Building F.A.Y.E. Learning Center: Personal Power, Purpose & Microschool Leadership

Here's a summary, if available, otherwise, click the link to listen.In this vibrant, soul-led conversation, David K. Richards, CEO of Changemaker Education, sits down with microschool Founder Christina “Pip” Pipkin, who’s launching a Changemaker Partner Microschool, the F.A.Y.E. Learning Center in Houston, Texas. As the first founder featured on the podcast, Pip shares her journey from classroom teacher and EdTech leader to becoming the architect of a personalized, project-based microschool rooted in family, equity, and student agency. They explore the challenges of surrender, self-trust, intersectionality, and stepping into visionary leadership while honoring intuition and faith.This episode is a masterclass in courage, community, and co-creation—perfect for aspiring founders ready to move beyond the 9–5 and into deep purpose-driven work. Memorable Quotes:“I jump and grow my wings on the way down.”“You all took away all my excuses.”“F.A.Y.E. is my baby. It’s fulfilling a promise—and a purpose.”“We are not just opening schools. We are transforming lives.”“It’s bigger than me. I’m just the vessel being used.” Key Topics Covered:Pip’s background in classroom teaching, EdTech, and doctoral studyThe personal call to open a microschool and surrender controlFounding F.A.Y.E. Learning Center—named after her grandmotherThe role of intersectionality as a Black, LGBTQ woman in TexasBalancing doctoral studies with launching a schoolProject-based learning, STEM focus, and family engagementCommunity-building and authentic recruitingPip’s spiritual connection to the journeyReflections on cohort support, imposter syndrome, and transformational growthThe long-term vision for expansion and impact Approximate Timestamps:00:00–10:00 – Pip’s background, family history, and path into education10:00–22:00 – Founding F.A.Y.E. Learning Center and vision for students & families22:00–38:00 – Discovery of Changemaker Education and alignment with purpose38:00–56:00 – Surrendering control, spiritual connection, and finding support56:00–End – Reflections on transformation, community, and future legacy We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district. Listen here: https://share.transistor.fm/s/029b8011