From fourth-generation New Yorker to nationally recognized education leader, Dr. Rahesha Amon shares how her identity, heritage, and lived experiences shaped her purpose-driven journey in transforming schools and developing the next generation of teachers.
In this episode, Dr. Amon reflects on her deep New York City roots, describing how Harlem, her family’s African lineage, and the energy of the city molded her resourcefulness, directness, and authentic leadership style. She and Ron revisit the cultural richness of their hometown and the early influences, from museum work to arts education, that sparked her love for history, storytelling, and service. Even as her career expanded beyond New York, she remains grounded in the people and places that raised her.
Dr. Amon opens up about pivotal turning points, including the profound impact of her “Black Mitzvah” trip to West Africa at age twelve and how her mother intentionally cultivated ancestral pride. She shares lessons learned from career shifts, from her early days as a fifth-grade teacher at PS 107 in the Bronx to founding Frederick Douglass Academy III and later serving as a superintendent. Moments of challenge, including being fired, became catalysts for clarity, faith, and resilience that ultimately guided her toward her current role.
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Amon breaks down the realities of systemic inequities in education and why comprehensive teacher preparation, like the model she leads at City Teaching Alliance, is essential for long-term student success. Her insights offer a powerful blend of personal history, practical leadership wisdom, and a call to remember that investing deeply in people is both cost-effective and transformational. At every step, she emphasizes purpose, community, and the belief that there is abundant space for everyone to thrive.
This episode is a rich meditation on identity, leadership, community, and legacy—inviting listeners to reflect on their own journeys while learning from Dr. Amon’s remarkable path. Tune in to hear a conversation filled with heart, history, and hope for what’s possible in education and beyond.
Chapters
🗣️ 00:39 Welcoming Dr. Rahesha Amon
🔗 01:08 Publish Your Book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/
🌆 02:02 Dr. Rahesha Amon on New York Roots and Identity
🌍 04:52 Exploring Heritage and Family History
💡 11:02 If You're a Leader or Changemaker Looking for Support, Check Out geniusdiscovery.org
🎓 30:16 Lessons in Leadership
🏫 31:33 Founding a School and the Power of Mentorship
✍️ 37:40 Support for Writing Your Impact-Driven Book at booksthatmatter.org
🏢 38:26 Current Role at City Teaching Alliance
✨ 47:20 Trust the Process and Final Reflections
🎙️ 51:54 Want a Podcast Like This One? Visit podcastsmatter.com
Links
Website: cityteachingalliance.org
LinkedIn: Dr. Rahesha Amon
LinkedIn: City Teaching Alliance
Connect with Dr. Rahesha Amon on LinkedIn and explore the work of City Teaching Alliance to learn more about her mission to uplift educators and transform student outcomes.
Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapatalo
Check Out Ron's Book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473
Leverage Publishing Group: www.leveragepublishinggroup.com
Publish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.org
Start a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.com
Go from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.org
For more great podcasts like this one, visit: https://podcaststhatmatter.org/
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