top of page

CALLIE WOMBLE EDWARDS, PH.D.

HELLO! I'M DR. CALLIE

Welcome to my website.

I am an experienced educational scholar, coach, and speaker with over a decade of experience.

AT A GLANCE

15+

Years Experience in the Field

$4.7M

Active Grant Portfolio Funded by Federal, State, and

Philanthropic Sources

90+

International, National, State, and Local Speaking Engagements

BLOG

If you are a former or current athlete, I think you will appreciate this month’s newsletter. 🎾⚽️

I’m reflecting on some of the lessons that have stayed with me from my years as a high school athlete, especially what it means to hydrate, replenish, and recalibrate.

To me, we are at the natural halftime for the year. It gives us an opportunity to pause, assess where we are, and put those lessons into practice before moving into the second half with greater clarity and intention.

I’d love for you to read and share your reflections. Have you used or adapted similar strategies in your own leadership practice?

Let’s chat in the comments. 💜

#Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #SustainableLeadership #RestorativeLeadership #ReflectiveLeadership

If you are a former or current athlete, I think you will appreciate this month’s newsletter. 🎾⚽️

I’m reflecting on some of the lessons that have stayed with me from my years as a high school athlete, especially what it means to hydrate, replenish, and recalibrate.

To me, we are at the natural halftime for the year. It gives us an opportunity to pause, assess where we are, and put those lessons into practice before moving into the second half with greater clarity and intention.

I’d love for you to read and share your reflections. Have you used or adapted similar strategies in your own leadership practice?

Let’s chat in the comments. 💜

#Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #SustainableLeadership #RestorativeLeadership #ReflectiveLeadership

I’m reflecting on one of my favorite memories from June: participating in Guardian Summit, hosted by @camelbackventures ✨

This was my first Guardian Summit. People kept telling me it was not like a traditional conference, but there is nothing like actually being in the room and experiencing it for yourself.

This year’s theme was “Building a New Blueprint: Reimagining Prosperity. Fueling Opportunity,” and honestly, you could feel it in the room.

A few reflections are still sitting with me…swipe to learn more ➡️➡️➡️

💡 Research and evaluation have an important role to play.

As a researcher and evaluator, the Summit felt like a playground of ideas. There are so many ways we can use research and evaluation to help tell the story of impact, identify signals of change, support learning, and strengthen the work Fellows are leading in communities. ➡️

🌱 Care was built into the experience.

From the menu to the way the space was designed to the structure of the conversations, the details felt intentional. There was such a clear commitment to creating an environment where leaders who may feel pushed to the margins in other spaces were centered, seen, and valued. ➡️

✨ Virtual is great, but meeting in real life is something special.

It was such a gift to meet many of the Camelback team members I have been working with virtually over the past nine months. And bonus: we enjoyed plenty of beignets in New Orleans. 😊 ➡️

🌊 Restoration kept showing up as a theme.

A final highlight for me was reconnecting with Dr. Wizdom Powell,PhD, MPH, CMHC a researcher and faculty member I first met during my UNC days. It was a full-circle moment to reconnect in this space and hear her important reflections on rest, sustainability, legacy, and the cost of carrying the work.

Her insights underscored what I have been sitting with in my own leadership practice: restoration is not separate from the work. It is part of how we sustain ourselves, our leadership, and our impact over time. ➡️

Great conversations, great research possibilities, and great eats. All in all, Guardian Summit owes me nothing! 💜

#GuardianSummit #CamelbackVentures #ResearchLeadership #Evaluation #SocialImpact

I’m reflecting on one of my favorite memories from June: participating in Guardian Summit, hosted by @camelbackventures ✨

This was my first Guardian Summit. People kept telling me it was not like a traditional conference, but there is nothing like actually being in the room and experiencing it for yourself.

This year’s theme was “Building a New Blueprint: Reimagining Prosperity. Fueling Opportunity,” and honestly, you could feel it in the room.

A few reflections are still sitting with me…swipe to learn more ➡️➡️➡️

💡 Research and evaluation have an important role to play.

As a researcher and evaluator, the Summit felt like a playground of ideas. There are so many ways we can use research and evaluation to help tell the story of impact, identify signals of change, support learning, and strengthen the work Fellows are leading in communities. ➡️

🌱 Care was built into the experience.

From the menu to the way the space was designed to the structure of the conversations, the details felt intentional. There was such a clear commitment to creating an environment where leaders who may feel pushed to the margins in other spaces were centered, seen, and valued. ➡️

✨ Virtual is great, but meeting in real life is something special.

It was such a gift to meet many of the Camelback team members I have been working with virtually over the past nine months. And bonus: we enjoyed plenty of beignets in New Orleans. 😊 ➡️

🌊 Restoration kept showing up as a theme.

A final highlight for me was reconnecting with Dr. Wizdom Powell,PhD, MPH, CMHC a researcher and faculty member I first met during my UNC days. It was a full-circle moment to reconnect in this space and hear her important reflections on rest, sustainability, legacy, and the cost of carrying the work.

