About the Episode
Yaribel and I became fast friends after finding one another frequenting the same online spaces, cheering for the same authors and generally being in community with each other digitally. In this episode, we dig into a conversation about identity and community and how we can be impacted by genuine and connected love from others who live in alignment with our purpose and vision. Yaribel shares stories from her life as a Black Latina growing up in Washington Heights in NYC, including a story of how an impactful graduate school professor helped her get to an awakening about the effects of assimilation in her life, her name, and her identity. Yaribel grew up hearing her name said the proper way that honored her Dominican heritage at home, but her name took on a different spin in her elementary school. Over time, that took a toll.
Yaribel also discusses the responsibility she feels as one of the “guardians of the community garden.”
About Yaribel
Yaribel Mercedes’ career began fourteen years ago as a New York City Teaching Fellow. Her journey as an educator evolved from classroom teacher, grade leader, mentor, and literacy coach before transitioning to educational administrator. As an educational administrator, she works in a collaborative partnership with districts, school leaders, and various stakeholders to build capacity and accelerate student learning. More specifically, she leads through a social, racial and moral justice leadership disposition to advance racial equity, inclusion, access, and opportunity in education. As a Black woman, she understands the impact of race in education, and her passion and purpose are grounded in her commitment to disrupt racist and oppressive systems, structures, and policies that marginalize and minoritize Black, Indigenous, racialized students of color. She believes in the brilliance of every child and works with community stakeholders to cultivate curiosity, knowledge, intellect, and skills for all students to achieve at the highest level possible.
Yaribel has earned a Bachelor of Arts & Science degree from Boston College, a Master of Education degree from CUNY Lehman College and a Master of Education Leadership degree from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Yaribel was born and raised in Washington Heights and is a proud mother of two beautiful children, Isaiah and Scarlet, who are the light and fire in her life.
Find Yaribel online:
Book Recommendations from the Episode:
- The Bluest Eye a book by Toni Morrison (bookshop.org)
- Song of Solomon a book by Toni Morrison (bookshop.org)
- You Are Your Best Thing: Vulnerability, Shame Resilience, and the Black Experience a book by Tarana Burke and Brené Brown (bookshop.org)
- The Mother of Black Hollywood: A Memoir a book by Jenifer Lewis (bookshop.org)
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ABOUT KIESHA GARRISON
Kiesha Garrison is a professional emcee and public speaker whose work focuses on personal discovery and courageous conversations that connect us to our true selves and community.
