We recently connected with Ashley Viewins and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Ashley thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear from you about what you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry and why it matters.

As an educator, I believe Corporate America often misunderstands the core of our work. They may view education through a corporate lens, focusing on metrics and profits over people. This mindset can lead to damaging trends like over-testing and one-size-fits-all approaches that neglect the individual needs of students.

I’ve seen this play out in the push for standardized testing. While assessments have their place, an over-reliance on them reduces education to mere data points. It’s like trying to measure the success of a business solely by its stock price, ignoring factors like customer satisfaction and employee well-being. I’ve had students in tears over test anxiety, their self-worth tied to a single score. This isn’t education; it’s dehumanizing.

Another example is the corporate-backed curriculum packages some schools adopt. These programs are often rigid and don’t allow for the creativity and adaptability good teaching requires. It’s akin to a company forcing its employees to follow a script, stifling innovation and engagement. I’ve seen such programs fail to engage students, leading to boredom and disconnection from learning.

But what’s equally troubling is how Corporate America undervalues the immense skills teachers bring to the table. We’re masters of communication, project management, problem-solving, and leadership – all highly sought-after skills in the corporate world. Yet, when teachers explore transitioning out of education, our experience often goes unrecognized. It’s like a CEO applying to a teaching position and being told their business acumen is irrelevant.

Education isn’t a business. Our “product” is the growth and well-being of human beings. We must move away from corporate models and back to what works: understanding each student’s unique needs, fostering creativity, and teaching with heart and flexibility. And to those in Corporate America, I say: recognize the goldmine of talent in teaching. We just might be the leaders and innovators you’ve been searching for.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My journey into education began with a spark within me that was fanned into a flame by a few incredible people. Growing up in a small Florida town, I struggled in school, even flunking first grade. But with the help of my dad and an inspiring teacher named Ms. Griner, I discovered my potential. I realized I wasn’t “bad” at academics; I just needed the right support. This experience ignited a fire in me to become a teacher, to be for others what Ms. Griner was for me.

Today, I provide services as an educator, consultant, and advocate. My work centers around empowering students, particularly those with special needs, and supporting their families. I believe every child deserves an education that sees them, hears them, and equips them to thrive. Through Sankofa Education Consulting, I partner with agencies like S.T.E.A.M.A. to offer a range of programs that foster academic success and personal growth. From academic camps to targeted intervention curriculum, and from psychological enrichment resources to individualized advocacy, I help students unlock their full potential.

What sets me apart is my unique blend of teaching experience, academic credentials, and deep passion for advocating for students. I hold a master’s degree in Reading and Literacy and have eleven years in the classroom. But beyond the credentials, I bring the heart of a teacher who knows firsthand the power of education to transform lives.

I’m most proud of the work I’m doing now. Through Sankofa Education Consulting, I’m able to impact more lives than I ever could in a single classroom. I’m also running for Hillsborough County School Board, driven by a desire to put students first and bring much-needed change to our education system.

To those seeking support, I want you to know that I see you, I hear you, and I’m here to fight for you. As a teacher, a mom, and a product of the power of education, I’m dedicated to helping you navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. Your child is more than a test score or a label – they’re a unique individual with immense potential. Let’s unlock that potential together.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

“Engaging in side hustles, such as being a dreadlock stylist for over six years, has significantly contributed to the growth of my brand. These ventures allowed me to embody a lifestyle that aligns with the holistic and active approach that I advocate through Sankofa Education Consulting. This synergy between my personal interests and professional endeavors created a natural expansion of services I could offer. As I immersed myself in these disciplines, my exposure increased, and so did people’s awareness of my multifaceted expertise. Clients began to seek more than just educational consulting; they were interested in physical training and personal development as well. Recognizing that I was the common denominator in these areas, I embraced the idea that I am my brand, which led me to broaden the scope of Sankofa Education Consulting. Now, we provide an array of resources that cater to both the educational and holistic growth of our clients and families, forming a comprehensive brand identity that extends beyond its original premise.”

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing your clientele has been leveraging social media marketing to increase online presence and engagement, utilizing search engine optimization (SEO) to improve visibility, engaging in local networking events to establish connections, and offering referral incentives to existing clients to encourage word-of-mouth recommendations.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/Ahartview
• Instagram: Ymblocs_holistics813
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-viewins-m-ed-b07b5899?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Image Credits
Keto Nord