In this episode of Women of Color Rise, I speak with Gloria Lee—Social Entrepreneur, Lecturer at UC Berkeley and Stanford, and visionary behind a new venture focused on helping elders thrive while aging in place. A seasoned educator and nonprofit leader, Gloria’s career includes Founder, CEO of Educate78, President and COO of New Schools Venture Fund, and Area Superintendent and COO of Aspire Public Schools.
Gloria didn’t just dream about traveling the world with her husband and two sons—she made it happen. In our conversation, she shares how she turned this bold vision into reality.
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Leverage career transitions: When her nonprofit reached a natural inflection point, Gloria chose not to leap into her next role right away. Instead, she seized the moment to make their family travel dream a reality.
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Make it financially possible: Renting out their Bay Area home and choosing more affordable destinations meant their year abroad cost less than staying home. Mindful spending made the dream sustainable.
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Think about the long-term impact: Rather than focusing on reasons not to go, Gloria envisioned how the experience could strengthen their family—and it did. They returned with deeper bonds and shared memories that will last a lifetime.
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Support your children’s growth: Gloria’s introverted sons embraced “worldschooling” instead of traditional homeschooling. They returned with more gratitude, broader perspectives, and even a newfound passion for environmental conservation.
Gloria’s story is a reminder that we can make space for both impact in our work and dreams that feed our souls. Sometimes, the bravest career move is to step away and explore the world—with the people you love most.
Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/episode-113-take-a-yearlong-sabbatical-with-an-around-the-world-family-trip-with-gloria-lee