“Fulfilling and so affirming. It’s helped me redefine where I see myself within the organization I’m in. I’ve truly enjoyed my time with this group.”- Radical Wellness participant
Radical Wellness Group at the First In Person Retreat
Healing Over Hustling:
Back in December we gathered our inaugural cohort of Detroit based education leaders for our new Radical Wellness program. Under the facilitation of Siobhan O’Laoire and Sheena Crenshaw, a group of nine incredible women from all different positions, environments and generations co-created a magical learning environment rooted in reflection and curiosity. Together they explored getting to the root of what we mean by “wellness” and what leaders can do to support wellness. Over seven months, folks connected, learned and shared with each other in beautiful ways through a series of workshops both in person and online. Additionally, the PIE team supported participants with individual coaching sessions during the program. It was a transformative and healing space for education leaders that supported their development of more human-centered workplaces and lives. By exploring concepts like power, healing systems and systems leadership, participants deepen their leadership practice at the intersection of individual and collective wellness while interrogating systemic conditions and personal context. There were many take-a-ways and awakenings throughout the program. Aquan Grant, Director of School Quality at National Heritage Academies shared her new mantra “Healing Over Hustling '' that serves as a reminder to slow down and choose healing. She even designed the mantra onto a shirt as a visual reminder which we of course had made for everyone!
“This was an amazing experience. So often as leaders we focus on the wellness of others. It was nice to be the one being cared for”
Healing in Community:
Creating an intentional healing and care centered space was a key to the program design. We had help from our friends at Healing By Choice! who provided powerful healing justice practice spaces both online and in person under the guidance of practitioners Yexenia Vanegas and Amanda Hill. For our first inperson gathering, we were nourished by GUERRILLA FOOD whose motto “Food as Medicine” ensured healing was weaved into every part of the day. We reinforced the idea of radical self-care with special care kits that included Earthseed Detroit tea, Scentimental Candle Co. candles, FlowerPress prints, and other goodies. Moreover, we had the wisdom of our Lead Teaching Artist, Cyrah Dardas who tapped into the power of art-based healing modalities and collaborative art making. She led us in a practice of collaborative fiber art making that resulted in a collective quilted pillow to reflect back the relationship between the individual and collective in our work towards healing, transformation and liberation. We closed out our time together with a celebratory brunch at Coriander Kitchen and Farm surrounded by the healing sounds of the water while enjoying delicious food and each other's energy.
“This has been an enlightening experience with some amazing women in the educational arena. I am grateful to have a seat at the table and a voice in the chorus. I have discovered many truths about myself and how I lead and sometimes follow in life. This includes personal and professional experiences. So thankful for this journey.”
We heard clearly from the participants that this program is needed and look forward to offering more opportunities for healing in the future!
A special thank you to the Skillman Foundation for supporting this program!