Whitney A. Kerr, MS

Forage is changing the game for students to explore career paths and prepare for the workforce in a relevant and and engaging manner, but also by doing so FREE OF COST for students and universities alike. #EdTech #CareerServices #EarlyCareer #Internships #HigherEducation

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Questions for Featured Academic Innovation Gigs The questions you need to answer to promote your amazing job opportunity at the intersection of learning, technology and organizational change. https://lnkd.in/e_QpE5fq Q1: What is the university [organization] mandate behind this role? How does it help align with and advance the university’s strategic priorities? Q2: Where does the role sit within the university [organization] structure? How will the person in this role engage with other units and leaders across campus [the organization]? Q3: What would success look like in one year? Three years? Beyond? Q4: What kinds of future roles would someone who took this position be prepared for? Kemi Jona Adam Nemeroff

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Attention : Math Champions for Black Girls ! I'm reaching out today to share a valuable opportunity to amplify your impact. I'm currently developing my nonprofit to gather data on math confidence in Black girls, and I believe your insights and network would be invaluable. Here's how you can get involved: Share the Survey: This short survey https://lnkd.in/gfsXAMAv seeks feedback from parents of Black girls on their math experiences and perceptions. By sharing this with your network, you'll help collect a robust data set that reflects the diverse experiences of Black girls in math. Spread the Word: Social media is a powerful tool! Consider sharing the project on your platforms using hashtags like #BlackGirlsDoMathToo #MathConfidence #Education. This will raise awareness and encourage more parents to participate. Offer Your Expertise: If you have additional thoughts or suggestions on how to best reach and support parents, I'd love to hear them! Please don't hesitate to connect with me directly. Together, we can: 🤝 Gain a deeper understanding of the factors that influence math confidence in Black girls. 🤝 Develop targeted strategies and resources to empower them in STEM fields. 🤝 Advocate for educational practices that nurture a love of math among Black girls. Thank you for your dedication to making a difference! #BlackGirlsDoMathToo #MathEquity #CommunityCollaboration

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[7] reasons why Black men need to participate in helping with leveling the playing field. To level the playing field for others, it's where we actively engage in mentorship, advocacy, creating opportunities, and community involvement. 1. Representation Matters: 🤴🏿 Black men's participation ensures diverse voices and perspectives are included, creating a more equitable environment for everyone. 2. Breaking Barriers: 🚧 Active involvement helps dismantle systemic barriers and challenges that hinder progress for Black men and other marginalized groups. 3. Role Modeling: 🌟 Serving as role models, Black men inspire future generations by demonstrating resilience, leadership, and determination in overcoming obstacles. 4. Empowerment: 💪🏾 Participation empowers Black men to advocate for their rights, access resources, and pursue opportunities that contribute to personal and collective advancement. 5. Community Strength: 🤝🏾 Collaborative efforts foster solidarity within the Black community, fostering unity and collective action to address common challenges. 6. Impactful Change: 🌱 By participating, Black men contribute to creating lasting change that promotes fairness, justice, and equal opportunities for all. 7. Future Generations: 🌍 Investing in leveling the playing field today ensures a brighter future for generations to come, where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive regardless of race or background. By sharing knowledge, advocating for equality, and participating in initiatives that address systemic issues, you'll be providing opportunities and support for those who may face barriers. Through empowerment and role modeling, you are encouraging individuals to recognize their potential and advocate for their rights, contributing to a more equitable and inclusive society. ______________ Visit my website: https://richardacross.com Check out my books and journals + more! ______________ POSITIVELY SHAPING THE FUTURE™ #1millionblackmalestudents #motivation #inspiration #education #mentoring #HBCUsMatter #LeadingWithIntegrity #TheBlackMaleImpact #Blackexcellence #ChallengeCharacterAssasination #PersonalDevelopment #Perspective #Psychology #leadingchange #CulturalTransformation #Knowledge #MillionaireMindset #BlackBoys #changethenarrative #EmotionalIntelligence #PositiveImpact #Book2024 #DrRichardACross #PositiveInfluence #BestVersionOfYourself

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Can you believe we're already talking about Spring 2025?! This semester has flown by but has also been filled with so many amazing experiences. Check out the latest video and let me know if you are preparing for Spring 2025 or what you would like to see next semester.