Her insights underscored what I have been sitting with in my own leadership practice: restoration is not separate from the work. It is part of how we sustain ourselves, our leadership, and our impact over time. ➡️

Great conversations, great research possibilities, and great eats. All in all, Guardian Summit owes me nothing! 💜

#GuardianSummit #CamelbackVentures #ResearchLeadership #Evaluation #SocialImpact

So wonderful to see my good sis Dr. Stephanie today! We were both #GorgeousInGreen 💗💚🤗

So wonderful to see my good sis Dr. Stephanie today! We were both #GorgeousInGreen 💗💚🤗

#ThrowbackThursday 💜🎓 All this talk about “#drcheyennebryant” got me reminiscing on February 2018 (my dissertation defense) and May 2018 (my graduation). #DrCallie #TheLifeOfAScholar #ToGodBeTheGloryForTheThingsHeHasDone 🙌🏾

#ThrowbackThursday 💜🎓 All this talk about “#drcheyennebryant” got me reminiscing on February 2018 (my dissertation defense) and May 2018 (my graduation). #DrCallie #TheLifeOfAScholar #ToGodBeTheGloryForTheThingsHeHasDone 🙌🏾

I truly enjoyed last week’s Leadership AKAdemy Day hosted by Madam International Regional Director @carrie.j.clark and her incredible @akainternationalregion team. It was a beautiful time of replenishing our spirits, finances, and leadership approaches. One of the speakers was author @anthonyoneal. I’m thankful for the opportunity to grow while I lead and serve 💕💚💗 #AKA1908 #ServiceToAllMankind #Latergram

I truly enjoyed last week’s Leadership AKAdemy Day hosted by Madam International Regional Director @carrie.j.clark and her incredible @akainternationalregion team. It was a beautiful time of replenishing our spirits, finances, and leadership approaches. One of the speakers was author @anthonyoneal. I’m thankful for the opportunity to grow while I lead and serve 💕💚💗 #AKA1908 #ServiceToAllMankind #Latergram

Service Saturday 💕💚💗 at the 40th Annual Ham and Yam Festival with my @psisigmaomega_aka sisters. #ServiceToAllMankind Rain ☔️ or Shine ☀️ #ilovemyAKA

Service Saturday 💕💚💗 at the 40th Annual Ham and Yam Festival with my @psisigmaomega_aka sisters. #ServiceToAllMankind Rain ☔️ or Shine ☀️ #ilovemyAKA

What’s your research superpower? 🔬✨

When I stepped into my role as President-Elect of the North Carolina Association for Research in Education, one of the first things I did was ask my Conference Committee that exact question.

Not just as an icebreaker, but as a leadership philosophy in action.

I am a strengths-based leader. One of my top CliftonStrengths is Maximizer; I am wired to see what is already strong in the people around me and build from there. When I heard my committee’s responses, I found myself asking: What portrait could we collectively create with the right structure around these strengths?

In this month’s Unveiling Leadership Gems, I am sharing:
💎 What strengths-based leadership looks like in practice
💎 How I am applying it in my new role with NCARE
💎 A (fun!) challenge for every research leader reading this

This is just the beginning, and I cannot wait to report back on what we build together.

What is your research superpower? Drop it in the comments. I would love to know. 🤓 👇🏾

#LeadershipDevelopment #StrengthsBasedLeadership #ResearchLeadership #NCARE

What’s your research superpower? 🔬✨

When I stepped into my role as President-Elect of the North Carolina Association for Research in Education, one of the first things I did was ask my Conference Committee that exact question.

Not just as an icebreaker, but as a leadership philosophy in action.

I am a strengths-based leader. One of my top CliftonStrengths is Maximizer; I am wired to see what is already strong in the people around me and build from there. When I heard my committee’s responses, I found myself asking: What portrait could we collectively create with the right structure around these strengths?

In this month’s Unveiling Leadership Gems, I am sharing:
💎 What strengths-based leadership looks like in practice
💎 How I am applying it in my new role with NCARE
💎 A (fun!) challenge for every research leader reading this

This is just the beginning, and I cannot wait to report back on what we build together.

What is your research superpower? Drop it in the comments. I would love to know. 🤓 👇🏾

#LeadershipDevelopment #StrengthsBasedLeadership #ResearchLeadership #NCARE

Lots of engaging conversations and meaningful connections at the AI + Research event hosted by the Office of Research and Innovation in partnership with the NC State Data Science and AI Academy!

Big thank you to the organizers for such a thoughtfully curated experience. 👏🏾

What stood out most to me was the opportunity to engage with colleagues across disciplines, exchange ideas, and think collectively about future research directions.

Photo 1: My colleagues Dr. Rebekah Davis , Dr. Gemma Mojica , and I before our brainstorming session 🤓💚

Photo 2: Dr. Krista Glazewski’s mini keynote 💡

#AIinResearch #ResearchInnovation #DataScience

Lots of engaging conversations and meaningful connections at the AI + Research event hosted by the Office of Research and Innovation in partnership with the NC State Data Science and AI Academy!

Big thank you to the organizers for such a thoughtfully curated experience. 👏🏾

What stood out most to me was the opportunity to engage with colleagues across disciplines, exchange ideas, and think collectively about future research directions.

Photo 1: My colleagues Dr. Rebekah Davis , Dr. Gemma Mojica , and I before our brainstorming session 🤓💚

Photo 2: Dr. Krista Glazewski’s mini keynote 💡

#AIinResearch #ResearchInnovation #DataScience

Ending the week on a high note 🤓

Grateful for the opportunity to join partners at the Rural Education Community Convening today. Our conversations underscored the strength and assets within rural communities, and also pointed to important areas for continued collaboration and future work.

Many thanks to Dr. Allison Mitchall and her team for curating such a meaningful experience and for the invitation to contribute. It was an honor to facilitate the closing session and help synthesize key takeaways.

