"Listening is one of the bravest things you can do right now.” In this timely and deeply human conversation, Rod and Jal are joined by LaShawn Routé Chatmon and Tom Malarkey of the National Equity Project for a wide-ranging discussion about what it means to lead for equity in 2026. Together, they explore what equity leadership requires in a moment defined by backlash, polarization, and political noise—and why listening may be the key to bridging our divides.
LaShawn Routé Chatmon is the founding CEO and President of the National Equity Project, leading the organization’s transition from the Bay Area Coalition for Equitable Schools (BayCES). Under her leadership, the National Equity Project has catalyzed a movement to revitalize our country’s approach to equity in education. Tom Malarkey is the director of strategic consulting at the National Equity Project. He works with leaders within school systems on equity-centered instructional change, collaborative learning and teams, and organizational and systems change. Highlights from their conversation include: hearing about Jal's recent red eye flight that resulted in little sleep but a lot of reading; why equity work must begin with self-reflection and move outward; what it means to lead for equity in today’s political climate; how, despite our differences, we all tend to want the same thing for our children and their future; understanding that listening—real, intentional listening—is one of the most powerful tools leaders have; how public education remains one of the last truly shared civic spaces where solidarity can still be built; and a lightning round that deviates from the "short snapper" format to remind us that we can all play a role in shaping the future.
Learn more about the National Equity Project
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