We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Iyuanna Pease. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Iyuanna below.
Dr. Iyuanna , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
I am frequently the only Black woman in the room, and over time, I’ve learned to navigate that experience with confidence and authenticity. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve embraced is that people will form opinions of me regardless, so I might as well show up as my true self. I’ve also come to understand that I won’t be everyone’s cup of tea—and that’s okay.
A lot of my resilience comes from wisdom passed down by the strong women in my family. My grandmother always says, “What they think of you is none of your business,” which has freed me from worrying about external judgments. My mother has always reminded me that I am exactly where I’m supposed to be at any given moment, and that nothing happens by chance. Each space I occupy and every experience I encounter is meant to teach me something, and I embrace that fully.
By holding onto these lessons, I’ve learned to be effective and successful even when I’m the only one in the room who looks like me. I show up authentically, confident that my presence has purpose, and I stay open to the growth and learning that every situation offers.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am Dr. Iyuanna Pease, Founder of Aspire & Ascend Education Services. I am also a Trauma-Informed Specialist and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) advocate. Holding a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and a Master’s in Educational Counseling, my passion is rooted in helping educators prioritize their holistic well-being. My mission is simple but powerful: to reignite their passion for teaching so they can continue inspiring and positively impacting the lives of students.
What makes my work truly special is the deep understanding I have of the challenges educators face. Having served as a school counselor, district administrator, and adjunct professor, I’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming the demands of the profession can be. That’s why my approach emphasizes the importance of nurturing the whol individual I provide personalized coaching to individuals across the education system—teachers, principals, counselors, and even superintendents. Together, we work on strategies to manage stress, set healthy boundaries, and rediscover the joy in their work.
I also offer consulting services to schools, districts, and non-profit organizations, helping them address systemic challenges and create environments where both educators and students can thrive. One of the most exciting aspects of my work is the development of educational resource libraries. These cover critical areas such as DEI, Social Emotional Learning, Educator Well-Being, and Trauma Healing for Educators. By equipping institutions with these resources, I aim to create more inclusive, supportive, and effective educational environments.
My passion for educator wellness drives everything I do. I believe that when educators feel valued, heard, and supported, they can bring their best selves to the classroom and create lasting change. My goal is to foster that transformation so that educators, students, and the entire education system can thrive.
As for what’s new, I’m excited to be expanding my educational resource libraries and launching new coaching programs tailored specifically to educators who are struggling with burnout. It’s an exciting time, and I’m thrilled to continue supporting educators on their journey toward wellness and fulfillment.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, the three qualities that had the most impact on my journey were resilience, emotional intelligence, and the ability to build strong relationships.
**Resilience** has been crucial in helping me navigate the many challenges that come with being in the education field, especially as a Black woman. There were times when I faced adversity or setbacks, but my ability to keep going, adapt, and learn from those experiences has been key. My advice for those early in their journey is to focus on building your resilience by embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Don’t be afraid to fail—those moments often provide the most valuable lessons.
**Emotional intelligence**—being able to understand and manage my emotions and those of others—has been invaluable. Whether I was in a school counseling session, leading a team, or working on system-level changes, empathy and self-awareness have helped me navigate complex dynamics. To develop emotional intelligence, practice self-reflection regularly. Pay attention to how you respond in different situations and think about how you can manage your reactions in a way that’s both authentic and constructive.
Lastly, the ability to **build strong relationships** has been instrumental in my success. In education, relationships are everything. Whether it’s with students, staff, or community members, those connections have been the foundation of all the work I do. For those starting their journey, I recommend focusing on authentic relationship-building. It’s not just about networking but about truly listening, understanding others’ needs, and creating mutually supportive connections. The stronger your relationships, the more impactful your work will be.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
The book that has had the greatest impact on me in the last 12 months is *I’m Not Yelling: A Black Woman’s Guide to Navigating the Workplace* by Elizabeth Leiba. This book came into my life at a pivotal moment when I was grappling with the challenges of racial microaggressions in my professional environment.
One of the most valuable insights I gained from Leiba’s work is the importance of acknowledging and validating my lived experiences. Often, I faced gaslighting when I tried to address these microaggressions, which left me questioning my perceptions. Leiba’s writing served as a powerful reminder that my feelings are legitimate and that I should not shy away from expressing my truth.
Additionally, the book encouraged me to stand in my greatness and embrace my authentic self. It taught me that I have the right to occupy space confidently and that my voice matters. This shift in perspective has empowered me to advocate not only for myself but also for others who may be experiencing similar challenges.
Overall, *I’m Not Yelling* has been a crucial resource in my journey, providing both validation and actionable wisdom that continues to resonate in my personal and professional life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://iyuannapease.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_pease/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iyuanna-pease
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