One of the most rewarding parts of the day was seeing my former qualitative methods students now stepping into their roles as newly minted doctors. Please join me in extending a Big Congratulations to Dr. Amelia Q. Rivera and Dr. Michelle Pace! 👏🏾 🐺🎓

Full circle moments like this are truly special. ❤️

@ncstateced

#RuralEducation #TranslationalResearch #ResearchPracticePartnerships #EducationalLeadership

Ending the week on a high note 🤓

Grateful for the opportunity to join partners at the Rural Education Community Convening today. Our conversations underscored the strength and assets within rural communities, and also pointed to important areas for continued collaboration and future work.

Many thanks to Dr. Allison Mitchall and her team for curating such a meaningful experience and for the invitation to contribute. It was an honor to facilitate the closing session and help synthesize key takeaways.

One of the most rewarding parts of the day was seeing my former qualitative methods students now stepping into their roles as newly minted doctors. Please join me in extending a Big Congratulations to Dr. Amelia Q. Rivera and Dr. Michelle Pace! 👏🏾 🐺🎓

Full circle moments like this are truly special. ❤️

@ncstateced

#RuralEducation #TranslationalResearch #ResearchPracticePartnerships #EducationalLeadership

Enjoyed the day at my alma mater, @uncchapelhill at the AI for Public Good Conference.

I especially appreciate the thoughtful conversations around how AI can be applied in responsible, context-aware ways to strengthen research, inform decision-making, and drive social impact.

#UNCAIforGood #TranslationalResearch #PublicGood #SocialImpact #FridayInstitute

Enjoyed the day at my alma mater, @uncchapelhill at the AI for Public Good Conference.

I especially appreciate the thoughtful conversations around how AI can be applied in responsible, context-aware ways to strengthen research, inform decision-making, and drive social impact.

#UNCAIforGood #TranslationalResearch #PublicGood #SocialImpact #FridayInstitute

It’s a beautiful day to be an AKA…it’s Chapter Saturday💗Thankful for the warm welcome to @psisigmaomega_aka 💕💚💗 Excited to serve Johnston County 🥰 #ilovemyAKA #AKA1908 #servicetoallmankind

It’s a beautiful day to be an AKA…it’s Chapter Saturday💗Thankful for the warm welcome to @psisigmaomega_aka 💕💚💗 Excited to serve Johnston County 🥰 #ilovemyAKA #AKA1908 #servicetoallmankind

What an energizing day! 💫

Started the day discussing #EducationPolicy priorities at the #EggsAndIssues Conference 🍳

Ended the day deepening my understanding of the #CommunitySchools Implementation Model at the 2nd Annual Southeast Regional Coalition for University-Assisted Community Schools Symposium 🔎

I appreciate days like this full of discussion, learning, connection, and forward momentum! Onward ✈️

#DrCallie #DayInTheLifeOfAResearcher

What an energizing day! 💫

Started the day discussing #EducationPolicy priorities at the #EggsAndIssues Conference 🍳

Ended the day deepening my understanding of the #CommunitySchools Implementation Model at the 2nd Annual Southeast Regional Coalition for University-Assisted Community Schools Symposium 🔎

I appreciate days like this full of discussion, learning, connection, and forward momentum! Onward ✈️

#DrCallie #DayInTheLifeOfAResearcher

A few snapshots from my weekend at the 73rd Marvelous @midatlanticaka Conference 💕💚

From serving our community to reconnecting with sisters and celebrating the legacy of our living legends, this weekend filled my cup. 🥰

#ilovemyAKA #AKA1908 #ServiceToAllMankind

A few snapshots from my weekend at the 73rd Marvelous @midatlanticaka Conference 💕💚

From serving our community to reconnecting with sisters and celebrating the legacy of our living legends, this weekend filled my cup. 🥰

#ilovemyAKA #AKA1908 #ServiceToAllMankind

Grateful for the opportunity to advance #TranslationalResearch as the inaugural #ResearcherInResidence for @camelbackventures 🤓 🙏🏾

Thank you to the Camelback team for welcoming me to the #CamelbackFam and to my colleagues at the #FridayInstitute for being open to exploring new and creative partnership models. Excited for what we will learn and build together!

#ResearchPracticePartnerships

Grateful for the opportunity to advance #TranslationalResearch as the inaugural #ResearcherInResidence for @camelbackventures 🤓 🙏🏾

Thank you to the Camelback team for welcoming me to the #CamelbackFam and to my colleagues at the #FridayInstitute for being open to exploring new and creative partnership models. Excited for what we will learn and build together!

#ResearchPracticePartnerships

If you had told me a year ago that I’d be stepping into the role of President-Elect for a statewide research organization, I would have asked you to check your bingo card, because it wasn’t on mine. 😅

But last week at the North Carolina Association for Research in Education (NCARE) Conference in Greensboro, NC, that’s exactly what happened. I was installed as President-Elect of NCARE, the statewide affiliate of the American Educational Research Association.

This organization is remarkable, and I’m honored to serve a community of K-16 educators, researchers, and leaders who are all working toward better education in North Carolina through research and evaluation.

The 2026 #NCAREConference was also exceptional. I enjoyed reconnecting with colleagues across the state, celebrating outstanding student research, and listening to a thought-provoking keynote from Dr. Jeni Corn. The future of educational research is bright.

My sincere thanks to Dr. Shaun Kellogg for the nomination and to my colleagues for your trust and vote of confidence. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead and contribute alongside such thoughtful scholars and practitioners.

