508 Equity & AI in Education Series: Schools | Amber Berry, Middle States Association

With AI now more accessible than ever, its impact on learning and educational equity is rapidly evolving. This series will share hidden challenges, real-world use cases, and actionable strategies for navigating the future of AI in education.This is the last of three episodes and focuses on responsible AI use for parents.ABOUT AMBER BERRYAmber Berry is a trailblazer in the field of AI and education, serving as the inaugural Vice President of AI and Strategy for Middle States Association (MSA). In this role, Amber cofounded RAIL: Responsible AI in Learning, shaping the future of accreditation and school improvement. With over 15 years of school experience spanning both public and independent education, she has held positions of increasing responsibility, including Division Head and Director of Teaching Fellows at St. Luke’s School in Connecticut.Amber’s thought leadership in responsible AI adoption is grounded in her rich educational background. A graduate of Princeton University with a B.A. in French & Italian, she earned her M.A. in Linguistics and Pedagogy from Middlebury College and an M.Ed. in Private School Leadership from Columbia University. Most recently, she added a Mini-MBA in AI for Business to her impressive credentials, amplifying her expertise in leveraging AI for strategic innovation.Amber is a sought-after speaker, an advocate for equitable AI practices, and a member of Excelle Collective for women in educational leadership. At home, she balances her roles as a devoted mom, NFL wife, and active community leader, inspiring others to embrace transformation in every sphere of life.Follow us at @artic.ulating on IG for more of Articulating!

With AI now more accessible than ever, its impact on learning and educational equity is rapidly evolving. This series will share hidden challenges, real-world use cases, and actionable strategies for navigating the future of AI in education.This is the second of three episodes and focuses on responsible AI use for students.ABOUT AMBER BERRYAmber Berry is a trailblazer in the field of AI and education, serving as the inaugural Vice President of AI and Strategy for Middle States Association (MSA). In this role, Amber cofounded RAIL: Responsible AI in Learning, shaping the future of accreditation and school improvement. With over 15 years of school experience spanning both public and independent education, she has held positions of increasing responsibility, including Division Head and Director of Teaching Fellows at St. Luke’s School in Connecticut.Amber’s thought leadership in responsible AI adoption is grounded in her rich educational background. A graduate of Princeton University with a B.A. in French & Italian, she earned her M.A. in Linguistics and Pedagogy from Middlebury College and an M.Ed. in Private School Leadership from Columbia University. Most recently, she added a Mini-MBA in AI for Business to her impressive credentials, amplifying her expertise in leveraging AI for strategic innovation.Amber is a sought-after speaker, an advocate for equitable AI practices, and a member of Excelle Collective for women in educational leadership. At home, she balances her roles as a devoted mom, NFL wife, and active community leader, inspiring others to embrace transformation in every sphere of life.Follow us at @artic.ulating on IG for more of Articulating!

With AI now more accessible than ever, its impact on learning and educational equity is rapidly evolving. This series will share hidden challenges, real-world use cases, and actionable strategies for navigating the future of AI in education.This is the first of three episodes and focuses on responsible AI use for schools.ABOUT AMBER BERRYAmber Berry is a trailblazer in the field of AI and education, serving as the inaugural Vice President of AI and Strategy for Middle States Association (MSA). In this role, Amber cofounded RAIL: Responsible AI in Learning, shaping the future of accreditation and school improvement. With over 15 years of school experience spanning both public and independent education, she has held positions of increasing responsibility, including Division Head and Director of Teaching Fellows at St. Luke’s School in Connecticut.Amber’s thought leadership in responsible AI adoption is grounded in her rich educational background. A graduate of Princeton University with a B.A. in French & Italian, she earned her M.A. in Linguistics and Pedagogy from Middlebury College and an M.Ed. in Private School Leadership from Columbia University. Most recently, she added a Mini-MBA in AI for Business to her impressive credentials, amplifying her expertise in leveraging AI for strategic innovation.Amber is a sought-after speaker, an advocate for equitable AI practices, and a member of Excelle Collective for women in educational leadership. At home, she balances her roles as a devoted mom, NFL wife, and active community leader, inspiring others to embrace transformation in every sphere of life.Follow us at @artic.ulating on IG for more of Articulating!

