Dr. Sterling Crowe
Doctorate in Educational Leadership / Lived Wisdom Speaker
Dr. Sterling Crowe (he/they) is a transformational educator, leader, and advocate for justice-forward practices in higher education. With over a decade of experience in student affairs and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, Sterling specializes in heart-centered, disruptive leadership that challenges the status quo and fosters inclusive, equitable environments. Known for their innovative approach to human-centered design and emergent strategy, they are passionate about building strong, dynamic teams that thrive on collaboration, resilience, and a commitment to social justice.
Dr. Crowe’s work is grounded in the belief that education should be a space for radical change, where every individual is empowered to contribute to a more just and compassionate world. Their talks inspire and challenge audiences to think critically about leadership, innovation, and the role of education in driving social change. Whether discussing the power of punk leadership, the importance of empathy in disruption, or the role of equity in innovation, Sterling’s insights are both uplifting and thought-provoking, offering practical strategies for creating lasting impact.
Featured talks
Heart-Centered Disruption: Leading with Compassion in a World Ready for Change
Participants will leave with actionable insights on how to lead with heart, disrupt the status quo, and inspire meaningful change.
In this talk, Dr. Sterling explores the power of heart-centered leadership in driving radical change within educational institutions. By blending compassion with a disruptive mindset, we can challenge outdated systems and create environments where both students and staff thrive. This session delves into strategies for leading with empathy, fostering equity, and building a culture of care that drives innovation and transforms communities.
Radical Human-Centered Design: Innovation for Equity in Education
This talk encourages educators and leaders to embrace radical design thinking as a tool for social change.
This session focuses on the intersection of human-centered design and social justice in education. Together, audiences will explore how to use emergent strategy and innovative practices to create equitable and inclusive educational environments. Through real-world examples and interactive discussions, participants will learn how to center the voices and experiences of communities in the design process, fostering innovation that truly serves all students.
Punk Leadership: Building Dynamic, Resilient Teams in Education"
Drawing on principles of emergent strategy and human-centered innovation, this session will offer practical tools for creating teams that are not only strong and dynamic but also deeply aligned with justice-forward values.
Inspired by the DIY ethos of punk culture, this talk is all about leading with authenticity, resilience, and a commitment to building dynamic teams that can adapt to and thrive in any situation. Together, we’ll discuss how to cultivate a culture of collaboration and trust, where every team member feels empowered to contribute their unique strengths.