Black Wildflowers Fund

Black Wildflowers Fund is seeking a presenting #sponsor and supporting sponsors of The Exchange. We seek to fully fund the cost of planning, programming, presenters, facilitators, along with all of the food, lodging and transportation for a cohort of 50+ #Blackeducators. Through The Exchange, we support Black educators in #Montessori, helping to increase their representation, strengthen their communities and encourage their influence. Our three-day experience brings Black Montessori leaders and #School Founders together to advance our Community of Practice. During this experience, we meet #educators where they are, offering pathways to learn, rest, heal, restore, and amplify their impact. Learning experiences will be tailored to ensure adaptive support for Black educators at every stage of their leadership journey. Interested in contributing? Swipe ?? to see how you can help sponsor!?

Wondering what our Teacher Leader Council is? Black Wildflowers Fund’s Teacher Leader Council is a dedicated coalition of Black #Montessori educators with firsthand experience in launching Wildflower schools. These leaders not only serve as trusted advisors to BWF but are instrumental in shaping a liberatory, identity-affirming educational environment through mentorship and direct support of grantees. Over a year-long commitment, Council members lend their expertise in evaluating Ignite #Grant applications, participate in training sessions, host school visits, and cultivate mentorship connections within our community. Their contributions ensure that our #grantmaking process remains equitable, rooted in community insight, and aligned to the unique challenges and aspirations of Black educators. Meet our 2024-2025 #Teacher Leader Council and the schools and organizations they represent: Amelia Sherwood - Sankofa Learning Center Jill Evans - Goldenrod Montessori Latania Scott - Blazing Stars Montessori Ruth Melián - Morivivi Montessori

Meet Black Wildflowers Fund Grantmaking Lead: Simone Webster ?? Simone Webster is a visionary leader with a passion for tackling complex challenges through creativity and practical solutions. As the driving force behind developing an equitable grantmaking process for the Black Wildflowers Fund, Simone has been instrumental in supporting Black teacher leaders to launch community-rooted microschools. Her work is grounded in the belief that removing barriers to resources can create transformative change. With over six years of experience in the philanthropic sector, Simone's commitment to justice and equity is unwavering. A former mathematics teacher and a proud graduate of New York University (BA in Sociology) and Princeton’s School of Public and International Affairs (MPA), her approach to grantmaking is shaped by her background in public education and her deep understanding of the systemic challenges educators face. As a product of one of the largest public-school systems and the daughter of a teacher, Simone knows firsthand the power of education to uplift communities. Simone’s work continues to create pathways for Black educators to build liberatory learning spaces that reflect their vision and the needs of their communities. We are proud to have her expertise and dedication leading our efforts at the Black Wildflowers Fund!

Let’s talk about centering the Black Montessori experience!

We’re excited to launch our 2024 giving campaign: Invest. Empower. Transform. Black Wildflowers Fund exists to remove systemic barriers and empower Black educators who want to pursue leadership pathways and design innovative schools— without compromising their freedom, power, identity, or financial security. ? Through this campaign, we will raise $150,000 to fund 25 Montessori credential grants for Black educators in 2025! With these grants, we will empower more leaders to establish transformative, identity-affirming spaces for Black children and adults to thrive. Learn more about the campaign and donate today: https://lnkd.in/eyYnvPpp

From our co- CEO Dr. Erika McDowell ??

Today is the last day to apply for our Ignite School Innovation and Sustainability #Grant! It’s your last chance to secure up to $10,000 in #funding to strengthen your school’s impact and bring your vision to life. If you're a #Blackeducator at Wildflower Schools, don’t let this opportunity slip by. Apply now: https://lnkd.in/eY_9hcDg

From a young age, Dr. Erika McDowell witnessed the importance of community. Check out our conversation to learn about her career as a #teacher and current work as the Black Wildflowers Fund co-CEO. ?? https://lnkd.in/gfEvt52W ?? tinyurl.com/4cwje9ja

?? Calling all Black educators at Wildflower Schools! This is your opportunity to secure up to $10,000 in #funding through our Ignite School Innovation and Sustainability #Grant! Designed to uplift your vision and amplify your school’s impact, this grant offers the support you need to overcome challenges or seize new opportunities. We understand the challenges of navigating systemic barriers, and we’re here to help keep your school thriving. If you’re a Founding #Teacher who identifies as Black, and your school is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit affiliated with Wildflower Schools, this grant could be the boost you need to bring your ideas to life! The deadline to apply is coming up next Monday, November 11. Learn more and apply below: https://lnkd.in/eY_9hcDg

Are you a Black educator ready to create change in your community through #Montessori education? Join Wildflower Schools on Wednesday, November 6, at 6 PM CST for a virtual info session about the Wildflower Blooms Cohort 2025. This free program supports educators looking to launch #schools in the 2026-27 school year, focusing on building strong community connections and equity-driven leadership. Interested? Register to learn more about the program and next steps below: https://lnkd.in/eGP4Bcwd