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🌟 Black Women Are Tapping Out! 🌟 "Black women have always been the backbone of our homes, communities, and this country. We are the fixers, the caretakers, and the leaders who show up when others cannot. Yet, we are often denied the respect, rest, and care we deserve." In my first Medium article, I reflect on the relentless overextension that Black women face and why it’s time for us to reclaim our rest. Inspired by Audre Lorde’s powerful words, I explore what it means to prioritize self-preservation as an act of resistance and healing. In this piece, I encourage Black women to: 💜 Listen to our bodies. 💜 Remove ourselves from spaces that don’t honor us. 💜 Lean into community and protect our peace. Rest is not self-indulgence; it’s a necessity. It’s time to redefine what it means to show up—starting with showing up for ourselves. Read the full article below! Let’s continue this conversation: How do you practice rest and reclaim your peace? 💬 #BlackWomen #RestIsResistance #SelfCare #DEI #NapMinistry https://lnkd.in/ghqhHzbv

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Such an important read! I just had a conversation yesterday about the importance of affinity groups for collective support and healing. This piece from my dear friend, Dr. Willard, is timely and spot on!!!

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My passion and purpose revolve around mentoring Black girls and empowering women. Join me on this transformative journey to empower and free Black girls and women. Together, we can make a difference! My books are open and my story is live! Let’s work! I am ready to free your Black girls and women! 💕🦋 #Empowerment #BlackMentoringMatters #BlackGirlsRock #BlackCriticalAutoethnography

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The NYSED Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework helps educators create student-centered learning environment that affirm cultural identities; foster positive academic outcomes; develop students' abilities to connect across differences; & elevate marginalized voices. How are you embedding this work into your classroom best practices?

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My talk at #WordCamp Montclair, "Death to Slide Decks: Why your next presentation needs to be a webpage" is now up on YouTube. Maybe next year more speakers will have webpage presentations ☠ #presentationDesign #publicSpeaking #wordpress #webdesign #webdevelopment #elementor #powerpoint #uxdesign #productdesign

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Today, at the British Academy Early Career Researcher's Network, I had the honor of presenting findings from my recent research conducted earlier this year. As part of the Black History Month special event, I shared the stage with four distinguished African scholars in the United Kingdom. My research delves into the significance of mentor-mentee relationships and delves into the experiences of early career female academics in Nigerian private universities. Through their narratives, key themes emerged: the expectations versus realities for mentees, the nurturing impact, and the holistic career progression. These themes underscore the challenges early career female academics face, potentially impacting their overall performance within academic roles. The utilization of the Black Feminist Theory provided a lens to interpret the experiences of these academics. The theory highlights women's pursuit of development and empowerment on their terms, acknowledging the barriers of inequality and injustice prevalent in societal structures. It emphasizes that academia demands intellectual rigor and is a field where individuals seek cognitive growth. The study's findings emphasize the significance of managing expectations within mentor-mentee relationships and the critical role of effective mentorship for newly recruited academics. Addressing these issues is vital for institutional progress and sustainability. The results underscore the value of nurturing mentor-mentee dynamics in fostering the professional growth of early career female academics, benefiting them, their mentors, and the academic institutions as a whole. This research is published in the University of Lincoln IMpact Journal of Higher Education Research. More details can be found at the following link: https://lnkd.in/ezZh3hnu

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Last week, I had the opportunity to present “Belonging for Bigger Bodies at UMass” at the university's Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Conference—a topic I’m passionate about and one that higher education urgently needs to address. Did you know that individuals with larger bodies in higher ed: -Are often perceived as less credible and competent (Fisanick 2006; Tischner & Malson 2008)  -Are less likely to graduate (Brown, 2018)  -Face hiring, promotion, and tenure discrimination (Fisanick 2006; Miller, 2013)  -Feel pressured to overperform (Hunt & Rhodes, 2018)  -Receive worse student evaluations (Reidinger, 2020)  -May face wage penalties and financial hardship (Maranto & Stenoien 2008; Lockard, 2015) These challenges, compounded by everyday stigma and anti-fat bias, are rarely addressed in higher education spaces. As Kacie Otto (Modern Campus, 2019) rightly notes, inclusion efforts must include body size diversity, or we risk failing our fat students, faculty, and staff. Institutions of higher education must take action to remove harmful barriers, and the first step is educating ourselves. I’m proud to have brought this conversation to UMass and to be part of the movement for change. If you’re interested in learning more or need resources to address this topic, feel free to reach out! #JEDI #HigherEd #BodyDiversity #Inclusion #Equity #FatAcceptance #Resources 

