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About the Authors
BOLD. BRILLIANT. EMPOWERING.
Exciting news! Introducing the brilliant minds behind 'Bold Brilliance'—a collection of empowering stories and insights from 14 incredible authors. From overcoming obstacles to celebrating success, these women are rewriting the narrative. Stay tuned for the release in September!
Barbara Bartels
BARBARA E. BARTELS, ED.D. currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Early Care & Education Pathways to Success (ECEPTS), a project managed by Tides Center. She is co-founder of Meaning-Centered Leadership, L.L.C., and co-author of Meaning-Centered Leadership: Skills and Strategies for Increased Employee Well-Being and Organizational Success.
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Marilou Ryder
MARILOU RYDER, ED.D. is a UMass Global professor and women's leadership expert. With a decade leading large school districts, she understands firsthand the ever-changing landscape of women in the workplace. But she's more than an educator; she's a beacon of inspiration and empowerment. An author of twelve books, her Amazon bestsellers blend interviews and research to empower women to harness their personal power for confidence and influence.
Lisbeth Johnson
LISBETH JOHNSON, ED.D. is a ground-breaking coach who develops emerging leaders. She is recognized for her ability to build highly productive teams in organizations that may find themselves immersed in pre-existing chaos. Intuitive and innovative, she often paves the way for creating the conditions for group transformation. Dr. Johnson has co-authored Ice Age Schools, a book about twenty-first-century learning.
Rebecca Pianta
REBECCA PIANTA, ED.D. epitomizes equity and advocacy in education, boasting over 18 years of diverse experience from school counseling to district leadership. She spearheaded the ground-breaking Equity-Centered Professional Learning Series, pushing boundaries to advance equitable practices. Dr. Pianta is an Adjunct Professor at Concordia University.
jessica thompson
JESSICA THOMPSON, an RIT graduate, embarked on a multifaceted career journey. Initially, she spent twelve years as a buyer and merchandise manager at renowned department stores in Chicago and Boston. She held roles as a Branch Manager and Mortgage Loan Officer at a prominent Boston bank. Jessica is a prolific author with twelve books focusing on empowering women and girls. Her works have garnered acclaim as Amazon bestsellers.
Cindy Petersen
CINDY PETERSEN , ED.D. was 2019 ACSA's Exemplary Woman in Education as well as ACSA Region 3's Outstanding Woman Leader for 2020. Dr. Petersen has been a leader in public education for over 35 years, serving as Superintendent/C.E.O. of Gateway Community Charters. She is an adjunct professor for UMass Global doctorate program. She is currently the C.E.O./Senior Leadership Consultant of Courageous Leadership Coaching and Consulting.
Kristen Miller
KRISTEN MILLER, ED.D. is passionate about empowering people to find their internal compass to achieve higher levels of success. Before becoming a sought-after speaker and trainer, she worked as an engineer and school administrator. Kristen has authored two books, has an engineering degree, is a singer-songwriter with three published albums, and spent multiple years touring in California performing her songs.
lindsay thompson
LINDSAY THOMPSON is currently the Senior Director and Head of the Europe, Middle East, and Asia Pacific regions for Client Success at a global financial technology and financial services company. She is dedicated to empowering women in business and mentoring young female professionals and currently leads both the Women's Network and Culture Committee at her company and is a member of the Girls Network Mentor Program
nikki salas
NIKKI SALAS, ED.D. is a seasoned public sector executive with over 28 years of experience serving as a City Manager, Assistant Town Manager, and Director of Human Resources for various California public agencies. She is currently the Administrative Services Director for the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority, Nikki contributed a chapter on virtual interviewing for Rules of the Game: How to Win a Job in Educational Leadership.
Jennifer slater-Sánchez
JENNIFER SLATER-SANCHEZ, ED.D. is a highly accomplished education leader with a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership. Beyond her administrative roles, Dr. Slater-Sanchez has been an adjunct professor since 2004 and currently serves as the Director of Categorical and Special Programs. Her outstanding contributions have earned her prestigious accolades, including Middle School Principal and Teacher of the Year.
Tiffani thomas
TIFFÁNI THOMAS, ED.D. is an experienced mental health professional deeply committed to achieving health equity for marginalized communities and empowering women across all spheres of life. As an originating member of the dynamic Solano Commission for Women and Girls, she actively spearheads initiatives to enhance the status and quality of life for women and girls in Solano County, California.
tricia kassab
TRICIA KASSAB, ED.D. is a retired healthcare executive in quality and patient safety, currently focusing on mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals. She is a leader in the American College of Healthcare Executives representing Southern California and San Diego. Tricia is an adjunct professor for Concordia University and UMass Global University and is currently teaching nursing students at the American Career College.
sepideh yeoh
SEPIDEH YEOH, ED.D. is faculty and a consultant with the California School Boards Association. She is a facilitator and leader in several support/networking groups, including GIFT (Gaining Insight For Transitions) for women. Sepideh is the author of (1) Leading from the Edge of the Box®: It All Begins with You; (2) Glow: Be the Light of Your Journey and (3) A Handbook for SIMPLE Living.
kelly Davids
KELLY DAVIDS, ED.D. has worked in education for 40 years, currently serving as an Instruction Coordinator. She is an Induction Coach for school administrators at UMass Global and presents webinars on Leadership, Wellness, and Emotional Intelligence. For ten years, she performed stand-up comedy and produced many successful sold-out shows where she raised thousands of dollars for cancer patients and domestic violence charities.
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