On February 25, 2025, I had the extraordinary opportunity to sit down with the amazing Dr. Donna Ford during our monthly SENGinar session. Dr. Ford, a renowned educator and researcher in the field of gifted education, is a leader in integrating social and emotional learning through a cultural lens, trauma-informed care, and cultural responsiveness. Her unwavering commitment to advocating for all students—particularly underserved and underrepresented ones—continues to inspire me daily. Despite facing adversity, she never stops fighting for what is right. Her advocacy continues to encourage me to be courageous, to rise above challenges, and to continue to fight for access to gifted education services for all who need it.
As we celebrate Women’s Month here at SENG, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Ford and to all women in gifted education who have dedicated their lives to empowering, educating, and inspiring future generations. The transformative work being done in our field not only elevates the individuals we serve but also shapes a brighter future for all of us. Your efforts to uplift gifted learners, especially those of us from historically marginalized backgrounds, are making a lasting impact.
During our enriching SENGinar session, Dr. Ford shared a wealth of resources that continue to serve as a beacon of knowledge for families, educators, and policymakers alike. The recording of her session will be made available through SENG’s MembersClicks system, and includes powerful strategies and frameworks. While there is no single approach to gifted education, I hope the resources included will help to empower us all. Our gifted students come from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and emotional backgrounds, and it’s essential to meet them where they are, drawing from their unique strengths, challenges, and lived experiences.
- Multicultural Gifted Education by Dr. Donna Ford
- Bright, Talented & Black: A Guide for Families of Black Gifted Learners by Dr. Joy Davis
- Equity and Excellence for All: Culturally Responsive Teaching for Gifted Learners by Dr. Sheila Gallagher
- Affirming Diversity: The Sociopolitical Context of Multicultural Education by Dr. Sonia Nieto
- Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain: Promoting Authentic Engagement and Rigor Among Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students by Dr. Zaretta Hammond
- Emotions, Learning, and the Brain: Exploring the Educational Implications of Affective Neuroscience by Dr. Mary Helen Immordino-Yang
- Healing the Hidden Wounds: A Guide to Educators and Parents for Understanding Trauma in Black Children by Dr. Kisha Daniel
These resources are critical tools for transformation. They remind us that education is not only about delivering content; it’s about creating spaces where gifted individuals feel seen, heard, and supported in their academic and emotional journeys. In the words of Dr. Ford, “We must be advocates for those who have been traditionally left out of the conversation.”
To Dr. Ford and all the women in gifted education, thank you once again for your courage, your strength, and your relentless dedication to making a difference in the lives of the gifted. Your work continues to break down barriers, open doors, and create pathways for success that will last for generations. I am honored to be on this SENG journey with you. Let’s keep moving forward together!
