“Find time for yourself to do something that brings you joy,” recommends our most loved leader in education, Denise Mapelli
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#embraceequity
Tell us your story. What inspired you on your journey and made you the woman you are today?
For most of my life I wanted to be a teacher. I had an aunt who was an educator in southern California and it just always seemed like something I wanted to do. My senior year of high school a wonderful staff member nominated me for a teaching scholarship without my knowledge. (College was not necessarily something that was stressed in my family.) At the end of my senior year of high school is when I discovered I was selected for the Paul Douglas Teaching Scholarship. This was the start of my career in public education!
Along the way I have been mentored by amazing educators. They have guided my work and helped me understand that we are in a human business. This means understanding the “why.” Why are some students having a difficult time learning? Why do some (students and adults) react to situations in certain ways? The “why” is at the core of getting to know and help students and staff.
I am grateful for those who have entered my life and helped me learn about compassion and the need to get to know our students. The need to know that things are not always the way they appear and some just need some extra Tender Loving Care. My own two children and husband have probably had the most impact on me. They have shown patience and care as I have been a full time working mother and wife.
Based on your experience, do you believe it is important to have more diversity in teaching roles?
Yes, it is vitally important our students are guided by individuals who are like them. We have amazing educators currently, but having more diversity can help students make connections and see themselves as future educators. The types of teaching roles and building trust is of great importance as we seek to educate the whole child.
Looking back, what three pieces of advice do you have for your younger self?
Relax, smell roses and take risks. I was always a shy child (still am) who wishes I should have tried things (sports for example) in and out of school.
What are some of your proudest moments as a female educator?
I think those moments must be when you have former students come back to visit or reach out to you via email and tell you how you impacted their lives. We work with thousands of students and don’t always know how we have impacted our students. In my experience it has been the smallest of comments or projects that former students share with me that “helped” them. I also find it heartwarming when the student who has struggled with something gains confidence and begins to thrive!
Did you have a woman leader as a mentor or are there specific women who inspired you and why?
First, I would say an aunt of mine who was an educator and college graduate. Then over time it has been various colleagues (during my classroom teaching time and now as an educator) who have inspired me. In college I had a professor, who ironically enough worked with me in the Oak Grove School District, who taught me the work ethic I hold on to today.
How according to you should women support other women?
We should lift each other up, stop comparing ourselves with each other and celebrate our achievements!
You are certainly a busy woman. How do you relax and unwind? How do you find your work life balance?
In my spare time I love to go for walks, especially with my crazy dog, Lani. I love to dig in the dirt and spend as much time outdoors as possible. One of my absolute favorites is being at a warm beach in Hawaii, from where my father is from, and enjoying the sea life all around. For me I have learned the value of taking it slow, “smelling the roses,” and simply enjoying nature.
From your personal experience, what piece of advice would you like to give to our readers?
Be selfish with your time and find the time for yourself to do something that brings you joy!
