Sister Circle Networking Group
Authors | Creators | Visionaries
The Sister Circle Networking Group was the vision of Dr. Renae Bryant and Dr. Leena Bakshi McLean, who brought together a remarkable community of women committed to supporting one another's dreams, projects, and purpose. Through their leadership and belief in the power of collaboration, they created a space where women could connect, encourage, and grow together.
In recognition of this inspiring sisterhood, SistertoSisterSecrets.com is honored to dedicate this page to celebrating the members of the Sister Circle Networking Group. Here, we highlight the books, creative projects, businesses, and accomplishments of the talented women who make up this community.
More than a networking group, the Sister Circle is a community of practice where women authors, content creators, speakers, entrepreneurs, and leaders come together to inspire, encourage, and elevate one another. Through intentional conversations, shared experiences, and collective wisdom, we create a space where ideas flourish, projects come to life, and dreams become realities.
Our Purpose
To provide a nurturing and collaborative environment where women can connect, share their journeys, celebrate accomplishments, and support one another in bringing meaningful work into the world.
Our Vision
To cultivate a vibrant sisterhood of authors and creators who lead with authenticity, lifelong learning, and a commitment to lifting others as they rise.
Our Mission
Through intentional dialogue, collaboration, and ongoing encouragement, we strengthen our leadership, expand our perspectives, and transform inspiration into action. Together, we celebrate each other's books, businesses, and creative projects while creating opportunities for growth, visibility, and lasting impact.
Our Guiding Belief
There is room for every woman's voice. When one woman succeeds, we all rise. Welcome to the Circle.
Dr. Renae Bryant
Leader | Author | Educator | Podcast Host
Dr. Renae Bryant is a collaborative educational leader dedicated to expanding student access, opportunity, equity, and success. She serves as an adjunct professor in the Educational Leadership Doctoral Program at the University of La Verne. A keynote speaker, founder of the Leadership Book Chat, and host of The Your Story Matters Podcast, she is also co-author of The Ed Branding Book: How to Build Educational Leadership with Social Influence (2024). Her honors include the 2024 California Association for Bilingual Education District Administrator of the Year Award, the 2024 Leading While Female Icon Award, and the 2025 Quantum Impact Courageous Leadership Award.
Danna Thomas
Cultivating | Educator| Wellbeing
Danna Thomas, a Baltimore Public School teacher, is the author and founder of Happy Teacher Revolution: a global initiative to support the mental health and wellness of educators. The organization has supported thousands of teachers across the United States, Canada, Nigeria, Brazil, and Senegal by providing educators with the time and space to feel, deal, and be real about the social-emotional demands of the job. When she’s not playing saxophone in Baltimore, Danna lives on her converted school bus, “Begonia,” as she continues her own journey of claiming and sustaining joy.
www.HappyTeacherRevolution.com
Dr. Marilou Ryder
Author | Publisher | Creator
As an author, educator, and lifelong advocate for women and girls, I believe that every season of life offers new opportunities to grow, lead, and make a difference. Through my books and creative projects, I hope to encourage others to live with purpose, lead with courage, and never underestimate the power of their own story.
Dr. Antoinette Guttierez
Leader | Author | Speaker | Healer
Dr. Antoinette Gutierrez is a passionate educational leader with nearly 20 years of experience advancing equity, systemic improvement, and people-centered leadership. As Program Manager for Colton-Redlands-Yucaipa ROP, she oversees Career Technical Education pathways across multiple districts. Her leadership experience includes serving as a high school principal and Director of Multilingual Services, where she championed English learner and dual-language programs. Holding an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership, Dr. Gutierrez is a published author and speaker specializing in emotional intelligence. A recipient of the Equity Warrior Award, she continues to advocate for innovation and student success through her leadership with ACSA, CALSA, and CABE.
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Cheryl Abla
Author | Educator | Consultant
Cheryl Abla is an author, educator, and consultant passionate about helping teachers and school leaders create engaging, student-centered classrooms where every student feels valued and successful. With a career spanning teaching, instructional coaching, and professional learning, she partners with schools and districts to turn research into practical strategies that make an immediate impact. Cheryl is the co-author of Teachables: Bite Size Strategies That Make a Major Impact in the Classroom and Tools for Classroom Instruction That Works. Through workshops, coaching, and consulting, she helps educators strengthen instruction, increase student engagement, and build lasting capacity.
AblaEducationalServices.com
Lisa Maxfield
Author | Creator | Education Advocate
The most meaningful change in education begins with everyday interactions. My writing focuses on practical strategies that help educators build stronger relationships, foster engagement, and cultivate classrooms where every student can thrive.
Cynthia Rapaido, Ed.D.
Author | Educational Leadership Coach
University Adjuncty Faculty
Dr. Cynthia Rapaido brings more than 30 years of experience in K–12 education, serving as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and board member. She holds an Ed.D. in International and Multicultural Education and an M.A. in Educational Administration. An award-winning educator, researcher, coach, and author, she has also served in higher education as a faculty lecturer, dissertation advisor, IRB board member, field supervisor, placement coordinator, and program co-director. Dr. Rapaido remains passionate about mentoring future educational leaders. Her honors include recognition by the California Association of School Administrators (ACSA) and the 2013 California Secondary Co-Administrator of the Year award, as well as being named a 2014 finalist for the National Association of Secondary School Principals' California Assistant Principal of the Year.
Inspired by these Women?
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