Rashawn “Shawnee” Caruthers leads advocacy at Getting Smart and focuses on identifying, advocating for, and accelerating relationships that are equitable, impact-driven and community-centered to improve learning and life outcomes for young people amidst or aside education systems. Getting Smart amplifies and accelerates equitable innovations in learning that empower all people to build capacity, thrive and lead in a complex world. Together with district, learning organizations and leader partners they are building the future of learning. Prior to Getting Smart, Shawnee served as the Director of Career and Technical Education for Kansas City Public Schools in Kansas City, MO. Over the past 15 years, she has worked with diverse populations as a teacher, coach and college and career readiness advocate. Shawnee holds a Bachelor of Journalism, two Master’s Degrees and a Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership focusing on Secondary and Career and Technical Education Administration. She is also a current Deeper Learning Equity Fellow and a proud alumni of Surge Academy. In her spare time she screams for the Kansas City Chiefs, runs half-marathons and enjoys musicals.