The National Center for the Elimination of Educational Disparities (NCEED) at Morgan State University announces a strategic partnership with the Women of Color Education Collaborative (WOCEC) to advance NCEED’s Teachers and School Leaders Pillar. The partnership is designed to address the urgent need for diverse leadership in K–12 education as well as better understand, through rigorous research, those experiences of school leaders. “By supporting this program and research, we are paving the way for transformative leadership in education in PreK-12 settings. Our commitment to diverse leadership development and rigorous research aligns with our mission to empower educators and cultivate innovative solutions to eliminate educational disparities,” said Darryl Williams, Assistant Director for the Teachers and School Leaders Pillar, who is leading the research team. The partnership investment will support peer-to-peer summits, career development initiatives, mentorship programs, professional learning, and research on women of color in leadership.

“Core to NCEED’s mission is conducting research that illuminates the causes and manifestations of educational disparities. NCEED seeks to build coalitions and mobilize resources to eliminate these disparities.This partnership represents a powerful step toward reshaping the leadership pipeline in public education. By investing in women of color as leaders, mentors, and researchers, we are not only closing opportunity gaps—we are redefining what excellence and equity look like in our schools,” said Dr. Meria Carstarphen, Director of NCEED.

The WOCEC builds a diverse network of women leaders through executive coaching, peer connection, and support for those in demanding roles. “When students see leaders who reflect their communities, it expands their sense of what’s possible. The WOCEC is committed to supporting women of color in high-profile, high-stress, high-impact roles.The partnership with NCEED strengthens this mission by aligning leadership development with research and systemic change,” said Dr. Stephanie Wood-Garnett, President, WOCEC.