Women’s History Month Spotlight: Dr. Tahira DuPree Chase
During Women's History Month, we're asking educational leaders to share insights with us. Up next, we hear from Dr. Tahira DuPree Chase, Superintendent of Schools for the Westbury Union Free School District and Host of "Strictly Education with Dr. Tahira."
1. How do you protect your joy and purpose while leading in systems that were not designed with us in mind?
I protect my joy by remembering that it is not accidental, it is ancestral. As a Black woman leading in spaces that were not historically built for us, I understand that my presence alone is both disruption and design. I do not wait for systems to validate me. I anchor myself in purpose before I ever enter the room.
Joy, for me, is not denial of reality. It is resistance. It is an intentional leadership strategy. It is spiritual discipline.
I intentionally protect my joy by being abundantly clear about who I am before the criticism comes. While it is never easy, I refuse to internalize what was never mine to carry. Building a circle of truth-tellers who remind me of my brilliance when systems try to question it helps to ground me in my joy. And lastly, I celebrate my own wins, especially the quiet wins that are not publicized.
Purpose keeps me steady. Joy keeps me human…all while leading in spaces that were never designed for me to lead with my whole self.
I also give myself permission to rest. Systems will extract as much as they can, if you let them. I have learned that exhaustion is not a badge of honor. Protecting my energy is, in fact, protecting my leadership.
Most importantly, I lead authentically. I do not shrink my voice, my faith, my culture, nor my conviction to fit into rooms that were not built with me in mind.
2. What advice would you give to a Black woman stepping into school leadership for the first time?
First, know this: You deserve to be here. Do not spend your first year trying to prove you deserve the seat. You were chosen and divinely appointed to this role because you are highly capable and worthy.
Second, lead from clarity, not reaction. People will test you. Some will underestimate you. Some will project onto you. Stay clear about your values, your non-negotiables, and your vision. When you are grounded, you won’t be easily shaken.
Third, find your sister circle. Isolation is one of the greatest threats to Black women in leadership of all capacities. Build community intentionally…mentors, peers, seasoned leaders. You need spaces where you can exhale without explanation and judgment.
And finally, lead with joy anyway. Joy is not softness. It is strength. When you create schools or learning spaces where children feel seen, educators feel valued, and culture feels affirming, you are doing transformative work.
Remember, walk in boldly. Speak clearly. Rest often. Pray (or reflect) deeply. And never forget, you are not just leading a school or system. You are expanding what leadership looks like. You deserve to be here!
