needs. These gaps in communication are more than logistical—they’re structural. They reflect a need for new leadership paradigms that meet today’s challenges with empathy, collaboration, and innovation.

Instructional Leadership and the 21st Century Classroom

In a 1999 study of over 800 U.S. teachers, researchers found that educators’ expectations of leadership often clashed with the realities of administration. More recently, the Journal of Organizational and Educational Leadership reaffirmed the belief that school outcomes are closely tied to leadership effectiveness. The takeaway? Instructional leadership must go hand-in-hand with technological transformation and digital literacy.

Teachers need leaders who do more than manage: they need leaders who listen, collaborate, and help create space for professional reflection and growth. These are the hallmarks of transformational leadership, as opposed to transactional leadership, which focuses more on compliance, control, and routine.

Transformational vs. Servant Leadership: A Needed Blend

According to Hu & Linden (2011), transformational leadership builds confidence and work advocacy, but it’s servant leadership—with its focus on selflessness and empathy—that enhances both satisfaction and effectiveness in teams. When combined, these leadership approaches foster a culture of trust, transparency, and empowerment across all levels of education.

As Peter G. Northouse (2021) notes, leadership rooted in empathy and community connection is essential for long-term cultural change. It empowers teachers, administrative staff, and students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds, who go on to shape the American workforce.

Creating Lifelong Learners and Leaders

Leadership in education isn’t just about student test scores or teacher evaluations. It’s about nurturing lifelong skills like digital literacy, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. And it’s about ensuring every stakeholder, especially those in underserved communities, has equitable access to the tools and support they need to succeed.

The literature shows a clear need for stronger communication between principals and teachers. When leaders and educators collaborate toward shared goals of inclusivity and equity, they create ripple effects that extend far beyond the classroom.

DEI and the Need for Cultural Change

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) aren’t just buzzwords. They’re essential frameworks for reshaping a system that has historically privileged transactional over transformative leadership.

Transformative, adaptive leadership aligned with DEI principles is especially urgent in a post-pandemic world where disparity gaps have widened. While DEI work remains underdeveloped in many educational settings, it offers a path forward; one grounded in soft skills, compassion, and the recognition that authentic leadership starts with human connection.

Final Thoughts

To move toward a more inclusive and effective educational system, we need more than curriculum updates or policy changes. We need leaders who understand that communication, empathy, and community are the foundations of success, not just for students, but for educators and administrators alike.

As we reevaluate the leadership values necessary for the future, one thing is clear: no relationship in education can remain purely transactional. Leadership must mean something. And it must start with listening.

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In 2019, I bought my first domain. It wasn’t for my business, a brand, or even a blog that was ready for the world. I just knew I needed a space that was mine. I needed a blank slate that I could shape entirely on my own terms.

I already had a marketing portfolio. But this was different. It was a place to process, to reflect, to write what I wanted without worrying about SEO or structure—a place to yell into the void. Once upon a time, over 1,000 people followed my Tumblr for the same reason. Not a lot, but enough to feel like someone was listening. Maybe even helped by something I wrote, and I wouldn’t have known.

At the time, I was juggling freelance gigs, grad school, and the sense that I wasn’t doing enough. Not successful enough. Not published enough. Contracts were ending, my confidence was shot, and I felt like I was treading scalding hot water. But I could still build this tiny digital corner where I could show up without needing permission. Just me, my writing, and whatever I was working through.

That website has quietly housed a vast collection of writing samples, portfolio pages, late-night freewrites, and a substantial number of drafts that never saw the light of day. I was able to write through a divorce that almost derailed my career. I ultimately completed my master’s degree in Journalism Innovation during one of the most challenging periods of my life. 

Sometimes, I feel like you can hear my heart beating through the words I’ve written there. I don’t know how to do anything else but write, which, honestly, weirds people out that I feel that way. I’m not a math person. What can I say?

Sometimes my mom asks why I still pay to keep my website up. And the answer never changes: because it matters to me. Because even when I’ve felt lost, that site has been a quiet promise to keep going. A digital piece of myself, reminding me I’m still here, still writing, and still building.

And lately, the views have started stacking up again. In the past week alone, I’ve seen a 125% increase in traffic and a 179% jump in visitors.

Maybe that’s not much in the grand scheme of things.

But it’s something.

It’s mine.

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The U.S. economy added just 33,000 jobs in July 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s a drastic drop from June’s revised total of 194,000 jobs. For context, economists expected around 175,000 new jobs. We fell significantly short.

July’s report signals a broader slowdown in job growth. While one month doesn’t define a trend, many professionals are understandably anxious. When growth slows, layoffs often follow. Freelancers feel the squeeze. Recent grads face fewer opportunities. Hiring freezes kick in.

So what can we do in times like these?

Servant Leadership Is More Important Than Ever

In tough economic times, good leadership matters more. But not the traditional top-down kind. Now is the time for servant leadership.

Servant leaders put people first. They provide support, empathy, and stability. They coach, uplift, and guide without ego. They ask, How can I help?

And they recognize that hope is a strategic advantage.

If you’re in a position of leadership right now, consider how you can create clarity and calm for your team, your peers, or even your online community. Compassion-driven leadership is needed in this very moment.

Learn Instead of Just Earn: Why Literacy Is the Key

When jobs are scarce, learning becomes survival. But we’re not just talking about college degrees. In today’s world, we need multiple forms of literacy:

  • Digital literacy — How systems work, how content flows, how to use platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed
  • Media literacy — Understanding how information is framed and shared online
  • Platform literacy — How to navigate job boards, remote hiring, and gig platforms

The goal? Know how everything works. Learn how the systems move so you can move through them, and around them if necessary.

If You’re Out of Work: What to Focus On

1. Keep updating your portfolio. Even if you’re not currently employed, you can keep working on projects, freelance tasks, writing samples, or mock case studies. Employers want to see momentum and proof that you’re still growing. Consider a writing challenge for your blog (like what I’m doing right now) or create a collection of social media posts that drive engagement for a marketing or SEO role.

2. Stay open to freelance or contract work. Many employers are cutting full-time roles but still need help. Contract gigs can fill in financial gaps and keep your skills sharp. Yes, freelancing means buying your own health insurance. But it also means flexibility and survival. Right now, survival matters.

3. Don’t underestimate your effort. You’re not alone. Many talented people are in the same position. For example, one job I applied to a couple of weeks ago had 954 job applicants. Another one had over 1600. The U.S. has over 330 million people, and only 33,000 new jobs were added. That’s not on me or you.

4. Keep working on that small business. Staying busy is best, and while staying busy does not always mean being profitable, it does mean that there is a way to contribute to your community. And in turn, the community will support you. For those who sell goods, consider farmers’ markets. Get chronically online. Open that Etsy or Shopify. Interact with others online and watch how organic engagement draws people in.

5. Have empathy for yourself. It’s okay to be tired. It’s okay to feel stuck or stagnant. Sometimes, you find yourself meditating, but you might wonder why you’re being still when you need to be working. It’s okay. Just don’t confuse stillness with failure, because we aren’t failures. We are surviving. And if you’re trying, you’re doing more than enough.

If You Have a Job: Hold It Carefully, But Strategically

If you’re currently employed, be mindful of how you contribute. Help others where you can. Be someone who uplifts. But also: keep your options open. Update your resume, refresh your skills, and quietly prepare for what’s to come, which will probably include further drastic economic instability.

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