Articulating co-hosts return to the virtual studio with a major update that will shape the future of the podcast. Co-written by Sam Osborne and Tyler Woods Follow us at @artic.ulating on IG for more of Articulating!

'Twas the week before Christmas, and you still haven't done your holiday shopping yet. But hold your reindeer! We've got a special bonus episode featuring Christine Platt, author of the Afrominimalist guide to Living with Less.  This is a must-listen for those who wish to tackle overconsumption and inspire their students to embrace a more minimilast and intentional lifestyle! ABOUT CHRISTINE PLATT A multi-genre author and advocate for representation and inclusion, Christine Platt has carved a unique path in literature, lifestyle, and wellness. Also known as the Afrominimalist, Christine’s work centers on honoring Black voices and experiences—past, present, and future. She holds a B.A. in Africana Studies from the University of South Florida, M.A. in African and African American Studies from The Ohio State University, and J.D. from Stetson University College of Law.  Christine’s literary works include the influential adult titles 'The Afrominimalist’s Guide to Living With Less' and 'Rebecca, Not Becky', and the beloved children’s series that teaches kids about media literacy, 'Frankie & Friends'. Her multifaceted career in advocacy spans working as a Senior Policy Advisor for the U.S. Department of Energy to Managing Director of American University’s Antiracism Center to Director of Communications for Rihanna’s nonprofit, The Clara Lionel Foundation. Christine is a member of the Association of Writers and Writing Programs, Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Association of Black Women Historians, and the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. She also serves as an Ambassador for Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Follow us at @artic.ulating on IG for more of Articulating!

Have you contemplated sending your student to an all-Black school? Patricia Hogan Williams is Head of the Imani School, the largest black independent school in the U.S. Founded in 1988, the school serves 100% African American students and emphasizes faith, confidence, and self-belief. Williams highlights the importance of setting high expectations and providing a nurturing environment that fosters academic excellence and self-worth. The school's curriculum includes African American history and literature, aiming to instill pride and competence in students. Williams stresses the critical role of education in empowering black children and the need for intentionality in their learning environment.  ABOUT PATRICIA HOGAN WILLIAMS A graduate of Fisk University, Patricia Hogan Williams has more than 40 years of experience as an educator with students from preschool classrooms to university campuses. She is the Founding Head and Executive Director of The Imani School — now the largest independent, predominantly African American private Christian school in the nation, serving students from preschool through eighth grade. Williams continues to be the driving force behind the school’s progression, prevailing at the school’s helm since 1988. The institution has grown to include more than 350 students across pre-kinder, elementary, and middle school grade levels, receiving national and international recognition for its success in developing self-confidence and academic excellence in African-American children. Mrs. Williams also serves as an adjunct professor in Child Development at Texas Southern University, where she helps sow into the next generation of educators. For her commitment to improving the lives of children and youth, Williams has received numerous honors and awards including: U.S. News and World Report’s “Twelve Indispensable Americans''; “Current History Maker” by KHOU –TV; the Distinguished Woman Award from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated; Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church’s Audrey A. Lawson Impact Award winner; the American Heart Association Award of Excellence as well as its Outstanding Educator Award; the National Association for Financial Assistance to Minority Students’ Outstanding Educator Award; Links, Inc. Western Area for Outstanding Services to Youth; Texas Southern University Award for Excellent Service; and the Community Service Award from the Top Ladies of Distinction. Williams is the wife of Attorney Connie B. Williams, and the proud mother of three sons, Brian, founder of Step Afrika, the first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping; Christopher, owner of Lucille’s Hospitality Group, which includes nationally acclaimed restaurant Lucille’s and its non-profit Lucille’s 1913; and Benjamin, the co-owner of Highway Vodka, the country’s first of its kind spirit crafted with hemp seed. Follow us at @artic.ulating on IG for more of Articulating! Special thanks to Vibrant Health for sponsoring this episode of Articulating! We're thrilled to share an exclusive 20% discount for our listeners. Use code ARTIC20 and take a step toward vibrant living!

