Honoring Black Excellence: Dr. DeShawn Chapman – A Pioneer in Transformative Education and Community Advocacy

Dr. DeShawn Chapman is a visionary leader, educator, and advocate devoted to reshaping education and empowering historically underserved communities.

In celebration of Black History Month 2025, Elation Communications proudly presents our special series on Current Black History Makers. This year, we are honored to highlight Dr. DeShawn Chapman, a dynamic leader, educator, and advocate committed to transforming education through equity, collaboration, and innovation. Dr. Chapman’s unwavering dedication to historically disinvested communities, youth in foster care, and collective impact initiatives sets her apart as a true champion of Black excellence.

A Career Rooted in Impact

Educators wear many hats, and Dr. Chapman has embraced each one with purpose and passion. Over the past two decades, she has served as a social science teacher and department chair, exceptional student education facilitator, athletic coach, adjunct professor, and educational programmer. Throughout these roles, she has worked tirelessly to create equitable educational outcomes, ensuring that all students—regardless of background—have access to meaningful opportunities.

Currently, Dr. Chapman serves as the founding manager of the Office of Community Engagement and Partnerships at the University of Central Florida’s College of Community Innovation and Education. In this role, she fosters strategic partnerships and spearheads collective impact initiatives that bring together leaders from various sectors to drive societal change.

“My aim is to keep pushing those boundaries so that my sons and future generations face fewer spaces where they are ‘the first’ or ‘the only’ Black person.”

Expanding the Conversation Beyond the Classroom

Beyond her work in academia, Dr. Chapman is the founder of The Educator’s Collective, an educational consulting firm dedicated to equipping educators, parents, and communities with the tools needed to support children effectively. She also co-hosts the Be Ready Podcast, a platform where she and fellow educators—who are also mothers—discuss research, best practices, and emerging trends in education and child development. Through these initiatives, she continues to create spaces for meaningful dialogue and actionable strategies that empower communities.

Leading with Purpose and Passion

Dr. Chapman’s commitment to service extends beyond her professional roles. She serves on multiple boards throughout Central Florida and was recently appointed to the Steering Committee of the Education Knowledge Broker Network, an organization focused on democratizing educational research and evidence to advance equity in learning.

When asked about what drives her to keep pushing boundaries, Dr. Chapman reflects on the legacies of those who paved the way before her. “I am compelled to honor the work of the people who came before me and those who journey alongside me,” she says. “Being of the ‘first-generation’ is not limited to the college experience. Carrying the proverbial ‘baton’ means there are personal and professional experiences that I am the first in my family to explore. My aim is to keep pushing those boundaries so that my sons and future generations face fewer spaces where they are ‘the first’ or ‘the only’ Black person.”

“I focus on feeling peace and excitement in my spirit as an indication that I am in alignment with God’s assignment for my life.”

The Power of Influence and Relationships

Dr. Chapman measures success not by accolades but by the relationships she builds and the lives she touches. Whether it’s seeing former students seek her guidance, recognizing parents implementing strategies she shared, or being invited to collaborate on new initiatives, these moments affirm the importance of her work. “I don’t spend a great deal of time thinking about impact, because it can lead to overvaluing the work that is recognized by others,” she notes. “Instead, I focus on feeling peace and excitement in my spirit as an indication that I am in alignment with God’s assignment for my life.”

Advice for the Next Generation of Black Leaders

For those looking to follow in her footsteps, Dr. Chapman offers sage advice:

• Take care of yourself, find your lane, and run your race. It’s impossible to address every challenge in the Black experience, so focus on where you can make the greatest impact.
• Acknowledge systemic barriers but lean into optimism. Racism is deeply rooted, but moving with creativity and strategy—without bitterness—enables meaningful change.
• Remain humble and celebrate small victories. Progress is incremental, and every step forward matters.
• Reject the myth of meritocracy. Individual success does not equate to collective arrival—until we all progress, there is still work to be done.

Celebrating a Legacy in the Making

Dr. DeShawn Chapman’s dedication to education, community engagement, and social impact exemplifies the spirit of Black excellence. Her unwavering commitment to creating inclusive learning environments and fostering meaningful partnerships makes her a beacon of hope for future generations. As we honor her contributions this Black History Month, we celebrate not just her achievements but the lasting legacy she continues to build.

Elation Communications is proud to recognize Dr. Chapman as a Current Black History Maker, inspiring us all to push boundaries, uplift our communities, and forge pathways for a brighter, more equitable future.