An accomplished educational leader with decades of experience in multilingual education and equity-focused initiatives, Renae Bryant serves as director of plurilingual services for the Anaheim Union High School District, where she develops and manages dual language and world language programs. In this role, Renae Bryant has supported reclassification efforts for English learners and overseen programs that have helped over 1,000 students earn the State Seal of Biliteracy each year. Throughout her career, Dr. Bryant has held positions such as executive director of the office of language acquisition at Westminster School District and adjunct professor at California State University, Fullerton, and the University of La Verne. A recognized thought leader and published author, she has received numerous accolades such as the 2024 CABE District Administrator of the Year, 2023 Woman of Distinction Award (Senate District 34), and a National Leading While Female Icon Award. She has also been involved with professional organizations focused on language access and public education. Dr. Bryant earned a doctorate in organizational leadership from the University of La Verne and completed additional training through superintendent academies at USC, Stanford, and Azusa Pacific University. Outside of her professional responsibilities, she supports a range of community and advocacy efforts.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
Dog walk, work out (cardio, free weights), reading, writing, meetings.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and project management and planning.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The use of generative artificial intelligence to make the lives of educational staff and scholars easier.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that helps me be productive is scheduling out my time.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Breathe and lean into your courage and leadership.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that educational branding—when done with authenticity and purpose—is not just a marketing tool, but a form of equity work. Many educators see branding as superficial or unnecessary, but I see it as a powerful way to elevate marginalized voices, share inclusive practices, and disrupt inequitable narratives about schools and communities. By strategically telling our stories, we create access to ideas, models, and opportunities that would otherwise be hidden or undervalued.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Your story matters—share your story (both professional and personal) via social media, blogs, vlogs, articles, etc.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I meditate using the eight-petal practice, four-square breathing, or body scan. I also like to go outside and walk (commune with nature/tree bathe).
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Strategically networking and building my network.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
As a new district administrator 10 years ago, I researched and piloted a Vietnamese work language book for junior high school. The book was used at UCLA and other esteemed schools. The book was great. The issue was the workbook, which had a Communist symbol on a wedding certificate. It became a crisis, but in every crisis, there is an opportunity. As a result, I planned a book-vetting experience with Vietnamese dignitaries in the community. Everyone involved was happy to be asked to share their expertise and to be a part of the process. What started as a newsworthy crisis, where the district was asked if we supported communism, became an opportunity to bring the community together. The positive experience the community had resulted in my promotion in June that year from coordinator to executive director.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
One piece of software that helps me stay productive is Canva. I use it to design professional, accessible visuals for presentations, social media posts, and community engagement materials. Whether I’m promoting a book study, preparing content for the Your Story Matters podcast, or sharing multilingual resources with families and staff, Canva allows me to create impactful, inclusive content quickly. It helps amplify voices and stories that matter in education.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Favorite books: The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, Seven Laws of Spiritual
Success by Deepak Chopra, The Leadership Challenge by Kouzes and Posner, Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara.
Podcasts: HBR’s Women at Work, Your Story Matters Podcast (my podcast), The Ed Branding Podcast (my ex-podcast), Unsupervised Leadership podcast, Education Beat, Street Data Pod, Leaders Coaching Leaders, The Dave Burgess Show, School District Leadership (Adam Welcome), The Innovator’s Mindset (George Couros).
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I just recently watched Abbott Elementary. I didn’t think I would like it, but I loved it because although some of it is not realistic, the basic themes are very realistic to a public-school setting.
Key learnings
- Your story matters—share it.
- Turn mistakes into opportunities for learning, growth, and problem-solving for community engagement.
- Don’t make decisions in a silo—build a diverse advisory network composed of trusted individuals and no more than two family members.