Heather Jenkins, CEO of The Literacy Lab, is a mission-driven adaptive leader, prioritizing equity and a people-first mindset. She blends passion and knowledge with data analytics to inform decision making. Heather collaborates with senior leadership to foster inclusive organizational practices and builds lasting relationships with internal and external partners. Her responsibilities include ensuring organizational health, sustainability, and a robust culture. She strives to create a safe and equitable environment, nurturing creativity and belonging. Heather develops a clear vision and strategy, effectively communicating them to inspire and unite the team. She emphasizes the balance between day-to-day operations and innovation for optimal student service and consistently conveys these elements for the organization’s success.
A Journey of Growth and Mentorship
Heather’s early career experiences in education taught her the importance of data in promoting educational equity. She used various forms of data to identify needs and advocate for support, even when faced with initial resistance. The data highlighted curriculum inequities, student tracking, and marginalized experiences within the school culture. These lessons influenced her graduate studies and guided her to her current role.
Her doctoral work in sociology of education held personal and professional significance. As a woman of color, Heather overcame messages that undermined her abilities. Completing her master’s program with honors and gaining admission to a competitive doctoral program reshaped her self-perception. The research, analytical, and writing skills gained during this time continue to benefit her.
During her time at uAspire, Heather encountered a transformative manager named Bob. He redefined her understanding of supervisor-direct report relationships, contrasting previous experiences characterized by control and intimidation. Bob became a coach, mentor, champion, and friend, instilling unwavering belief in Heather’s abilities. His care and respect boosted her self-confidence, reinforcing the notion that she should never settle. While possessing the necessary skills for the CEO role, it was her relationship with Bob that fostered belief in her own capabilities.
Tell us about The Literacy Lab.
The Literacy Lab is an exceptional organization dedicated to making a significant impact through its work and the exceptional individuals who form its team. With a strong commitment to its mission, the organization focuses on providing evidence-based and culturally responsive literacy instruction to students in marginalized communities facing racial and economic disparities. The goal is to equip them with the necessary skills for academic, professional, and personal success. Central to this objective is the continuous growth and development of the staff, Tutors, and Fellows who are at the heart of the organization.
The Literacy Lab prioritizes data analysis to drive innovation and constantly improve its practices. By leveraging data, the organization ensures it remains at the forefront of effective literacy instruction. Furthermore, The Literacy Lab understands the importance of strategic partnerships to address the diverse needs of students, schools, and communities. Through these collaborations, the organization is able to maximize its impact and create tailored solutions.
On a daily basis, The Literacy Lab’s Tutors and Fellows collaborate closely with students, providing personalized and small-group literacy support. The organization’s approach is carefully designed to meet each student’s specific skill development needs, recognizing the importance of individualized instruction. The success of the students depends on the accomplishments of the Tutors and Fellows, which is why The Literacy Lab fosters a supportive and mentorship-driven culture. Coaches and staff members throughout the organization offer guidance and support to ensure the ongoing growth and success of the team. Moreover, The Literacy Lab maintains an organizational culture that strongly promotes equity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging, striving to be a welcoming and empowering environment for all.
Fostering Access and Empowerment
Heather developed a passion for the teaching and learning process during her time as a stay-at-home parent with her wonderful daughters. Witnessing their continuous growth in skills and confidence was an incredibly fulfilling and gratifying experience. Concurrently, she pursued educational courses that shed light on the influence of race, class, and gender in shaping access, opportunities, and outcomes within our education systems. The combination of scholarly exploration and hands-on teaching experience instilled in her a profound dedication to utilizing her privileges not only to support her own daughters but also to pave the way for historically marginalized young individuals within her communities, creating pathways for their access and success.
Cultivating Impact and Values
The core values of The Literacy Lab are deeply ingrained in every aspect of its operations, guiding its actions, behaviors, and priorities. The organization and its team center their work around the following core values:
- Equity through Impact and Impact through Equity: The Literacy Lab is committed to promoting equity by making a tangible impact. It recognizes the importance of addressing disparities and strives to create an educational landscape where every individual has equal opportunities for success.
- People First: The organization places great importance on the well-being and development of individuals. It prioritizes the needs of its staff, tutors, fellows, and stakeholders, ensuring a people-centric approach that values their voices, experiences, and growth.
- Both/And Mindset: The Literacy Lab embraces an inclusive and collaborative mindset that seeks to find innovative solutions. It recognizes that complex challenges often require embracing multiple perspectives and finding synergies between seemingly opposing ideas.
- Life-long Learning: The organization promotes a culture of continuous learning and growth. It encourages its team members to be curious, adaptable, and committed to personal and professional development, fostering a dynamic environment of ongoing education.
- Intentional Resource Stewardship: The Literacy Lab is dedicated to the intentional and responsible allocation and utilization of its resources. It ensures that decisions regarding resource allocation are purposeful and aligned with its mission and values, striving for maximum impact and sustainability.
These core values are deeply woven into the fabric of The Literacy Lab. Whether it is the staff handbook, strategic plan, current budget, position descriptions, or any other organizational document or tool, the presence and influence of these values are readily apparent. The organization establishes clear expectations and fosters a culture of accountability, ensuring that everyone understands what accountability entails and aligns their actions with the core values.
Looking Ahead to the Future
Heather has been in the education and non-profit fields for 22 years. As she plans to have a long tenure at The Literacy Lab, this will conclude a remarkable career spanning multiple school settings and non-profit organizations. Leading this dynamic and vibrant organization has been her ultimate dream job, without a doubt. Every personal and professional experience she encountered along her journey has culminated in this very moment of her life and in the organization’s evolution. While this will be her last full-time role before transitioning into semi-retirement, her unwavering passion for the work will not allow her to retire completely. The impact and fulfilment derived from her vocation will continue to drive her engagement, even in her next phase of life.
Website: https://theliteracylab.org/