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The Importance of African American Representation in Tech 👨🏾‍💻 Technology is the foundation of our modern world, driving innovation, progress, and solutions to complex challenges. Yet, the tech industry continues to face a representation gap when it comes to African American professionals. Representation matters—not just for diversity but for inclusion, equity, and innovation. Studies show that diverse teams perform better, generate more creative ideas, and build solutions that cater to a broader audience. African American representation in tech ensures that the voices, experiences, and perspectives of our community are embedded in the technologies shaping the future. For young Black professionals and students, seeing leaders and innovators who look like them is inspiring. It signals that there is room for them to grow, thrive, and lead in this transformative field. As we advocate for equity, let’s continue to break barriers, uplift one another, and pave the way for the next generation of Black tech leaders. Representation is not just a goal; it’s a necessity. Let’s celebrate our achievements and keep pushing forward. The future of tech is brighter when we all have a seat at the table. #BlackInTech #RepresentationMatters #DiversityInTech #Innovation

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🎤 As the DMV #GrowwithGoogle Digital Coach, my mission is to captivate audiences with powerful and engaging talks that resonate long after the event ends. At the recent Shop Black Summit hosted by @commanders , I delivered a speech that achieved just that. Thanks @attysclarknelson for the kind words. I believe in crafting experiences that leave a lasting impact. To achieve this, I prioritize delivering well-structured and concise speeches. I use compelling stories, anecdotes, and examples to illustrate key points, ensuring the audience remains engaged. 📅 If your organization is seeking a dynamic speaker to lead a workshop, feel free to comment below or DM me! Let's collaborate to create an unforgettable experience for your audience. Thanks @willmckinley3 for the capturing this video 🎥 #KeynoteSpeaker #publicspeaking #Engagement #ShopBlackSummit #nfl

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🎤 As the DMV #GrowwithGoogle Digital Coach, my mission is to captivate audiences with powerful and engaging talks that resonate long after the event ends. At the recent Shop Black Summit hosted by @commanders , I delivered a speech that achieved just that. Thanks @attysclarknelson for the kind words. I believe in crafting experiences that leave a lasting impact. To achieve this, I prioritize delivering well-structured and concise speeches. I use compelling stories, anecdotes, and examples to illustrate key points, ensuring the audience remains engaged. 📅 If your organization is seeking a dynamic speaker to lead a workshop, feel free to comment below or DM me! Let's collaborate to create an unforgettable experience for your audience. Thanks @willmckinley3 for capturing this video 🎥 #KeynoteSpeaker #publicspeaking #Engagement #ShopBlackSummit #nfl

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🌟 Exciting News for New Jersey Schools! 🌟 📢 More Funding Available for Students with IDD In a recent development, New Jersey has increased funding for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This boost in resources is a game-changer for schools across the state, especially those that previously lacked the means to upgrade their facilities and support services. 🎯 Why is this important? Equity: Schools that serve students with IDD now have a better chance to provide inclusive and high-quality education. This funding ensures that all learners, regardless of ability, can access the tools and support they need to succeed. Upgraded Resources: With additional funding, schools can invest in modern technology, adaptive equipment, and specialized training for teachers. This translates to a more enriching learning experience for students with IDD. Improved Inclusion: The increased funding allows schools to create a more inclusive environment. From accessible classrooms to tailored support services, students with IDD can thrive alongside their peers. 🌈 Impact on the New School Year As we gear up for the new academic year, schools are better equipped than ever to meet the diverse needs of their students. Let’s celebrate this positive step toward a more inclusive and supportive educational system! 🎉

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New Jersey has made history by becoming the first state in the U.S. to mandate media literacy education for K-12 students. Signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy, this initiative aims to equip students with essential skills to navigate the complex landscape of information they encounter daily, particularly through social media and news outlets. The law, which takes effect immediately, requires the state Department of Education to establish curriculum standards focusing on critical thinking, research skills, and distinguishing between facts and opinions. This comprehensive approach will be integrated across all grade levels, ensuring that students develop the ability to discern credible sources and understand the implications of misinformation. The bipartisan support for this bill highlights its importance in safeguarding democracy and preparing future leaders. Advocates, including educators and librarians, believe that fostering media literacy will empower students to become informed citizens capable of engaging thoughtfully with information in an increasingly digital world. This legislative milestone reflects a growing recognition of the need for robust information literacy education in today's society, where misinformation poses significant challenges to civic discourse and informed decision-making. #SLECoP #STEMecosystems

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