Cheers to the opportunities we don’t always plan for but that align with our purpose. ✨

Here’s a few snapshots from the conference 📸 Congratulations to Past President Dr. Jimmy Leak, President Dr. Kristin Villanueva, and the entire 2025-2026 Executive Board and Conference Committee for a truly memorable event. 👏🏾👏🏾

#NCARE #EducationalResearch #ProgramEvaluation #Leadership

If you had told me a year ago that I’d be stepping into the role of President-Elect for a statewide research organization, I would have asked you to check your bingo card, because it wasn’t on mine. 😅

But last week at the North Carolina Association for Research in Education (NCARE) Conference in Greensboro, NC, that’s exactly what happened. I was installed as President-Elect of NCARE, the statewide affiliate of the American Educational Research Association.

This organization is remarkable, and I’m honored to serve a community of K-16 educators, researchers, and leaders who are all working toward better education in North Carolina through research and evaluation.

The 2026 #NCAREConference was also exceptional. I enjoyed reconnecting with colleagues across the state, celebrating outstanding student research, and listening to a thought-provoking keynote from Dr. Jeni Corn. The future of educational research is bright.

My sincere thanks to Dr. Shaun Kellogg for the nomination and to my colleagues for your trust and vote of confidence. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead and contribute alongside such thoughtful scholars and practitioners.

Cheers to the opportunities we don’t always plan for but that align with our purpose. ✨

Here’s a few snapshots from the conference 📸 Congratulations to Past President Dr. Jimmy Leak, President Dr. Kristin Villanueva, and the entire 2025-2026 Executive Board and Conference Committee for a truly memorable event. 👏🏾👏🏾

#NCARE #EducationalResearch #ProgramEvaluation #Leadership

Compressed timelines, incomplete data, a stretched team, and deadlines approaching. 😅 Does this sound familiar?

If you’ve ever been trained for precision and then asked to deliver under conditions that would make your doctoral committee cringe… you understand this tension.

Here’s what my research training did not fully prepare me for:

The space between “best practice” and “best possible” is not a professional failure. It is the terrain where translational research and leadership can thrive .

In this month’s Unveiling Leadership Gems, I explore:

✨ Why judgment under constraints is a distinct form of expertise

📝 The documentation habit that protects your integrity and strengthens future work

🔄 How to turn every imperfect deliverable into strategic momentum

This month’s #UnveilingLeadershipGems is for research and evaluation leaders, faculty, and doctoral scholars navigating real-world complexity while holding onto rigor.

Read the full newsletter below. I’d love to know your reflections. What have you learned from leading in imperfect conditions? Let’s chat about it in the comments! ⬇️

#LeadershipDevelopment #TranslationalResearch #ResearchLeadership
#DrCallieInspires

Compressed timelines, incomplete data, a stretched team, and deadlines approaching. 😅 Does this sound familiar?

If you’ve ever been trained for precision and then asked to deliver under conditions that would make your doctoral committee cringe… you understand this tension.

Here’s what my research training did not fully prepare me for:

The space between “best practice” and “best possible” is not a professional failure. It is the terrain where translational research and leadership can thrive .

In this month’s Unveiling Leadership Gems, I explore:

✨ Why judgment under constraints is a distinct form of expertise

📝 The documentation habit that protects your integrity and strengthens future work

🔄 How to turn every imperfect deliverable into strategic momentum

This month’s #UnveilingLeadershipGems is for research and evaluation leaders, faculty, and doctoral scholars navigating real-world complexity while holding onto rigor.

Read the full newsletter below. I’d love to know your reflections. What have you learned from leading in imperfect conditions? Let’s chat about it in the comments! ⬇️

#LeadershipDevelopment #TranslationalResearch #ResearchLeadership
#DrCallieInspires

Eleven years ago, I started a business with a desire to give back. Eight years ago, I became Dr. Callie. This month, I’m celebrating both. 🎓💜

This #BlackHistoryMonth, I am celebrating 11 years of The Life Of A Scholar, LLC. @thelifeofascholar (EST. February 12, 2015) and 8 years as Dr. Callie (EST. February 22, 2018).

What began as a desire to give back has grown into a community. I am deeply thankful for every student, client, partner, and colleague who has trusted me to walk alongside them in their research, leadership, and doctoral journeys.

Eight years ago, I successfully defended my dissertation and became Dr. Callie. I overcame many obstacles to reach that moment, and I’m grateful my village stood with me every step of the way.

This month, I celebrated both milestones.

My team and I hosted a free webinar to demystify the hidden curriculum in dissertation research. Together, we unpacked proposal development, committee dynamics, strategic positioning, and more. Free access to the replay is available here:
https://becoming-a-doctor.teachable.com/l/pdp/becoming-a-doctor-in-2026-real-talk-and-real-strategies-from-dissertation-coaches

I also paused to do something I don’t always make time for: revisiting testimonials and doctoral dissertation acknowledgments that highlight my role as a dissertation coach. I am incredibly proud of my scholars and honored they entrusted me to be part of their journey. Seeing my name in the acknowledgment pages of their scholarly contributions is part of the legacy I am committed to building each and every day.

Cheers to continued growth, impact, and empowerment! 💜🎓

#TheLifeOfAScholar #Doctorversary #DissertationCoach #BlackWomenPhD

Eleven years ago, I started a business with a desire to give back. Eight years ago, I became Dr. Callie. This month, I’m celebrating both. 🎓💜

This #BlackHistoryMonth, I am celebrating 11 years of The Life Of A Scholar, LLC. @thelifeofascholar (EST. February 12, 2015) and 8 years as Dr. Callie (EST. February 22, 2018).

What began as a desire to give back has grown into a community. I am deeply thankful for every student, client, partner, and colleague who has trusted me to walk alongside them in their research, leadership, and doctoral journeys.

