For this webinar series, participants will automatically be enrolled in all 5 sessions.

Speaker

Jessica Pepple, Ed.D.

Description

Pipeline of Perception: Barriers, Bias, and Breakthroughs is a five-part series that examines how bias—both implicit and explicit—shapes the journeys of Black and Brown women in education, from the classroom to leadership roles. Through real stories, reflective dialogue, and actionable tools, participants will uncover how systemic inequities show up in hiring, everyday interactions, and institutional decision-making. Each session builds from awareness to strategy: naming the barriers, unpacking stereotypes, and moving toward equity-driven practices that support both educators and students. Designed for educators, HR professionals, and leaders alike, the series offers not only critical insight but also a blueprint for systemic change—while centering the voices and resilience of Black and Brown women.

To receive PDPs and CEUs, participants must attend all 5 sessions and successfully pass a quiz following Session 5. Within 24 hours of the live webinar, registrants will be emailed a link to view the recorded webinar. The recording will be made available for 7 days after each session.

In hiring for leadership roles—whether principal, instructional coach, or DEI director—anti-Blackness and colorism often show up in subtle yet powerful ways. Black women with the same credentials as their peers frequently face different outcomes. This session will raise awareness of how implicit and explicit bias filters candidates before they are fully considered and invite participants to reflect on how these dynamics may be present in their own hiring practices.

We will explore how Black and Brown women are frequently perceived as ‘too strong,’ ‘not a culture fit,’ or ‘lacking warmth’—despite demonstrated high performance. These same biases also surface in classrooms, where Black and Brown girls are often unfairly judged through similar stereotypes. Such perceptions can negatively shape their academic trajectory, influencing access to opportunities, expectations from educators, and long-term confidence in their abilities.

Educators gain tools to build more transparent, inclusive hiring systems that go beyond surface-level diversity and consider how these decisions shape students’ experiences and perceptions in the classroom.

This session supports aspiring and current Black and Brown women educators with strategies to protect their peace, advocate for equity, and build meaningful networks, leaving participants with a renewed sense of power, language, and community.

This session guides teams and individuals—whether in HR, school leadership, or policy—to develop a blueprint for a hiring equity action plan. By the end, each participant leaves with a clear commitment and a scaffolded approach to dismantle bias within their sphere of influence.

About the Speaker

Jessica Pepple, Ed.D., (she/her) is RFK Community Alliance’s inaugural Chief Diversity and Culture Officer and is a member of the executive leadership team. Few people have the combination of data analysis skills, experience in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the engaging presence that Jessica has brought to her role as RFK Community Alliance’s inaugural CDCO. She holds a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies from Boston University, an Ed. Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from National Louis University, an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management at DeVry University, a BA in risk management-insurance from Florida State University, and an Associate’s in Business Administration from Valencia Community College.

Prior to joining RFK Community Alliance in 2022, Jessica worked for the King Phillip School District as Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Before that, she served in a variety of Administrator and Instructional Coach roles at Browne Middle School in Chelsea, Prospect Hill Academy in Cambridge, and Orange County Public Schools in Florida. She is a strategic thinker and thoughtful contributor who is intuitive and gregarious. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and going to the movies, as well as visiting local museums and art exhibitions.

  • Dr. Pepple received the 2023 Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Award from the Massachusetts Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers.
  • The Worcester Business Journal recognized Dr. Pepple as one of the Power 100 Most Influential Professionals in Central Massachusetts for her modeling of how to infuse diversity, equity, and inclusion principles into organizational culture.
Membership Information

Most MPY webinars are available ONLY to current staff from member districts and organizations. Public school memberships include police and fire personnel. Former and retired employees and members of committees, including but not limited to, PTO/PTA, PAC, School Improvement Councils, Health Councils, Drug/Alcohol Councils, and school volunteers, are not considered MPY members.

PDPs and CEUs

MPY is an approved Professional Development Provider through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (Provider No. F20180079). Professional Development Points (PDPs) are offered for most MPY professional development webinars. PDPs are issued in 10 hour increments, per DESE requirements.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for clinical staff through the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the Massachusetts Mental Health Counselors Association, Inc. (MaMHCA). The NASW and the MaMHCA approve each event individually. CEUs may be given in hourly increments.

To receive PDPs and CEUs, participants must pass the quiz.

Event Cancellation Policy

If you are unable to attend a MPY webinar you must cancel, through Bonnie Mullen at bonnie@mpyinc.org, one business day before the webinar.

For MPY hybrid conferences, the date in-person registration closes will be posted on MPY’s website. Virtual conference registration will close one business day before the hybrid conference. You cannot cancel or switch your registration from in-person to virtual after in-person registration closes. Please email Bonnie Mullen at bonnie@mpyinc.org with any questions regarding registration.

 

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All sessions are 12:00 – 2:00 pm

  • Session 1: October 9, 2025, “The Resume is the Same — But the Response Isn’t” — Unpacking Real Stories of Racial Bias in Educational Hiring
  • Session 2: October 23, 2025, “Name, Voice, Hair, Tone” — Implicit Bias in the Classroom-to-Central Office Pipeline
  • Session 3: November 6, 2025, “More Than a Checkbox” — Supporting Diverse Educators & Students with an Equity Lens, Not Just a Diversity Goal
  • Session 4: November 20, 2025, “Rooting for Ourselves” — Tools for Black & Brown Women Navigating Biased Systems
  • Session 5: December 4, 2025, “This Is How We Change the System” — Action Planning & Collective Accountability: Moving from Awareness to Systemic Change in Education