About Dr. Kenann McKenzie-DeFranza

Dr. McKenzie is the Founder of Aspiring Spirit, LLC which includes the well-known podcast.  Her professional experience and expertise in education spans 25 years: it includes teaching in graduate education programs, civic engagement research & practice, organizational consulting,  PreK-12 schools and higher education professional development on subjects such as educational practices, policy, K12 administration, and leadership. She has authored papers and peer reviewed publications.  Dr. McKenzie served in the federal government for several years as well in the US Department of Education.

In higher education, she is noted for being the inaugural Director of the Generous Listening and Dialogue Center, Tufts University. She serves as an elected official for Beverly School Committee and an Associate Professor of Practice at Gordon College School of Education.

In 2022, she was recognized with the Heroine Award by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Commission on the Status of Women. Her professional development companion journal was published in 2023, Called Learning, Listening and Leading.

Andrew McKenzie-DeFranza is a leading housing, non-profit, finance Expert and affordable housing developer of almost 2 decades. He serves as Executive Director of Harborlight Homes.

Perspectives on education and ideological differences

  • I believe every person is worthy of respect and to be treated with human dignity.
  • I believe that discussions about diversity that discuss race, when done age appropriately and in a trauma-informed way, can be helpful in creating greater understanding.  
  • I am also moved to speak to issues that relate to those who live and learn in ways that are not typical or linear, because of their seen or unseen disabilities or neurodiversity. 
  • I believe parents have the right to ask questions about their children’s education and the content.  Parents/caregivers have the right to decide what values and beliefs they want to share with their children. While schools should not infringe on this right - parents also must not ignore any harm  caused by not respecting difference. 
  •  The same patience, education, and care we advise of adults who wish to make life-altering choices should be doubly available to less mature and vulnerable children.
  • I believe children must be allowed to grow and learn. Adding adult lenses to their observations and curiosity means they cannot adjust their thinking as they naturally gain more life experiences and understanding. I support a view of childhood as a journey and not a race.
  • I believe we need to find ways to respect our diverse views, civil rights, religious rights and parental rights. As “each side” believes they are right, we may not appreciate what we have in common. I focus on navigating these opportunities for learning.

2022 Awardee, Commonwealth Heroine 

I am proud to be part of this illustrious group!