Eight years ago, I successfully defended my dissertation and became Dr. Callie. I overcame many obstacles to reach that moment, and I’m grateful my village stood with me every step of the way.

This month, I celebrated both milestones.

My team and I hosted a free webinar to demystify the hidden curriculum in dissertation research. Together, we unpacked proposal development, committee dynamics, strategic positioning, and more. Free access to the replay is available here:
https://becoming-a-doctor.teachable.com/l/pdp/becoming-a-doctor-in-2026-real-talk-and-real-strategies-from-dissertation-coaches

I also paused to do something I don’t always make time for: revisiting testimonials and doctoral dissertation acknowledgments that highlight my role as a dissertation coach. I am incredibly proud of my scholars and honored they entrusted me to be part of their journey. Seeing my name in the acknowledgment pages of their scholarly contributions is part of the legacy I am committed to building each and every day.

Cheers to continued growth, impact, and empowerment! 💜🎓

#TheLifeOfAScholar #Doctorversary #DissertationCoach #BlackWomenPhD

One of the most under-discussed leadership skills isn’t strategy, speed, or stamina; it’s nervous system regulation.

🧠✨ Research consistently shows that leaders shape the emotional climate of their teams. When leaders are dysregulated, stress spreads. When leaders are grounded, teams stabilize.

A regulated nervous system allows leaders to:

-Respond rather than react
-Hold uncertainty without transmitting panic
-Create psychological safety and trust
-Support sustained performance without burnout

This is something I’m intentionally practicing this January, resisting the urge to sprint out of the gate and instead leading from a place of groundedness.

As we begin the year, the question isn’t just what we lead, but how we show up while leading.

📖 Read more in my latest article, “Why Leaders Should Embrace a Gentle Start to the Year.” Available at LinkedIn.com/in/drcallie

What helps you stay grounded when work pressure mounts?

#LeadershipDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #PsychologicalSafety #SustainableLeadership #NervousSystemRegulation

One of the most under-discussed leadership skills isn’t strategy, speed, or stamina; it’s nervous system regulation.

🧠✨ Research consistently shows that leaders shape the emotional climate of their teams. When leaders are dysregulated, stress spreads. When leaders are grounded, teams stabilize.

A regulated nervous system allows leaders to:

-Respond rather than react
-Hold uncertainty without transmitting panic
-Create psychological safety and trust
-Support sustained performance without burnout

This is something I’m intentionally practicing this January, resisting the urge to sprint out of the gate and instead leading from a place of groundedness.

As we begin the year, the question isn’t just what we lead, but how we show up while leading.

📖 Read more in my latest article, “Why Leaders Should Embrace a Gentle Start to the Year.” Available at LinkedIn.com/in/drcallie

What helps you stay grounded when work pressure mounts?

#LeadershipDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #PsychologicalSafety #SustainableLeadership #NervousSystemRegulation

Happy New Year! 🎉

As I welcome 2026, I’m spending time reflecting on what the past year revealed about my leadership and what it’s inviting me to carry forward. The questions we choose at the start of a season often shape how we lead through it.

In my latest piece, “Reflect. Release. Reimagine.”, I share six questions I recommend every leader carry into the year ahead.

✨ Read the full article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/reflect-release-reimagine-six-questions-i-recommend-callie-womble-l4mje/?trackingId=D%2Bivm9cW2eNVU5bLWXKP7Q%3D%3D

If you’re setting intentions today, I invite you to start here:
What is one question you want to carry with you into this year?

Let’s continue the conversation in the comments ⬇️

#ReflectiveLeadership
#LeadershipDevelopment
#IntentionalLeadership
#LeadershipGrowth
#ThoughtLeadership

Happy New Year! 🎉

As I welcome 2026, I’m spending time reflecting on what the past year revealed about my leadership and what it’s inviting me to carry forward. The questions we choose at the start of a season often shape how we lead through it.

In my latest piece, “Reflect. Release. Reimagine.”, I share six questions I recommend every leader carry into the year ahead.

✨ Read the full article here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/reflect-release-reimagine-six-questions-i-recommend-callie-womble-l4mje/?trackingId=D%2Bivm9cW2eNVU5bLWXKP7Q%3D%3D

If you’re setting intentions today, I invite you to start here:
What is one question you want to carry with you into this year?

Let’s continue the conversation in the comments ⬇️

#ReflectiveLeadership
#LeadershipDevelopment
#IntentionalLeadership
#LeadershipGrowth
#ThoughtLeadership

“For to us a child is born… and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

Merry Christmas from the Edwards 💜🎄✨
Thankful for the gift of Jesus. He is the reason for the season 🙌🏾

💄 @faceitbyj

#alwaysandforeveredwards #ChristmasCard #christmasphotos

“For to us a child is born… and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

Merry Christmas from the Edwards 💜🎄✨
Thankful for the gift of Jesus. He is the reason for the season 🙌🏾

💄 @faceitbyj

#alwaysandforeveredwards #ChristmasCard #christmasphotos

Looking for an evaluation and education research partner for 2026 and beyond?

✨ Consider my team: the Program Evaluation & Educational Research (PEER) Group at The William and Ida Friday Institute for Educational Innovation. ✨

We partner with schools, districts, nonprofits, agencies, and national organizations to bring clarity, strategy, and data-driven solutions to complex educational initiatives. If you’re planning future programs, scaling an innovation, or positioning your work for future funding, we’d love to explore how we can support your work.

Our core services include:

-Program Evaluation
-Design-Based Research
-Case Studies
-Surveys
-Data Visualization
-Strategic Planning
-Logic Modeling
-Instrument Development
-Data Dashboards & Visualization

Why Partner with PEER?

