The Leaders’ Table

LEE
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Real leaders. Honest conversations. No fluff. At The Leaders’ Table, we shine a light on how leaders rise to the moment. In each episode, civic changemakers share the decisions they’ve wrestled with, the values that guide them, and the practical tools that help them lead through challenge and change. An official podcast for LEE. For more info visit www.wearelee.org.

  1. EPISODE 1

    Leaders' Table: Ryan Smith of The Education Trust--West

    Ryan Smith brings powerful insight to the conversation on education, justice, and leadership. As Executive Director of The Education Trust–West at the time of this recording, he led efforts to advance student achievement and close opportunity gaps across California. In this episode, Ryan unpacks the connection between Black Lives Matter and Black Minds Matter, and why the ability to stay steady under pressure is one of the most essential qualities in a leader. He reflects on how advocacy, data, and lived experience can work together to drive lasting change.

    54 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    Leaders' Table: Nina Rees of The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools

    Nina Rees leads with strategy and vision as President and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. With years of experience shaping education policy at the national level, she brings a wide-angle view on innovation, access, and public school choice. In this episode, Nina shares insights on the charter school movement, what strong coalition building looks like in practice, and how different generations of leaders can work together more effectively. She reflects on lessons from her time in government, advocacy, and nonprofit leadership.

    44 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    Leaders' Table: Aixle Aman of LAUSD Board Member Ref Rodriguez's Office

    Aixle Aman knows how to move through systems to make things happen. As Chief of Staff to Los Angeles Unified School District Board Member Ref Rodriguez, she worked behind the scenes to cut through red tape and bring community-centered policy ideas to life. In this episode, Aixle shares her strategies for navigating bureaucracy, building coalitions, and staying focused on outcomes that matter for students and families. Her reflections offer practical tools for anyone working in education policy or public leadership. A conversation about persistence, precision, and getting things done in complex systems.

    39 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    Leaders' Table: Luis Avila of 270 Strategies

    Luis Avila brings the fire. As Senior Vice President at 270 Strategies and former National Program Director at Stand for Children, he has spent his career at the intersection of organizing, policy, and advocacy. In this episode, Luis shares how movements are built from the ground up, what it means to stay close to the community while navigating systems, and why effective advocacy requires both heart and discipline. His reflections will challenge and inspire anyone working to create meaningful change. A passionate conversation about power, purpose, and people-centered leadership.

    52 min

  5. EPISODE 5

    Leaders' Table: Jada Drew of Social Designs

    Jada Drew is an international diversity trainer, lead consultant, and founder of Social Designs. She works with changemakers across the country to help them lead with purpose, confidence, and clarity. In this episode, Jada shares why diversity is not a dirty word and how to create meaningful learning spaces that build trust and transformation. She reflects on what it takes to develop strong facilitators, why self-work matters in justice-centered leadership, and how she helps others become the best version of themselves in service of change. A powerful conversation about authenticity, impact, and building community through intentional leadership.

    40 min

  6. EPISODE 6

    Leaders' Table: Amy Wilkins of the College Board

    We sit down with Amy Wilkins, senior fellow for social justice at the College Board and a longtime advocate in the education space. Known for her influential work at The Education Trust, Amy brings decades of insight into how policy, practice, and persistence intersect. In this episode, Amy reflects on what it takes to stay in the fight for educational change. She shares lessons from her own professional missteps, the role of patience in long-term advocacy, and how to lead with both strategy and heart. A candid conversation about leadership, growth, and the tools that sustain impact.

    38 min

  7. EPISODE 7

    Leaders' Table: Marc Holley of the Walton Family Foundation

    This week on The Leaders’ Table, we sit down with Marc Holley, director of the evaluation unit at the Walton Family Foundation. With a career grounded in data, research, and strategy, Marc brings a unique perspective on what it takes to make meaningful change through philanthropy and policy. In this episode, Marc shares what tends to attract a foundation’s attention, why strong investments in teachers matter, and how leaders can create space to reflect on the big questions that shape their work. His insights offer valuable guidance for anyone looking to deepen their impact in policy and advocacy. A thoughtful conversation about focus, learning, and leading with intention.

    38 min

  8. EPISODE 8

    Leaders' Table: Jim Shelton of The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative

    Jim Shelton is a systems thinker and seasoned leader whose career spans software development, entrepreneurship, government, and philanthropy. From serving as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education to leading education efforts at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, he has worked across sectors to expand opportunity and innovation. In this episode, Jim shares lessons from launching My Brother’s Keeper, leading partnerships at 2U Inc., and building Amandla Enterprises to support community-driven impact. He talks about what it takes to lead at scale, how to stay focused in complex work, and why long-term solutions require both vision and discipline. A conversation about purpose, strategy, and creating lasting change.

    48 min
See All Season 1 (47)

About

Real leaders. Honest conversations. No fluff. At The Leaders’ Table, we shine a light on how leaders rise to the moment. In each episode, civic changemakers share the decisions they’ve wrestled with, the values that guide them, and the practical tools that help them lead through challenge and change. An official podcast for LEE. For more info visit www.wearelee.org.

Information

  • Creator
    LEE
  • Episodes
    47
  • Seasons
    1
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The Leaders’ Table