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Full Flight : Lessons in Leading as a Black Woman in Education - Monifa McKnight

Full Flight

Lessons in Leading as a Black Woman in Education

By: Monifa McKnight

Paperback | 15 September 2026

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Expect the unexpected.

Dr. Monifa McKnight found her passion in education. After four years as a middle school principal, she rose through the ranks and became a deputy superintendent, then the first woman to serve as superintendent in one of the largest districts in the nation.

However, what followed tested her leadership in ways few could anticipate: a global pandemic, political pressure, and the additional barriers Black women in positions of power are forced to confront and overcome.

In Full Flight, Dr. McKnight shares candid stories and hard-won lessons from her own career and the experiences of other pioneering leaders. This practical guide gives organizations and industries concrete recommendations to build cultures that recruit, support, and sustain Black women and women in leadership. 

You'll learn how to navigate conflict, manage political forces, lead through chaos, and stay grounded in your values.

Leadership is rarely predictable. But with the right preparation, you can still rise-and soar.

Industry Reviews

"Full Flight is a powerful testament to the resilience and grace of Black women who lead and serve with purpose. Through Dr. McKnight's story, we see the heart of Black women leaders who not only navigated the challenges in leadership but also the complexities of identity, leadership, and legacy. Although I am not an educator, I felt deeply connected to this story, which offers timeless leadership lessons and beautifully reflects the strength of women who rise above challenges to positively impact their communities. This book is an important contribution to the conversation about women in leadership and the future of our institution."

-Joi Taylor Dean, CEO, Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority

"Monifa McKnight's new book teaches us as educational leaders to expect the unexpected. Dr. McKnight's lessons from her leadership journey, shared by a leader who is no stranger to change and uncertainty, strengthen us all. As Monifa describes celebrations and challenges, her remarkable resilience in the face of adversity shines through."

-Valerie Truesdale, former Superintendent in South Carolina

"Dr. McKnight has done more than capture individual stories in this remarkable book-she has preserved an enduring legacy. Through the journeys of pioneering Black women leaders in education, she highlights the perseverance, resilience, courage, and vision required to lead in spaces where women's voices have too often been underrepresented. These powerful stories remind us that leadership is not defined by title alone but by the ability to open doors, expand opportunity, and improve outcomes for the students and communities we serve. This book is both a celebration of trailblazers and an inspiration for the next generation of women leaders who will continue to shape the future of education."

-Ray Hart, Executive Director, Council of the Great City Schools

Full Flight is a powerful and timely contribution to the field of educational leadership. Through compelling narratives of those who have navigated adversity with courage, resilience, and purpose, Dr. McKnight captures the strength and determination that define transformative leadership. It was an honor to contribute to this important work.

-Verletta White, Superintendent, Roanoke City Public Schools

Dr. McKnight's book is both courageous and timely. She offers an honest look at leadership while lifting up the importance of supporting and advancing women in positions of influence. This is a book that will resonate with leaders across sectors and generations.

-Dr. Tommy Chang, CEO of New Teacher Center and former Superintendent of Boston Public Schools

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