🤓 Deep North Carolina Contextual Expertise: We bring a nuanced understanding of the state’s educational landscape, policy environment, and stakeholder ecosystems.

📍 Access to Cutting-Edge Research Infrastructure: Our work is powered by the advanced tools, methods, and interdisciplinary expertise of the NC State College of Education and North Carolina State University.

📊 Proven Experience & Impact: Our team brings nearly two decades of experience delivering high-quality, impact-driven evaluation and research across initiatives.

🤝 True Partnership Orientation: We are deeply invested in your work and prioritize long-term, collaborative relationships grounded in shared outcomes.

If you are exploring evaluation and research partnerships for 2026 and beyond, now is the perfect time to begin the conversation!

Learn more in the flyer below, visit our website at go.ncsu.edu/fi_peer or feel free to reach out to me directly!

#ProgramEvaluation #EducationalResearch #ResearchAndEvaluation #EvaluationPartner #K12Education #HigherEducation #NonprofitEvaluation #Data #Impact #NCState #FridayInstitute #NCEd

Looking for an evaluation and education research partner for 2026 and beyond?

✨ Consider my team: the Program Evaluation & Educational Research (PEER) Group at The William and Ida Friday Institute for Educational Innovation. ✨

We partner with schools, districts, nonprofits, agencies, and national organizations to bring clarity, strategy, and data-driven solutions to complex educational initiatives. If you’re planning future programs, scaling an innovation, or positioning your work for future funding, we’d love to explore how we can support your work.

Our core services include:

-Program Evaluation
-Design-Based Research
-Case Studies
-Surveys
-Data Visualization
-Strategic Planning
-Logic Modeling
-Instrument Development
-Data Dashboards & Visualization

Why Partner with PEER?

🤓 Deep North Carolina Contextual Expertise: We bring a nuanced understanding of the state’s educational landscape, policy environment, and stakeholder ecosystems.

📍 Access to Cutting-Edge Research Infrastructure: Our work is powered by the advanced tools, methods, and interdisciplinary expertise of the NC State College of Education and North Carolina State University.

📊 Proven Experience & Impact: Our team brings nearly two decades of experience delivering high-quality, impact-driven evaluation and research across initiatives.

🤝 True Partnership Orientation: We are deeply invested in your work and prioritize long-term, collaborative relationships grounded in shared outcomes.

If you are exploring evaluation and research partnerships for 2026 and beyond, now is the perfect time to begin the conversation!

Learn more in the flyer below, visit our website at go.ncsu.edu/fi_peer or feel free to reach out to me directly!

#ProgramEvaluation #EducationalResearch #ResearchAndEvaluation #EvaluationPartner #K12Education #HigherEducation #NonprofitEvaluation #Data #Impact #NCState #FridayInstitute #NCEd

💻When you work remotely on your AKAversary 💕💚💕 I was giving #PrettyInPink and #GorgeousInGreen all day on Zoom 🥰

Happy 6th AKAversary to my oh so pretty, intelligent, and service-minded line sisters!

#Forever27 #ilovemyAKA #AKA1908 #FirstAndFinest #ServiceToAllMankind @akasorority1908 @chapelhillaka

💻When you work remotely on your AKAversary 💕💚💕 I was giving #PrettyInPink and #GorgeousInGreen all day on Zoom 🥰

Happy 6th AKAversary to my oh so pretty, intelligent, and service-minded line sisters!

#Forever27 #ilovemyAKA #AKA1908 #FirstAndFinest #ServiceToAllMankind @akasorority1908 @chapelhillaka

🦃 Giving Thanks Every Day: Reflections on Gratitude and the Power of “We” 🍁

📬 My November newsletter is live! This month, I’m reflecting on gratitude, leadership, and the power of “we.”

In a year filled with complexity for the research and evaluation community, one thing has remained constant: the strength and resilience of our teams. 🤝 I’m sharing five practical ways leaders can express gratitude all year long, not just during the holidays.

If you’re thinking about how to close out 2025 with intention and begin 2026 grounded in gratitude, I invite you to read and reflect with me. 📖🤓

#UnveilingLeadershipGems #DrCallieInspires #ResearchLeadership #TeamCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #Appreciation #WeNotMe #Partnership #DistributedLeadership

🦃 Giving Thanks Every Day: Reflections on Gratitude and the Power of “We” 🍁

📬 My November newsletter is live! This month, I’m reflecting on gratitude, leadership, and the power of “we.”

In a year filled with complexity for the research and evaluation community, one thing has remained constant: the strength and resilience of our teams. 🤝 I’m sharing five practical ways leaders can express gratitude all year long, not just during the holidays.

If you’re thinking about how to close out 2025 with intention and begin 2026 grounded in gratitude, I invite you to read and reflect with me. 📖🤓

#UnveilingLeadershipGems #DrCallieInspires #ResearchLeadership #TeamCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #Appreciation #WeNotMe #Partnership #DistributedLeadership

I’m grateful, grateful 🎶❤️🐺

Thank you to the @ncstateced for featuring me in their “In the Spotlight” series. I am truly honored to do this work and deeply grateful for the incredible colleagues and partners I get to learn and collaborate with every day. 💫

#GoPack #NCEd #education #research #evaluation #strategicinitiatives

I’m grateful, grateful 🎶❤️🐺

Thank you to the @ncstateced for featuring me in their “In the Spotlight” series. I am truly honored to do this work and deeply grateful for the incredible colleagues and partners I get to learn and collaborate with every day. 💫

