In this episode, I’m joined by my friend and podcast fave Kristen Hopkins Vincent—and yes, we’re talking about the Vincent part today! Kristen returns with powerful updates on her life (she’s a wife and a mom now!) and on the incredible work happening through Black SEL.
We dig into Kristen’s transition from Dangers of the Mind to Black SEL, why culturally-rooted social and emotional learning is essential for Black communities, and what it looks like to build a mission-driven organization with radical obedience to God. Kristen shares moments where obedience didn’t make sense—like moving forward with a major conference during a hurricane—and how God confirmed the vision through provision, research, and undeniable fruit.
We also talk about the very real emotions that come up when you’re following God’s timing: shame, guilt, feeling unseen, and learning how to embrace seasons of being hidden. And Kristen’s testimony around marriage and motherhood is such a needed reminder: it’s not too late, and God is always intentional.
Before we get into it: Kristen and her husband received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award—and she forgot to mention it in the conversation because that’s what happens when you’re focused on obedience and doing the Lord’s work.
In this episode, we cover:
- What Black SEL is and why it’s necessary
- Kristen’s transition from Dangers of the Mind to launching a nonprofit
- The 5 core competencies of social-emotional learning (and how Black SEL frames them)
- Why SEL must be culturally affirming to truly serve Black students and communities
- Building “God’s way” vs. building in your own might
- The difference between a “me” assignment and a “we” assignment
- Navigating shame, guilt, and the pressure to be seen
- Seasons where God hides you—and why that protection matters
- Kristen’s hurricane conference testimony and how God made the way
- The research that revealed how little SEL scholarship centers Black communities
- Waiting on God for marriage and motherhood—and what it means to pray for alignment with your assignment
- A word for the woman juggling purpose, business, love, and obedience
- “The position of your mind determines the posture of your life”
Connect with Kristen + Support Black SEL
- Visit: BlackSEL.org
- Donate + learn more about the mission and programming
- Get involved / volunteer (especially if you’re in North Carolina)
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