Education is shifting, and the voices leading that shift are no longer waiting for permission to be heard. Educators Rise: Voices of Change Anthology Volume II arrives as a timely, unapologetic collection of stories from educators and leaders who are doing the work — often quietly, often against resistance, and always with purpose.
Visionary Dr. Heather A. Robinson brings together a powerful group of co-authors — Dr. Kera Longmire, Dr. Tiffany J. Fisher, Martiesa Smith, MS, M.Ed., Dr. Alisha Broughton, and Tammy Walsham to share lived experiences rooted in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Their narratives move beyond theory, offering honest reflection, professional insight, and practical strategies that speak directly to today’s classrooms, institutions, and communities. This anthology doesn’t ask readers to observe change. It challenges them to participate in it.
Dr. Heather A. Robinson
Dr. Heather A. Robinson, a two-time global award recipient and Presidential Lifetime Achievement honoree, is a leader in education advocacy and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) consulting. Based in Exton, PA, with roots in Philadelphia, she holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Educational Leadership. Overcoming personal loss as the youngest of nine siblings, Dr. Robinson has embodied perseverance and self-sufficiency. An eight-time published author and dynamic speaker, she has successfully navigated the media landscape with 12 speaking engagements, 25 magazine features, and 30 podcast appearances, solidifying her as a sought-after thought leader in education and DEI.
She empowers individuals and organizations through her roles as an education advocate and DEI consultant, specializing in DEI strategy development, professional development workshops, equity audits, and creating inclusive cultures in schools, businesses, and nonprofits.
Dr. Robinson is the visionary of Educators Rise: Voices of Change Anthology. Volume 2 is set to release in Winter 2026 and the Educators Rise Conference & Awards Ceremony, on July 18 2026. Guided by her mantra, “ Visibility + Credibility = Equitability,” her work continues to inspire and foster equity, innovation, and transformation.
Contact info: Linktr.ee: linktr.ee/anointed2writellc, E-mail: Anointed2writellc@gmail.com, Instagram: anointed_2_write, Facebook: Anointed2writeLLC, LinkedIn: Dr. Heather Robinson BA, M. Ed, Ph.D
Dr. Kera Longmire
A proud native of Cincinnati, Ohio, and a mother of two beautiful daughters, Dr. Kera Longmire is an experienced early childhood education educator and instructor. She holds a master of Business from Strayer University and a Master of Science with a specialization in Early Childhood Education from Capella University. She is proud to transit into the field of higher education as she embarks on a new career journey as an adjunct faculty at Eastern Washington University commencing Fall 2025.
She empowers individuals and organizations through her role as an instructor, educator, and advocate for children in early childhood education and strongly believes that DEI is the cornerstone for education. Guided by her mantra, “I am an advocate for DEI in early childhood education and leveling the playing field for equitable opportunities for all children in ECE”, her work continues to inspire and foster diversity, equity, and inclusion while transforming lives globally. As a proud and continuous contributor to Educator Rise: Voices of Change Anthology Volume 2, she inspires transformative change and fosters inclusivity in the world.
Connect online: Instagram: @keralynnlongmire, Facebook: Ke Ke Long, Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/keralongmire, Email: keralongmire23@gmail.com
Martiesa Smith, MS, M.Ed.
Martiesa Smith, MS, M.Ed. is a special education educator dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in learning environments. Guided by the mantra, “ We listen. We understand. We teach with purpose,” she centers her practice on understanding each student’s unique strengths and perspectives. With experience in both school-based and community settings, Martiesa specializes in multisensory and culturally responsive instruction, social-emotional learning, literacy development, and behavior management. She holds degrees in Psychology, Addiction Counseling, Juvenile Justice, and Special Education, with certifications in Behavior Coaching and Dyslexia, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Martiesa is the founder of New Growth Behavioral Counsel and Color Dynamic, contributes to educator professional development, and coaches’ youth basketball, fostering empowerment, inclusion, and growth in all she serves.
