HyphenatEdD Leader

After attending a powerful poetry reading by 2023-24 San Diego Poet Laureate, Jason Magabo Perez, at UC San Diego, Dr. Smarr reflects on how Perez weaves his doctoral journey, artistry, and commitment to social justice into every part of his life’s work.

In this episode, Dr. Smarr spotlights Perez’s poem “We Deserve the Unthinkable” and invites you to pause and ask yourself:

* How is your passion leading your life?

* What truths are you brave enough to speak through your own craft?

Tune in to hear how scholarship, creativity, and advocacy can live as one.

Share your responses in the comments.

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In this episode of HyphenatEdD Leader, we explore what it means to lead, organize, and show up during complicated political and social times. Dr. Smarr will share her personal takeaways from the field, what’s at stake in 2025, and reads the powerful piece “Our Ancestors Prepared Us for This Moment.” This is a call to act—not in grand gestures, but in small, intentional ways.

IARSLCE turns 25 this year—and I’m honored to serve as Chair during this moment of reflection, tension, and transformation. In this episode of #HyphenatEdD, I share how I navigated a recent board meeting, what the global research report really means, and how grace and grit help me lead with intention.

In this episode of HyphenatEdD, Dr. Rochelle Smarr shares the story behind the podcast’s title and why she chose to pursue an Ed.D. (Doctor of Education) rather than a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy). She breaks down what makes the Ed.D. a practitioner’s degree, reflecting on the factors that influenced her decision, including her desire to become a Practitioner-SME (Subject Matter Expert) grounded in real-world impact.

I hope you enjoyed today’s staff huddle on the HyphenatEdD Leader. Be sure to engage with me in the comments on this podcast episode page. Be sure to follow and engage with me on Instagram at “HyphenatEdD_Leader” to keep the discussion going.

See you at the next staff huddle!