Fieldnote 24: Who is Sharpening Your Iron?

In this episode, Dr. Venus Evans-Winters and Dr. Mildred Boveda (Youtube @mboveda) sit down with Dr. Erica McCray—educator, researcher, and leader—to discuss the powerful roles of mothering and daughtering in shaping our work and wellness in academic spaces. Together, they explore how intergenerational care and personal identity influence educational leadership, equity-focused research, and the pursuit of balance in high-pressure environments. Dr. McCray reflects on her lived experiences and shares how she integrates care, legacy, and advocacy into her scholarship and professional life. This is a rich, intimate conversation for anyone invested in justice, healing, and the ways Black women lead and nurture across generations. Listen in as we honor the unseen and transformative labor of Black women in education and beyond.

Reflection questions:

1. How have your experiences as a mother or daughter (or son/father) shaped your values and vision in education and leadership?
2. In what ways does your personal identity influence your approach to research, especially around equity and inclusion?
3. What practices help you maintain wellness and balance while supporting others in academic spaces?
4. What legacy do you hope to pass on to those who see you as a mentor or academic mother?