#GoPack #NCEd #education #research #evaluation #strategicinitiatives

Congratulations to Alfred Mays, our 2025 #FridayMedal award winner! 🏆🎉 It was a delight to honor his service to #NCEd! 💫👏🏾

#education #innovation #STEM

Congratulations to Alfred Mays, our 2025 #FridayMedal award winner! 🏆🎉 It was a delight to honor his service to #NCEd! 💫👏🏾

#education #innovation #STEM

Our Friday Medal Ceremony was a success! 🏆❤️🐺🎓💐📸

#educationmatters #leadership #authenticallyme

Glam by💄 @faceitbyj 💕

Our Friday Medal Ceremony was a success! 🏆❤️🐺🎓💐📸

#educationmatters #leadership #authenticallyme

Glam by💄 @faceitbyj 💕

New Headshots #DrCallie #GoPack🐺❤️🤓🎓

Thank you @ncstateced for the photos 📸 and @justamberlynne for the glam! 💄

New Headshots #DrCallie #GoPack🐺❤️🤓🎓

Thank you @ncstateced for the photos 📸 and @justamberlynne for the glam! 💄

It’s August 5th - My Birthday! 🎉

Thank you for joining me on this year’s #BirthdayCountdown and being in community with me over the past year. I always look forward to this time of reflection, and I’ve loved reading your thoughts, encouragement, and lessons in the comments.

Today, I’m closing out the series with one final lesson I hope resonates with us all:

✅ Lesson 5: Leadership is an Adventure, Stay Open to What’s Next 🌍✨

This past year has stretched me in countless new ways.

I’ve stepped into unfamiliar spaces, released old expectations, and embraced shifts I didn’t see coming.

Through it all, I’ve come to embrace this truth as a core part of my leadership philosophy: leadership is an adventure.

It’s not about having every step mapped out.

It’s about staying authentic to who you are and open to the unfolding journey.

Every season brings new terrain. But if we stay curious, stay grounded in our values, and take the next best step (shoutout to Lesson 2! 🧭), we’ll find our way forward.

Some of my most meaningful moments this year weren’t planned at all. They arrived as surprises, gentle nudges that reminded me how magic can happen when we’re willing to pivot, pause, or say yes to something new.

As I celebrate another year of life, I’m filled with gratitude for the growth and the unexpected joys this leadership adventure continues to bring.

In the year ahead, I encourage us all to:
🎒 Travel light and release what no longer serves us.
🧭 Listen for alignment by saying yes to what feels rooted and right.
💡 Leave room for wonder because some of the most beautiful moments may not be on our original itinerary.

💬 What adventure is calling you forward this season? Drop it in the comments ⬇️ I’d love to cheer you on!

#Adventure #BirthdayReflection #StayOpen #PurposeDrivenLeadership #UnveilingLeadershipGems #DrCallieInspires #LeadershipLessons

It’s August 5th - My Birthday! 🎉

Thank you for joining me on this year’s #BirthdayCountdown and being in community with me over the past year. I always look forward to this time of reflection, and I’ve loved reading your thoughts, encouragement, and lessons in the comments.

Today, I’m closing out the series with one final lesson I hope resonates with us all:

✅ Lesson 5: Leadership is an Adventure, Stay Open to What’s Next 🌍✨

This past year has stretched me in countless new ways.

I’ve stepped into unfamiliar spaces, released old expectations, and embraced shifts I didn’t see coming.

Through it all, I’ve come to embrace this truth as a core part of my leadership philosophy: leadership is an adventure.

It’s not about having every step mapped out.

It’s about staying authentic to who you are and open to the unfolding journey.

Every season brings new terrain. But if we stay curious, stay grounded in our values, and take the next best step (shoutout to Lesson 2! 🧭), we’ll find our way forward.

Some of my most meaningful moments this year weren’t planned at all. They arrived as surprises, gentle nudges that reminded me how magic can happen when we’re willing to pivot, pause, or say yes to something new.

As I celebrate another year of life, I’m filled with gratitude for the growth and the unexpected joys this leadership adventure continues to bring.

In the year ahead, I encourage us all to:
🎒 Travel light and release what no longer serves us.
🧭 Listen for alignment by saying yes to what feels rooted and right.
💡 Leave room for wonder because some of the most beautiful moments may not be on our original itinerary.

💬 What adventure is calling you forward this season? Drop it in the comments ⬇️ I’d love to cheer you on!

#Adventure #BirthdayReflection #StayOpen #PurposeDrivenLeadership #UnveilingLeadershipGems #DrCallieInspires #LeadershipLessons

Onto Day 4 of my #BirthdayCountdown, and I’m happy to share my penultimate lesson.

✅ Lesson 4: Don’t Skip the Debrief, Clarity Comes in the Rewind 🔍📝

This past year has definitely been a whirlwind: responding to change, navigating uncertainty, and growing more accustomed to the unprecedented.

I’ve shared often in my newsletter that so many of us across our field are moving fast, trying to keep pace with shifting priorities and limited resources.

However, this year reminded me: clarity often comes from the rewind.

To borrow a common sports analogy, sometimes we have to rewind the tape to see how and when things unfolded. That playback gives us insight we just couldn’t access in real time.

Debriefing has become a leadership practice I’m more intentional about both individually and with my team.

📝 I journal to process and reflect.
💬 I invite my team to consider thoughtful questions before we engage in honest conversations.

These small pauses help us take stock, name lessons, and notice patterns.

🧠 What worked?
💬 What could we do differently next time?
✨ What surprised us, and what did we learn?

