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Innovating is my top Agility, which means that I thrive at using unconventional wisdom to solve problems. This strength is rooted in an understanding of the innovators who came before me.
Since February is Black History Month, I have to recognize one of the great innovators of our country: Garrett Morgan, the inventor of the traffic signal. I’m inspired by the example he set by using creative, original thinking to solve a critical problem that improved safety and outcomes for communities.
As we grow key partnerships with other innovators working to solve today’s challenges, I look forward to convening to create programming rooted in research and curiosity. I’m eager to flex my innovative muscle even more through Agilities© Coach Training, collaborating with other mission-aligned organizations, and enabling more people to understand and expand their career pathways.
NEW Hub for career resources, lessons, and more!
Educators, counselors, career coaches, and all who are helping young people build bright futures: we just launched a resource hub just for you! Create an account for open access to classroom-ready lessons for elementary, middle, and high school.
Resources are flexible, practical, and adaptable across learning environments. You’ll find lesson plans, student-facing resources, educator support tools, learning modules, and printable one-pagers and posters. Creating an account takes just minutes and unlocks immediate access to all K–12 materials, with additional tools available for Certified Agilities Coaches. Sign up now!
Redefining recruitment with Agilities©
The University of Kansas School of Professional Studies is reimagining recruitment by centering students’ strengths, career goals, and long-term purpose in the process. As part of this process, The Foundation’s tools and training were recently highlighted in a KU News article.
The School of Professional Studies recruiters use the Agilities framework to help prospective students gain clarity about what energizes them, how their strengths show up across careers, and which academic pathways align best.
By earning certification as Certified Agilities Coaches, the recruitment team is equipping students with confidence, clarity, and personalized insight—supporting more informed decisions and meaningful educational journeys.
Read more here.
Robin Smith featured in United WE: The Magazine
The DeBruce Foundation’s Senior Director, Robin Smith, was recently featured in United WE: The Magazine, sharing insights on how to tune in to your career’s quiet signals—especially amid constant noise and pressure.
She emphasizes that clarity often comes from noticing what energizes you, the patterns in your daily work, and the values that guide your decisions over time.
Robin also highlights how resources like the Agile Work Profiler© can help identify strengths, boost confidence, and support informed career choices. Discover practical tips for listening inwardly, reflecting intentionally, and navigating your career with purpose and confidence.
Read the full article.
Inspiring Educators on Empowering Careers
In the sixth episode of Empowering Careers, Dr. Brad Johnson joins Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight to explore how small, intentional shifts can lead to meaningful change in classrooms, schools, and careers.
Drawing from his work as a teacher, professor, and global speaker, Dr. Johnson shares why relationships are the foundation of effective leadership and learning. Their conversation centers on his latest book, Room 212, and how mindset, connection, and communication shape lasting impact.
Listeners will gain practical insight into developing others, leading authentically, and building future-ready learning environments grounded in human connection. Available on DeBruce.org and all major podcast platforms.
Youth Leadership in DeBruce Career Corps
The DeBruce Career Corps is The DeBruce Foundation’s youth advisory group, meeting A senior at Howard University, Leah Kabuya is a member of the DeBruce Career Corps who believes leadership begins early and grows with you. As an Agilities advocate, Leah has integrated the framework into residence hall meetings and shared it with campus career services.
Reflecting on her experience, Leah shares that the DeBruce Career Corps “creates the kind of environment where that growth is intentional. It’s not just about holding titles; it’s about refining how we think, communicate, and serve.” Through challenge, support, and community, she credits the program with strengthening her confidence and sharpening her leadership instincts.
Learn more about joining the DeBruce Career Corps and how to get involved.
Love for Innovating (and why it matters!)
In this month’s blog, Sharrell Howard, Educational Experience Strategist at The DeBruce Foundation and Make48, reflects on why she loves the Innovating Agility and how it is one of the strongest predictors of long-term success.
She shares that the Innovating Agility isn’t about being the “creative kid” in class. It’s about behaviors that can be learned and strengthened: seeing problems as invitations instead of obstacles, asking better questions when the answer isn’t obvious, and staying curious in moments of discomfort.
Sharrell shares how intentionally building this Agility—and building it early—helps students prepare for the future and start shaping it, from the classroom to the boardroom.
Read the full blog here.
Are you looking for resources to build career pathways in your classroom, curriculum, or organization? Register now to explore our career tools!
Educators:
Access free resources and asynchronous training here
Virtual Agilities Tours:
March 10, March 24, April 7
Virtual Introduction to Agilities K-12 Resources for Educators:
March 18, April 15
In-Person Agilities Coach Training:
April 16-17, June 4-5 (Kansas City, MO)
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