In this episode of Principals of Change, host Michelle Dawn Mooney sits down with Marisol Lockhart, Principal of P.S. 110 in the South Bronx, to explore what it means to lead schools with both strength and heart.

A Bronx native and graduate of Vassar College, Marisol has served NYC public schools for over two decades, bringing passion, emotional intelligence, and a deep commitment to community-centered leadership. She began her journey through the NYC Teaching Fellows Program and became a principal in perhaps one of the most challenging years for education—the 2019–2020 school year, right during the pandemic.

Marisol is also a national presenter and coach on emotionally intelligent leadership, a member of the Gray and Cahn Fellowships, and just beginning her doctoral journey. She also recently co-presented at the New York State Women in Administration conference.

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Key Takeaways:

Emotional Intelligence as a Core Leadership Strategy: the importance of self-awareness, vulnerability, and authenticity—especially post-pandemic—and how it allows leaders to foster trust, healing, and connection.

The Power of the Pause: In leadership, a pause can create clarity, restore purpose, and reduce reactive decision-making in high-stakes environments.

Culture-Building through Community Values: Through P.S. 110’s PRIDE framework (Perseverance, Respect, Imagination, Determination, Empowerment), Marisol has built a restorative, socially-emotional foundation that connects students, staff, and families.

Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket is a wife, mother, principal, bestselling author, speaker, adjunct professor, and the 2025 President of the Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals. As the leader of a National Blue Ribbon School, she is recognized for her strong instructional leadership, her passion for equity and advocacy, and her ability to mentor the next generation of educators.

Named one of the Top 100 Influencers in Education by District Administration magazine, Dr. Edoho-Eket’s leadership philosophy is rooted in relational intelligence—prioritizing authentic connections as the foundation for lasting school success. She's also the author of The Principal’s Journey and her newest release, Relational Intelligence: The Key to Exceptional School Leadership.

We’re thrilled to welcome her today to talk about what it means to lead with purpose, build trust, and inspire transformation in schools

Principal Ashley Moore—known to many as Principal Mo—shares her leadership journey from special education teacher to transformational school leader. With over 15 years of experience, she unpacks how vulnerability, adaptability, and equity shape her approach to education.

Principal Mo reflects on leading through the pandemic, building trust with staff, and why modeling imperfection is a strength. She highlights her school’s shift to all-honors middle school courses as a strategy for equity, and how integrating AI tools has improved teacher workload and classroom outcomes. Her focus: empowering both students and educators to thrive.

Principal Ashley Moore—known to many as Principal Mo—shares her leadership journey from special education teacher to transformational school leader. With over 15 years of experience, she unpacks how vulnerability, adaptability, and equity shape her approach to education.

Principal Mo reflects on leading through the pandemic, building trust with staff, and why modeling imperfection is a strength. She highlights her school’s shift to all-honors middle school courses as a strategy for equity, and how integrating AI tools has improved teacher workload and classroom outcomes. Her focus: empowering both students and educators to thrive.

Coming Soon: Principal Mo’s debut book on leadership and school transformation. Learn more at PrincipalMo.com.

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