Meet NaTasha Crain

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to NaTasha Crain. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

NaTasha , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Being the Only One in the Room

There have been countless times in my career where I found myself as “the only one in the room”—the only Black woman, the youngest voice, the one with a different perspective. Early on, I used to question if I belonged. I would feel myself shrink a little, over-prepare, overthink, and quietly hope someone else would bring up what I was too nervous to say.

But over time, I realized that my “only-ness” wasn’t a weakness; it was my superpower. The perspective I brought came from lived experience and empathy, from cultural richness, from a deep connection to students and communities that systems often overlook. Being the only one taught me how to own my voice, not apologize for it.

I led with my purpose, and with each step, from the classroom to campus leadership to district executive leadership, I learned that being “the only one” sometimes means being the first, but it never has to mean being the last.

I’ve learned that being the only one means you might have to speak up first, carry more weight, and navigate rooms where you’re underestimated, but it also means you get to open doors for others. Today, I walk into rooms with confidence, not because I have all the answers, but because I know who I am and who I represent.

I show up with excellence, empathy, and intention, so that maybe one day, someone else walks into that same room and sees themselves reflected for the first time.

That’s what being bold means to me: choosing presence over perfection, purpose over comfort, and always making space for others to rise.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

What I’m Focused On Professionally

I currently serve as the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for a public school district in East Texas, where I lead districtwide instructional improvement efforts across multiple content areas and specialized programs. My work focuses on building aligned systems that promote academic excellence, instructional equity, and educator development.

Each day, I have the opportunity to support principals, coaches, and teachers as we work to transform learning experiences for students—especially those who have been historically marginalized. I believe that instructional leadership isn’t just about managing systems; it’s about inspiring people, cultivating potential, and ensuring that every student receives our very best.

Prior to this role, I served as a campus principal and was honored to be named Principal of the Year for Tyler ISD, and later, the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators (TABSE) State Principal of the Year. Those recognitions reflect the collective effort of the teams I’ve led, the communities I’ve served, and the outcomes we’ve achieved together.

In addition to my district work, I serve as Chapter President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Epsilon Zeta Omega Chapter, where I lead service initiatives focused on education, economic empowerment, community partnerships, and sisterhood. I also serve as Affiliate President of the Tyler Area Alliance of Black School Educators (TAABSE), where I work to elevate Black educators, support professional development, and advocate for culturally responsive practices.

My journey and perspective have also been shared through various platforms, including guest features on several education and leadership-focused podcasts. I believe in using every opportunity, whether at the podium or on a panel, to speak truth, share wisdom, and uplift others walking similar paths.

What excites me most in this season is continuing the work of building strong instructional systems while also fostering the next generation of leaders who will carry the torch forward. My work is rooted in legacy, service, and the unwavering belief that leadership should always leave people and systems better than we found them.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Three Most Impactful Qualities That Shaped My Journey

1. Courage to Lead Authentically
Early in my career, I believed I had to lead a certain way to be seen as “credible” or “qualified”—especially as a young Black woman in leadership. Over time, I learned that the most effective leaders are the ones who show up authentically. Leading with integrity, vulnerability, and purpose allows others to trust you, connect with you, and follow your lead even through difficult seasons.
Advice: Don’t shrink yourself to fit someone else’s idea of leadership. Embrace who you are, and lead from your values. That’s where your real power is.

2. Strategic Thinking with a Servant’s Heart
One of the most transformative skills I developed was the ability to align people, systems, and resources toward a shared goal, while keeping people at the center. As a campus principal and now as an assistant superintendent, I’ve had to make hard decisions, balance priorities, and drive large-scale change. What made the difference wasn’t just strategy; it was leading with empathy, clarity, and collaboration.
Advice: Learn to see the big picture and think long-term, but never lose sight of the people behind the data, the policies, or the outcomes.

3. Commitment to Growth and Excellence
I’ve always believed that consistency beats intensity. My journey has been shaped by a commitment to showing up, learning, and getting better, day by day, year after year. Whether through professional development, advanced degrees, or simply listening and observing, I made growth a personal responsibility.
Advice: You don’t have to know everything to get started, but you do have to stay curious, coachable, and committed to the process. Excellence is built over time, not overnight.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

My Biggest Area of Growth This Year

Over the past 12 months, one of my greatest areas of growth has been learning how to pivot with purpose, especially when things don’t go according to plan.

As someone who is naturally strategic and systems-oriented, I’m most comfortable operating with clear structures, aligned goals, and a strong sense of direction. But this past year has reminded me that leadership requires flexibility, not just foresight. Even the best-laid plans can shift, and when they do, the true test is how you respond in the moment.

I’ve learned to lean into transition with a different kind of strength, one that’s less about control and more about adaptability. Whether it’s a sudden change in implementation timelines, unexpected challenges with team dynamics, or external pressures that force a new path forward, I’ve grown more confident in my ability to make quick, clear, and values-driven decisions, without losing sight of the bigger picture.

This growth hasn’t come without discomfort. But it’s made me more agile, more open, and more grounded as a leader. I now approach change not as a disruption, but as an invitation to reassess, realign, and keep moving forward—with clarity and grace.

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Image Credits

All photos: Art of Being Productions

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