Mantra: “We listen. We understand. We teach with purpose.”
This mantra guides her practice as both an educator and a learner. It challenges her to embrace diverse viewpoints, adapt instruction to individual needs, and create a supportive environment where every student feels seen, understood, and capable of success.
Contact info: E-mail: Mardiee@yahoo.com
Dr. Alisha Broughton
Dr. Alisha Broughton’s journey in education spans nearly three decades, touching countless lives through her roles as an elementary and high school English educator. Born and raised in Millsboro, Delaware, she currently serves as a full-time high school English educator and part-time professor, with dual certifications in Special Education. A survivor of two intrusive brain surgeries, she holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership.
Her dedication has earned national recognition, including a National Jefferson Award, ranking among Delaware Today Magazine’s Top 10 Businesswomen, and a Stevie Awards for Women in Business in Public Relations. From 2022 to 2024, she volunteered over 2,000 hours in Sussex County community centers and founded the Unlimited Expectations Express nonprofit. A local author of six books, Pastor, and Hospital Chaplain, Dr. Broughton lives by her own words:
Mantra: “Live life like it’s your last day. Make every minute count, for tomorrow is not promised. Live in the moment.”
Contact info: Facebook: alishabroughton, LinkedIn: dralishabroughton, Instagram: @alisha.broughton
Dr. Tiffany J. Fisher
Dr. Tiffany J. Fisher is an accomplished educator, instructional leader, and equity advocate with over 18 years of experience serving students and educators across Mississippi and Alabama. She holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and is currently recognised as Teacher of the Year at ACCEL Preparatory Academy. Dr. Fisher has served as a science teacher, assistant principal, associate principal, adjunct instructor, and educational impact strategist, with a career grounded in culturally responsive pedagogy, teacher retention, and student leadership development.
She is the founder of 1280 Forward Education Consultants and 1280 Leads, initiatives dedicated to expanding access, opportunity, and leadership capacity for underserved students and educators. Dr. Fisher is also the creator and author of Chapter 1280 (https://chapter1280.substack.com), a thought-leadership blog that amplifies educator voices and examines equity, policy, and practice in education. Her writing bridges research and lived experience to challenge systems and inspire sustainable change.
Mantra: “Access without opportunity is not equity.”
Contact info: Facebook: 1280 Forward Education Consultants, Instagram: @1280forward, IN: tiffany-fisher-1280forward, Linktree: linktr.ee/drfisher1280forward
Tammy Walsham
A long-held desire for education is uncommon, but it is for Tammy Walsham. She has wanted to teach since age 5 and is now in her 25th year of teaching. Her love for teaching has allowed Tammy to bless the lives of students in grades K-12. Although she loves general education, she found her passion even more driven as a Special Education teacher. Tammy’s teaching journey began on the West Coast, and she now resides on the East Coast. With a doctoral degree near completion, education leadership is right around the corner. The blessing of a career she’s passionate about is only part of her story. She is also a mother who is blessed to inspire her daughter to be the amazing person she desires to be. Through parenthood and teaching, she inspires and impacts young minds every day, and she’s not ready to quit yet.
Mantra:
“An obstacle is only meant to be temporary unless you allow it to become permanent. Success is not the absence of failure, it’s persistence through failure.”
Contact info: Facebook: Tammy Walsham, Instagram: @1stladytammy916, E-mail: Tammytcw@gmail.com
Educators Rise: Voices of Change Anthology Volume II is a collective statement from educators who understand that equity is built through action, accountability, and consistency. Each contributor brings clarity to what inclusive education truly requires, reminding readers that progress happens when courage meets commitment.
With its Winter 2026 release on the horizon, and the Educators Rise Conference & Awards Ceremony set for July 18, 2026, this anthology continues to build momentum around a growing movement. For educators, leaders, and advocates ready to push education forward with intention, Educators Rise Volume II offers both affirmation and a clear call to lead with purpose.
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