In recognition of Women’s History Month, Dr. Mordecai Brownlee released a compelling new episode of Discovering Your Mission featuring Dr. Donna J. Nicol, author of Black Woman on Board.
Sponsored by The EDU Ledger, the conversation highlights the groundbreaking leadership of Dr. Claudia Hampton, the first Black woman appointed to the California State University Board of Trustees. Through Nicol’s research, Hampton’s story emerges as a powerful example of navigating influence, governance, and institutional change.
At the center of the discussion is the concept of “sly civility”—a strategic leadership approach rooted in building trust, understanding power, and advancing change with intention. Rather than relying solely on confrontation, Hampton demonstrated how timing, positioning, and relationships can be leveraged to expand opportunity for others.
This episode challenges leaders to consider a critical question: When is it time to speak—and when is it time to build?
As Dr. Nicol notes, “Sly civility requires you to be civil with the people who have power in order for you to gain access to their institutions.”
Through this conversation, Dr. Mordecai continues to elevate leadership at the intersection of purpose, equity, and economic mobility.
