Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jillian Pawlowski. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Jillian thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Have you ever had an amazing boss, mentor or leader leading you? Can you us a story or anecdote that helps illustrate why this person was such a great leader and the impact they had on you or their team?
I’m incredibly proud and grateful to work with Dr. Jen Rafferty, CEO and Founder of Empowered Educator. Calling her my “boss” doesn’t do our relationship justice because it’s far more beautiful than that. Jen doesn’t give orders or operate from a place of hierarchy. Rather, she invites me to rise into my potential and she trusts me to grow alongside her. From the moment I joined the Empowered Educator team, she consistently invites me to grow beyond my comfort zone with full support and trust. I’ve grown more under her leadership than I could have imagined! I’ll never forget when I was preparing to give my first keynote. A bit nervous, I said to her, “You should do it, you’re already a seasoned & phenomenal keynote speaker!” She laughed right back with her smile that lovingly says, “Ooh sis, did you forget how special you are? Cut that out.” Jen is a leader and mentor that reminds me that I am capable, that I am seen, and that we have important work to do in the world. She sets this high standard of excellence and growth for herself, myself, and the whole team. Her leadership has created a culture for us where we challenge and uplift each other. Our team meetings are full of laughter, honesty, inspiration, and purpose. We walk the walk of personal and professional growth and empowerment because she models it as the standard. Jen says, “We’re just getting started,” just as often as she says, “I’ve got you.” Her influence of ambition and care makes it so easy for me to rise with her. Working with her has been a joy ride, and I don’t take a moment of it for granted.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved being in schools. There’s something special about the energy of learning, being around students, and the people who guide them. I’ve always been a lifelong learner but over time, I also learned how heavy this work can feel. Education is full of purpose, yet it often comes with pressure, exhaustion, and expectation that educators give endlessly. I am proud and elated to be the Program Director & Head Coach in Empowered Educator where we provide resources for educators that help them reconnect to who they are. Our work helps educators reclaim their power and their agency, so they can think how they want to think, feel how they want to feel, and live with more calm, confidence, and balance.
Through Empowered Educator, we provide educators with real tools to prevent burnout, manage stress, set boundaries, and rediscover joy in the work they do. Because when educators feel supported and whole, they’re able to show up as their best selves for their students, their families, and themselves.
What sets Empowered Educator apart is the way we do it. We create safe, supportive, and connected spaces where educators can laugh, cry, heal, and grow together. Our sessions are lively, loving, and full of community; and that is very important because growth doesn’t have to feel like more work or isolation. It can actually be really fun.
I’m most proud that our work changes lives for the better and contributes to real transformational, generational change. Educators are heroes and when they thrive, the entire school community benefits. My hope is that all educators come and explore the resources available to them here. I have seen time and time again that the work we do helps them feel inspired and lighter knowing how they are not alone. If you know an educator or you are one, Empowered Educator is here to help you reclaim your agency and return to the joy that called you to this work in the first place.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
If I had to go back, I would absolutely choose the same profession, the same specialty, and every step it took to get here. I’ve only ever wanted to make the torch burn brighter before passing it on and now, I get to do that every single day for a living. It’s an honor to work in the field of human potential and transformational generational change. And yes, it sounds just as dreamy as it is. However, choosing a career path wasn’t always so clear. Although I was an excellent student, I struggled to choose a major. Although I was a top performer in every job I had, I bounced between career fields trying to find the one that felt like home. Every step towards choosing this profession felt like a twist and turn. Looking back, I wish I had followed my heart from the beginning but at the time I didn’t believe that was possible. I didn’t believe doing what you love was an option. I didn’t believe success was for me. I didn’t believe that I was worthy, or enough. I tried to fit myself into the boxes of what I thought the world wanted from me but I kept finding myself wondering, “Is this it?” One day, after begging my boss to tell me what major I should pick, he said something that changed everything: “We don’t care what you pick. Pick whatever you want. It’s just checking a box for us.” That permission to follow my heart was uncomfortable because I had never tried that before. At the last minute, I chose psychology. I graduated with honors. I earned coaching certifications. And today, I help others move through their perceived limitations, follow their hearts, express themselves fully, and lead lives that make them feel alive. Every step of the way, every twist and turn, and doubt I overcame is the fire that lights me up to support others in remembering just how worthy, enough, and limitless they are too.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
I think community is most helpful in succeeding in not only my field, but in any field and life in general. Everyone deserves to be supported, heard, seen, and held in community. It’s so important to remember how not alone you are. Community can give us hope to know that whatever we’re experiencing, we’re not the only one who has ever gone through that. Community makes us stronger. When we celebrate our wins together, the celebration expands and multiplies. When we reach out for help or a listening ear, it can fortify us on our darkest nights. Community is something Empowered Educator does so well. Whether you are a teacher, a parent, an administrator, a district leader, a paraprofessional, a bus driver or anything in between – Empowered Educator holds the door open for you. Anyone who works with children or in a school system is an educator. And, thriving educators lead to thriving school communities. This is how we create transformational, generational change and we don’t have to do it alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://empowerededucator.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillianpawlowski/
