When Women Lead Boldly: How System Disruption Becomes an Act of Love

You’re heading into another meeting. Another tough decision. Another conversation where you're expected to make a change without making waves.

And then you hear a voice say:

“Disruption is an act of love.”

That one line? It shifts something.

And you start wondering:

Have I been protecting comfort more than I’ve been protecting people?

About the Episode:

Recorded live for Women’s History Month 2025, this Brave Voices in Education bonus panel—Women Who Disrupt Systems—is a must-listen for every educator, advocate, and policymaker trying to navigate the intersection of gender, justice, and leadership.

Co-hosted with @wearemascd and @iamcraigaaronsmartin of @ccmedgroup, the conversation centers women who are not asking for permission to lead—they’re modeling what bold, boundary-breaking leadership looks like.

Together, they speak truth to power about:

• How harmful “anti-woke” legislation is endangering students and educators
  
  
• The toll of leadership on women’s mental and emotional health
  
  
• What equity work looks like when the cameras are off and the backlash is loud
  
  
• Practical ways to sustain your advocacy in the face of burnout
  
  
• What it takes to build systems that love, liberate, and last
  

Meet the Women Disrupting the Status Quo:

• Shaplaie Brooks – Executive Director, MA Commission for LGBTQ Youth
  
  
• Dr. Shaunna Harrington – Former MASCD President & Higher Ed Leader
  
  
• Kathy Lopes – President, AMSEL (MA School Equity Leaders)
  
  
• Christian Joy Maiden, Esq. – Legal Advocate, 8th District Court of Appeals
  
  
• Sasha Goodfriend – Executive Director, MA Chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW)
  
  

Your #CupOfCourage: Reflection Prompts

Am I leading for optics or for impact?
Disruption doesn’t always get applause, but it gets results.

Where am I staying silent out of fear of being labeled ‘difficult’?
As one panelist put it: “Equity is not a moment—it’s a movement.” Movements don’t start with consensus—they start with courage.

How do I show up for others without abandoning myself?
The panel’s truth: Rest, therapy, and community care aren’t luxuries. They’re resistance.

What’s one policy, norm, or belief I can challenge this week?
Whether in your classroom, your boardroom, or your group chat, change starts where you stand.

What This Panel Taught Me

This conversation reminded me that bravery doesn’t always look like shouting—it often looks like refusing to shrink.

My #CupOfCourage today?
To call out harm even when it’s subtle.
To advocate for policies that honor people’s full humanity.
To build coalitions, not just connections.
To lead unapologetically—even when it's inconvenient.

Because as these women reminded me:

“We are the global majority. And we lead with truth.”

Listen to the Full Episode Now:

 Brave Voices in Education: Bonus Episode – Women Who Disrupt Systems

Take It With You:

Text a colleague, tag your team, or send this to a friend who needs reminding that bravery is contagious.

Then ask yourself:

“Where can I disrupt from love today?”

Pour it up, sip slow, and lead with your whole heart.