When was the last time you read for 30 minutes straight? Uninterrupted? Ramon Javier, Head of School at George Jackson Academy, joins Articulating to discuss the importance of literacy in academic success, developing empathy, and building critical thinking skills. Listen for strategies on how to foster a love for reading not only for your scholar but also yourself!  ABOUT RAMON Ramón is a lifelong New Yorker, proud of his Afro-Latinx roots. A member of Prep for Prep, Ramón graduated from The Hackley School, Williams College, and received his Ed.M from Teachers College, Columbia University. He worked for Prep for Prep, The TEAK Fellowship, KIPP, Packer Collegiate, and The Trinity School in a variety of leadership roles. He also served on the NYSAIS Diversity Committee for six years.  Ramón sits on the boards of the International Boys' Schools Coalition, the New York State Association of Independent Schools. He is also a  member of the Education Committee of the Grace Church School Board of Trustees and sits on the Advisory Board of Parents In Action. Ramón is in his third year as Head of School at George Jackson Academy. Follow us at @artic.ulating on IG for more of Articulating!

Gina and Sam sit down with Summer Love and Gabby Mclain, co-presidents of the Black Student Coalition (BSC), a thriving network serving over 500 students across New York and New Jersey. Summer is a senior at the Chapin School. At school, Summer is the DEIB president, student a cappella co-director, member of the speech and debate team, a singer in the rock band, and a student admissions ambassador. Her passion for connection and identity-based social justice work is exemplified in her work as the Co-President and Events Team Leader of the Black Student Coalition. The Black Student Coalition is a student-led group that supports the personal, academic, profesional, and social growth of over 500 Black students attending PWIs across 14 states. Fun fact, Summer is double jointed in both of her hands! Gabrielle McLain, a Senior at Horace Mann School, is Co-President and Newsletter Manager of the Black Student Coalition, a 500-member student-led nonprofit that celebrates culture, connections and community amongst Black high school students at PWIs in the New York tri-state area. In addition to BSC, Gabrielle is President of The Union at Horace Mann, which promotes inclusion and belonging for HM’s Black student population. Gabrielle is also a Freshman Orientation Peer Leader, an editor of three student publications, and an afterschool tutor. Gabrielle, a social justice advocate, spent a semester in Washington, DC at The School for Ethics and Global Leadership, where she studied the complexities of geopolitical issues, followed by a summer at Yale Young Global Scholars program in the Solving Global Challenges cohort. Gabrielle is currently a Research and Teaching Assistant for Professor Timothy Adkins-Jones of Union Theological Seminary, where she is researching women’s contributions to Bloody Sunday of the Civil Rights Movement and crafting a youth itinerary for the annual commemoration event in Selma, Alabama. In her free time, Gabby likes to bake and spend time with her beloved Lab, Polo. Follow us at @artic.ulating on IG for more of Articulating!

Dr. Kay De Simone, a wealth mindset coach and complex trauma psychotherapist, joins Articulating to discuss the concept of imposter syndrome in the context of independent schools. Imposter syndrome is often fueled by external factors such as societal biases and institutional practices rather than individual shortcomings.  Dr. De Simone shares tools and strategies families can use to support their children so they can build confidence and resilience, and also self-advocate in educational settings. ABOUT DR. DE SIMONE Dr. Kay De Simone is a mental wellness expert, university professor, complex trauma therapist, researcher, and TEDx presenter with over two decades of experience supporting high achievers in competitive educational and professional environments. As a parent of daughters who have attended independent schools, she brings both personal and professional insight into the unique challenges faced by students and families in these high-pressure settings. Dr. De Simone is also an avid volunteer, fundraiser, and active contributor to independent school communities. A sought-after paid speaker, she focuses on mental wellness, wealth mindset, and developing strategies that help individuals not only survive but thrive in demanding environments. With a passion for leveling up skills, navigating complex trauma successfully, and helping individuals rise to their  moment, Dr. De Simone empowers students and families to achieve sustainable success while cultivating emotional well-being and personal fulfillment. Outside of her professional life, Dr. De Simone has a deep love for fashion, art, and building a lasting legacy through meaningful contributions and personal growth. Follow us at @artic.ulating on IG for more of Articulating!

Sam Osborne and Gina Parker Collins explore the growing trend of engagement events at Martha's Vineyard, a popular vacation destination for Black families. They discuss how it has become a hub for conferences, workshops, and networking opportunities that foster community and education.  The co-hosts also celebrate two significant milestones: the 15th anniversary of RIISE (Resources In Independent School Education) and the 5th anniversary of the Articulating podcast.  Follow us at @artic.ulating on IG for more of Articulating!