As evaluators, we often help others engage in this process. We facilitate reflection, distill lessons learned, and identify next steps.

But implementing it for ourselves? That has required intentional time and brave spaces for vulnerability and growth.

💬 How are you building reflection into your project timelines?
Drop a practice, tool, or question that’s helped you debrief with intention. I’d love to learn from you, too! ⬇️

#Debriefing #ContinuousLearning #EvaluatorInPractice #Clarity #LeadershipReflection #TeamLearning #PurposeDrivenLeadership #ResearchLeadership #LeadershipLessons #DrCallieInspires #UnveilingLeadershipGems

Onto Day 4 of my #BirthdayCountdown, and I’m happy to share my penultimate lesson.

✅ Lesson 4: Don’t Skip the Debrief, Clarity Comes in the Rewind 🔍📝

This past year has definitely been a whirlwind: responding to change, navigating uncertainty, and growing more accustomed to the unprecedented.

I’ve shared often in my newsletter that so many of us across our field are moving fast, trying to keep pace with shifting priorities and limited resources.

However, this year reminded me: clarity often comes from the rewind.

To borrow a common sports analogy, sometimes we have to rewind the tape to see how and when things unfolded. That playback gives us insight we just couldn’t access in real time.

Debriefing has become a leadership practice I’m more intentional about both individually and with my team.

📝 I journal to process and reflect.
💬 I invite my team to consider thoughtful questions before we engage in honest conversations.

These small pauses help us take stock, name lessons, and notice patterns.

🧠 What worked?
💬 What could we do differently next time?
✨ What surprised us, and what did we learn?

As evaluators, we often help others engage in this process. We facilitate reflection, distill lessons learned, and identify next steps.

But implementing it for ourselves? That has required intentional time and brave spaces for vulnerability and growth.

💬 How are you building reflection into your project timelines?
Drop a practice, tool, or question that’s helped you debrief with intention. I’d love to learn from you, too! ⬇️

#Debriefing #ContinuousLearning #EvaluatorInPractice #Clarity #LeadershipReflection #TeamLearning #PurposeDrivenLeadership #ResearchLeadership #LeadershipLessons #DrCallieInspires #UnveilingLeadershipGems

We are halfway through my #BirthdayCountdown leadership lessons. Today is Day 3, and today’s lesson is especially meaningful to me.

✅ Lesson 3: Grief Has Reminded Me That Every Day Is a Gift

This year brought deep loss. I experienced the passing of a close family member and a cherished professional colleague. Both were bright lights in my community, and their passings were sudden and unexpected.

These transitions were undoubtedly jarring. I am a person of faith, and I carry a deep awareness that our time on Earth is finite.
However, their passings served as a sharp reminder that time is precious.

As my community continues to honor their lives, it becomes even more clear that both individuals left lasting, multidimensional legacies. Their lives were powerful examples of service, joy, and resilience.

As someone with a futuristic strength (shoutout to StrengthsQuest!), I’m often focused on what’s next. However, this season of grief has reminded me: tomorrow is never promised. We only get this day. This breath. This moment. Today is a gift, that’s why it’s appropriately called “The Present”.

As leaders, it’s easy to get swept up in to-do lists, meetings, and milestones. But seasons of grief invite us to:

✨ Slow down
✨ Lead with care
✨ Extend grace to others and ourselves
✨ Reflect on what truly matters

💭 Sunday Reflection:

What experiences have reminded you of the fragility and beauty of time?

How can you more fully embrace the gift of today?

These are not an easy questions, but I think there are ones worth sitting with. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s chat more in the comments ⬇️

#Grief #PurposeDrivenLeadership #FaithAndLeadership #Legacy #DrCallieInspires #UnveilingLeadershipGems 💎

We are halfway through my #BirthdayCountdown leadership lessons. Today is Day 3, and today’s lesson is especially meaningful to me.

✅ Lesson 3: Grief Has Reminded Me That Every Day Is a Gift

This year brought deep loss. I experienced the passing of a close family member and a cherished professional colleague. Both were bright lights in my community, and their passings were sudden and unexpected.

These transitions were undoubtedly jarring. I am a person of faith, and I carry a deep awareness that our time on Earth is finite.
However, their passings served as a sharp reminder that time is precious.

As my community continues to honor their lives, it becomes even more clear that both individuals left lasting, multidimensional legacies. Their lives were powerful examples of service, joy, and resilience.

As someone with a futuristic strength (shoutout to StrengthsQuest!), I’m often focused on what’s next. However, this season of grief has reminded me: tomorrow is never promised. We only get this day. This breath. This moment. Today is a gift, that’s why it’s appropriately called “The Present”.

As leaders, it’s easy to get swept up in to-do lists, meetings, and milestones. But seasons of grief invite us to:

✨ Slow down
✨ Lead with care
✨ Extend grace to others and ourselves
✨ Reflect on what truly matters

💭 Sunday Reflection:

What experiences have reminded you of the fragility and beauty of time?

How can you more fully embrace the gift of today?

These are not an easy questions, but I think there are ones worth sitting with. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s chat more in the comments ⬇️

#Grief #PurposeDrivenLeadership #FaithAndLeadership #Legacy #DrCallieInspires #UnveilingLeadershipGems 💎

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

Follow me on Instagram

@drcallie_inspires

LET'S CONNECT

I am now accepting coaching and consulting clients as well as speaking engagements. If my expertise areas match your needs I would love to assist you. Send me an email at drcallie@thelifeofascholar.com or schedule a free consultation on my calendar at Calendly.com/drcallie

Book a Consultation

bottom of page