From first-grade helper to transformative education leader, Clarisse Mendoza Davis shares her journey of serving underserved youth and reshaping early childhood and alternative education with compassion, vision, and equity at the core.
Clarisse currently leads the See Forever Foundation and Maya Angelou Public Charter Schools as CEO, overseeing programs that serve over 1,000 justice-involved and opportunity-deprived youth across Washington, D.C. Known for her holistic, equity-focused approach, she has spent 21 years shaping educational systems, from teaching high school English at Cardozo Senior High School to leading early intervention programs and alternative schools that emphasize student agency and support. Her work bridges policy, leadership, and hands-on student engagement, demonstrating how intentional leadership can transform lives.
Growing up as a child of immigrants in Chicago, Clarisse witnessed firsthand her parents’ dedication to education, which inspired her lifelong commitment to learning and equity. Her early teaching career coincided with major reforms in D.C. public schools, where she navigated high-pressure accountability systems while mentoring colleagues and supporting students in under-resourced schools. A pivotal moment came when she realized ninth-grade reading deficits required earlier intervention, leading her to design and implement early childhood diagnostic centers that now serve thousands of families, proving the profound impact of timely support.
Clarisse emphasizes the power of community engagement, trust-building, and proximity to stakeholders. She shares practical strategies for leading schools and organizations with authenticity, including maintaining regular connection with families, staff, and donors, and using data alongside empathy to inform decision-making. Her leadership philosophy prioritizes listening, co-reflection, and ensuring students remain in the driver’s seat of their educational journeys, which has contributed to record-breaking graduation rates at Maya Angelou Academy and life-changing outcomes for students in detention centers.
This conversation highlights broader lessons in leadership, equity, and resilience. Listeners will gain insight into how intentional, community-centered approaches can transform educational outcomes, create opportunities for marginalized youth, and sustain passionate, effective leadership. Tune in to hear Clarisse Mendoza Davis share her inspiring story and actionable insights for anyone committed to making meaningful change in education and beyond.
Chapters
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00:31 Meet Clarisse Mendoza Davis
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01:15 Clarisse's Early Life and Education
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08:31 Teaching Experiences in Washington DC
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15:36 Early Learning Intervention Initiatives
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24:53 Building Community Trust
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26:11 Leadership Values and Challenges
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29:18 Proximity and Engaging Stakeholders
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32:38 Mission and Impact of Maya Angelou Schools
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36:48 Success Stories and Personal Reflections
Links
Check out Clarisse Mendoza Davis’s work with Maya Angelou Public Charter Schools and the See Forever Foundation, connect with her on LinkedIn, and explore her transformative educational initiatives shaping opportunity and equity for youth today.
Stay strong.
Episode 6