We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Joshua Bovill. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Joshua below.
Joshua, 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?
Being the only one in the room that looks like me hasn’t always been easy. As a Black man in education, I’ve often found myself in spaces where I was one of few—if not the only one. Early on, that felt isolating. But I’ll never forget meeting Dr. Green, a principal in my district. He carried himself with this authentic confidence—he played his hip-hop (clean lyrics), spoke the way he naturally spoke, and didn’t water down who he was. Yet, at the same time, he was a doctor, a principal, and clearly brilliant.
Watching him taught me something I carry with me every day: success doesn’t mean changing who you are—it means leaning into it. His example gave me the confidence to show up as my authentic self in every room I step into. And that’s especially important because I know many of my students, especially my Black male students, don’t often see educators who look like them. By being real and being me, I give them permission to do the same—to believe they can thrive in these spaces without shrinking or changing who they are.
So, for me, being effective and successful as “the only one” comes down to authenticity, confidence, and remembering that my presence is bigger than me—it’s about opening doors and planting seeds of possibility for my students.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
At my core, my work is about helping schools and educators bridge the relationship gap between teachers and students. Too often, what stands in the way of learning isn’t content or curriculum—it’s connection. That’s why I created the Empathy Project, a 90-minute immersive professional development experience that allows teachers to step into the lens of their students and really feel what it’s like to navigate school from their perspective. When educators see and experience those challenges firsthand, it changes the way they teach, lead, and connect.
What excites me most is watching those lightbulb moments happen—when a teacher walks away not just with strategies, but with a deeper sense of empathy and understanding. That shift in perspective doesn’t just transform classrooms—it transforms lives.
Professionally, I’m focused on expanding this work with schools, school districts, and nonprofit organizations that serve at-risk boys, particularly African-American boys. Representation and relationships matter deeply, and I want to equip teachers with the tools to make sure every child feels seen, heard, and valued.
This December, I’ll be presenting at the National Alliance of Black School Educators (NABSE) Conference in Chicago, Illinois, which I’m really excited about. Looking ahead, I’m eager to build new partnerships with schools and organizations across the country who share my mission of creating spaces where every student—especially our boys of color—has the opportunity to thrive.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
When I look back at my journey, I think the most impactful skill I’ve developed really comes from a quote my mom drilled into me growing up. She would always say, “Baby, you gotta take you wherever you go.” That simple statement has stuck with me my entire life. It forced me to be deeply self-reflective. It reminded me that no matter the title, the role, or the room I walk into, I am the constant. If I want different results—in my classroom, with my students, or now in my role as a school leader—then the first person I have to look at is myself.
From that foundation, three qualities have really shaped my journey:
Self-Reflection & Ownership
Perseverance
Pride in the Work
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
The number one obstacle I’m currently facing is the political climate. Prior to Inauguration Day, I had a number of schools and districts across the country reaching out and engaging in conversations with me about coming to work with their educators. But since then, many—if not most—of those conversations have gone quiet. And I completely understand why. Schools are navigating real risks, including the potential loss of funding, when they openly engage in equity work.
While that has been discouraging at times, I remain steadfast. Political climates shift, but the urgency of this work does not. The state of Black boys in education is a national emergency. And for me, this has never been about contracts or money—it’s about impact.
The way I overcome this challenge is by anchoring myself in my purpose. I live by the motto: I may not reach every kid, but if I can help just one, then for that one student, I’ve changed an entire generation, an entire lineage of people. That’s what keeps me moving forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joshbovill.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuabovill/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshuajbovill/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoshuaJBovill
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