We were lucky to catch up with Kristen Hopkins-vincent recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kristen, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea

While working in alternative schools and juvenile justice centers, I dedicated myself to developing social-emotional curricula tailored to meet the needs of Black and Brown youth. These students often faced systemic barriers, trauma, and inequities that required a more intentional approach to their social and emotional growth. However, as I implemented various SEL (Social Emotional Learning) programs, I noticed a glaring gap: the existing frameworks lacked cultural relevance. They failed to affirm the unique experiences, identities, and resilience of children of color. These programs did not reflect the lived realities of the students they were intended to serve, leaving a critical void in their effectiveness.

To address this gap, I created Black SEL, a hub designed to provide culturally affirming SEL resources and practices for Black communities. Black SEL equips both students and adults with the tools to build and sustain social and emotional well-being in ways that honor their identities and lived experiences. By centering Black culture, history, and values, Black SEL not only empowers youth to navigate challenges but also helps educators, parents, and community leaders create environments where Black joy and excellence can thrive. This work ensures that SEL is not just a tool for individual growth but a pathway for collective empowerment and systemic change.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My journey has been one of purpose, passion, and perseverance. As a distinguished author, global speaker, and dedicated social entrepreneur, I have devoted my life to nurturing the holistic growth of Black youth, young adults, and professionals. With a Master’s in Urban Education and Leadership, complemented by a certificate in Anti-Racisim has helped me further walk into my work that centers the lived experiences of Black communities. This journey began with a deep desire to dismantle barriers and create pathways for empowerment.

As the former Founder and CEO of Dangers Of The Mind, LLC, I have led initiatives that bring culturally responsive Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs to life in schools, non-profits, and corporate environments. These efforts span across school districts in Haiti, Ghana, and various U.S. cities, touching the lives of countless individuals. Along the way, I discovered that traditional SEL frameworks often fell short for Black and Brown youth, failing to affirm their identities or address their unique challenges. This realization ignited a vision that led to the creation of Black SEL—a groundbreaking hub designed to equip students and adults with the tools to sustain SEL in ways that are culturally affirming and rooted in Black experiences.

Beyond education, my work has expanded into publishing multiple books, developing an intervention kit for youth in alternative settings, and launching a lifestyle brand, virtual coaching practice, podcast, and more. These platforms amplify my mission of championing social-emotional health in Black communities. Recognitions like the “30 Under 30 Award for Women of Excellence in Leadership” and my role as a founding member of the National Social-Emotional Learning Providers Association and my most recent honor of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement award underscore the impact of my work.

Today, initiatives like the Black SEL Summit, The Black SEL Summer Institute, and The Black Student Experience Project stand as testaments to the movement I envisioned—one that uplifts, empowers, and creates sustainable change for generations to come. My journey continues, driven by the belief that culturally affirming SEL can transform communities and pave the way for equity and excellence.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I first entered the field of social-emotional learning (SEL) in 2015, it was far from widely recognized. Many doors remained firmly shut, opportunities came with countless “no’s,” and there were people who neither saw the vision nor understood the value of these skills. Despite this, I was determined to create innovative programs that resonated with the lived experiences of Black students, empowering them to recognize the importance of SEL in their lives. Working within alternative settings and navigating the challenges of transient youth populations, I faced significant adversity, but these obstacles only deepened my commitment.

This journey was far from easy—it required vision, boldness, and resilience to stand in rooms where my voice wasn’t always welcomed. I learned to persevere, speaking up even when others were unwilling to listen. These experiences taught me an invaluable lesson: instead of seeking validation or inclusion at tables where I wasn’t wanted, I could build my own. By creating my own space, I not only found my voice but also created a platform to uplift the voices of others, driving meaningful change in the field of SEL for Black communities.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

After earning my degree in public relations, I began my career working with McDonald’s corporate, managing PR for the Connecticut and Massachusetts regional owner-operators. Just a year later, with a vision in my heart and ambition in my spirit, I decided to take a bold leap and start my own PR firm. This was during the aftermath of the recession, but I was undeterred. I moved to Atlanta with a friend, and together, we built and ran our business for six years. Along the way, I started working part-time at the Boys and Girls Club of Decatur, and it was there that my passion for working with children truly began to flourish.

Then, life took an unexpected turn. Within a short span, I experienced three life-altering events: a serious car accident, a condo flood, and a computer crash that wiped out my work. These challenges forced me to pause and recalibrate. I moved back home to live with my parents for six months—a humbling but transformative period. During that time, I wrote a book, which, a year later, evolved into a social-emotional curriculum. Though I didn’t fully understand it at the time, God was orchestrating a plan to lead me into the field of education. I taught that curriculum for a year and witnessed firsthand its impact on Black youth. That curriculum eventually expanded, reaching schools across the nation, and solidified my purpose to empower children through social-emotional learning.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.blacksel.org
• Instagram: kristenhvincent
• Facebook: BlackSELmatters
• Linkedin: Kristen Hopkins-Vincent
• Twitter: Blackselhub
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/blacksel
• Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/sb/podcast/black-sel-podcast/id1439152925

Image Credits

Troy Thomas: Thomas Photography
Josh Webster: King Jay Productions