In this compelling conversation, we sit down with a powerhouse leader and founder of RISE Indy, Jasmin Shaheed-Young, to explore the intersections of motherhood, equity, and bold education reform.

We unpack what real school choice means for families of color, why “excellence” shouldn’t be exclusive, and how women of color are uniquely positioned to build student-centered coalitions that disrupt the status quo. You’ll also hear how RISE Indy is pushing the boundaries to center students, build scalable solutions, and reframe equity as foundational—not optional—in the design of public education systems.

In this episode of Choice Words, host Jay Artist Wright talks with Janie Segui Rodriguez of Stop the Wait RI and Subira Gordon of the Nashville Charter Collaborative about the power of parent-led and school-led movements in shaping school choice and education. From mobilizing 400 parents during a Rhode Island charter moratorium to uniting school leaders in Nashville, they share bold strategies for building trust, remaining hopeful, breaking down misconceptions, and putting collaboration over competition to expand quality school options for Black and Brown communities.

Education is political—and the stakes have never been higher for Black and Latino communities. In this episode of Choice Words, host J. Artists Wright, CEO of Freedom to Choose Schools (formerly FCCS), is joined by Alisha Thomas Searcy, former Georgia State Representative and founder of the Center for Strong Public Schools, and Dr. Atasha James, co-founder of Legends Charter School in Maryland.

Together, they unpack how school choice debates play out in real life—where party politics, interest groups, and self-preservation often clash with the urgent needs of students and families. From the impact of “the big, beautiful bill” to the hidden political costs for leaders who advocate for educational equity, this conversation goes beyond policy into power, accountability, and the courage it takes to disrupt the status quo.