S3 E1 Bold Together: The Story of the Diverse Charter Schools Coalition

The Bold by Choice podcast returns for Season Three — and this time, we’re celebrating schools worth bragging about.



In this premiere episode, hosts Vashaunta Harris (https://nationalcharterschools.org/te...) and Jim Goenner (https://nationalcharterschools.org/te...) sit down with Sonia Park and Ashley Heard, Executive Director and Deputy Director of the Diverse Charter Schools Coalition (DCSC). Together, they explore how DCSC is leading a movement to design public schools that reflect the richness and diversity of their communities.



From its 281 member schools in 26 states and D.C. — serving over 120,000 students — to its 22 Communities of Practice and leadership programs (the Fellows and Explorers), DCSC is redefining what it means to be diverse by design.


Segment Highlights
1. The Leaders’ Journeys


Sonia and Ashley share how their backgrounds — from Philadelphia classrooms to Teach For America — shaped their calling to lead this coalition. Their “why” stories reveal how courage and clarity fuel bold leadership in education.




Jim’s Reflection: “When you know your calling, it gives you courage — and courage is contagious.”


2. About the Organization


DCSC is a member-driven network focused on peer learning, equity, and sustainability. Sonia and Ashley explain how they use data, research, and storytelling to strengthen schools and grow leaders who build belonging through design.



Key stats:




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281 member schools across 26 states + D.C.




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120,000 students served nationwide




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22 Communities of Practice for shared problem-solving




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19 new schools launched through the Fellows Program




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Annual Convening “Better Together” — an energizing national gathering of educators




3. Spotlight on Schools


DCSC’s member schools span diverse models — from IB to project-based learning — united by shared commitments to excellence, culture, and love. Sonia and Ashley introduce DCSC’s High-Quality, Inclusive, Diverse (HQID) framework, developed with members to define what “excellent and equitable” really looks like.

4. Community & Future


The coalition is more than an organization — it’s a movement of practitioners. Sonia and Ashley share how listeners can get involved, from joining Communities of Practice to attending DCSC’s next Annual Convening in Washington, D.C.




Bold Question: “What’s the boldest choice you’ve made as a school leader to keep your promise to students — and what did it teach you?”



Closing Reflections



“Chartering at its best is about community, vision, and equity. Sonia and Ashley remind us that being bold together means designing schools that don’t just reflect our world — they help build a better one.” — Vashaunta Harris




As Season Three begins, Bold by Choice will continue to spotlight diverse-by-design schools across the nation — schools that prove what’s possible when leaders choose courage, community, and creativity.



Until next time — stay bold, stay mission-driven, and stay in community.