Meet Brandi Gwin & Nikia Hopkins-Sullivan | Educators and Cohosts of the “I’M NOT GRADING THAT!” PODCAST

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brandi Gwin & Nikia Hopkins-Sullivan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brandi Gwin & Nikia Hopkins-Sullivan, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
As educators, we’ve long recognized the significance of the partnership between schools and our communities. Communication has remained a central theme among teachers, parents, and stakeholders. Thus, we’ve embarked on an initiative to bridge this gap through a podcast. Given our active involvement in community outreach groups, we saw an opportunity to engage and inform those invested in education.

Our aim is to address various concerns and challenges within the education system and explore collaborative solutions. With our dual roles as parents and educators, we offer a unique perspective that we believe can shed light on both sides of the equation. Hence, we’ve named our podcast “I’M NOT GRADING THAT!”—reflecting our commitment to discussing and reforming key aspects of education.

As individuals deeply passionate and concerned about the state of education, we refuse to remain passive bystanders. Instead, we are determined to actively contribute to meaningful dialogue and change.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Nikia: My career as an educator and podcaster is fueled by a profound passion for inspiring learning and fostering meaningful dialogue about education. What sets me apart is my innovative teaching approach and ability to connect with students and listeners on a personal level. Through our podcast, “I’M NOT GRADING THAT!”, I delve into critical education issues, empowering educators and parents to advocate for positive change. While my journey hasn’t been lacking in challenges, I’ve learned the importance of resilience, adaptability, and collaboration. My commitment to excellence, innovation, and compassion drives me to make a lasting impact in the lives of students and educators, inspiring lifelong learning and positive change in education.

Brandi: The journey I’ve had in education really is a testament to the profound challenges and rewards that come with teaching. Becoming a teacher was easy; learning how to be an effective one was not. It took many many many years of different experiences to become the educator I am today- and I’m still learning and growing.

There are so many different things happening within the school system. I truly have grappled with the sometimes heavy responsibility and desire to support every student to their fullest potential.. You want to help everyone. . You want to fix it all, and the biggest lesson I learned is YOU CAN’T. So you have to learn to take things one day at a time. You have to realize you can’t help everyone, and unfortunately everyone doesn’t want to be helped.

When we decided to embark on this podcast and community talks journey, we knew we wanted to extend our reach beyond the confines of our classrooms. Between delivering information and insight, having discussions within the community, having fundraisers and doing backpack and school supply drives- we want to find a myriad of ways we can help support the community. While we may not be able to reach every educator, parent, or stakeholder, we do understand the significance of impacting even just one person. Our aim is simply to provide support, encouragement, and practical strategies reflects a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of those involved in education. “I’M NOT GRADING THAT!” was not created to just be a podcast. It was meant to be a resource to those who need it and don’t know where to begin or what to ask for, or just want to learn something. So even if just one educator feels heard and understood, even if just one parent learns some strategies or finds a resource that was needed- it will all be worth it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Brandi: if my best friend was visiting, I would definitely show her what makes Atlanta unique.

Atlanta has so much to offer for those who don’t mind being outdoors. We would of course have to visit the staples-Ponce City Market, Atlantic Station and Beltline for its vast options of food and entertainment. Politan Row and The Works are also some great places to visit for dining, shopping, and entertainment Piedmont Park would be another stop. A picnic out there is a must because is always something going on there. Spaceman Bar is another option as it gives a beautiful view of the city skyline from the Hyatt Centric Buckhead. The Battery would be a stop to catch a Braves game or just to vibe are there many places to eat and hang out at, like Antico’s Pizza and Punchbowl Social.

Brunch is a must do in Atlanta so we would have to go to Toast on Lenox, Gocha’s, and Breakfast at Barneys.
Lunch and dinner options would include Knife, Slutty Vegan, STK, OLG, Blu Cantina, or South City Kitchen.

I would also check to see what festivals are going on because on any given weekend there is one happening for all palates. Beat the Bomb, Splatter Paint, and The Works are also fun things to do.

For a cute souvenir, we would go to Tutu Tufting and make a one of a kind, customizable rug.

Nikia: Considering I like intimate settings involving culture, laughter, and coffee, I would create a week-long itinerary that blends cozy experiences with cultural immersion and culinary delights.

**Day 1: Arrival and Welcome to Atlanta**
– Check into a boutique hotel in a historic neighborhood like Sweet Auburn or Inman Park, known for their charm and proximity to cultural attractions.
– Afternoon: Welcome coffee at a local African American-owned coffee shop, where you can enjoy specialty brews and cozy vibes.
– Evening: Dinner at a soul food restaurant, such as Busy Bee Cafe or Paschal’s, known for their authentic Southern cuisine and live music.

**Day 2: Cultural Exploration in Atlanta**
– Morning: Visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights to learn about the history of the civil rights movement and its impact on Atlanta and beyond.
– Afternoon: Lunch at an African American-owned restaurant in the historic West End neighborhood, followed by a stroll through the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site.
– Evening: Attend a live jazz or blues performance at a local venue like Churchill Grounds or Blind Willie’s, where you can dance the night away.

**Day 3: Coffee, Laughter, and Exploration**
– Morning: Coffee tasting at a specialty coffee shop in Midtown or Decatur, followed by brunch.
– Afternoon: Lunch at a trendy restaurant in the Ponce City Market or Krog Street Market, exploring the vibrant food scene and local artisans.
– Evening: Comedy show at the Atlanta Comedy Theater or Uptown Comedy Corner, where you can enjoy laughter and entertainment in an intimate setting.

**Day 4: Foodie Adventure in Atlanta**
– Morning: Brunch at a cozy brunch spot like Le Petit Marche or West Egg Cafe, known for its delicious Southern-inspired dishes.
– Afternoon: Culinary tour of Atlanta’s African American food scene, sampling dishes from iconic eateries like Slutty Vegan, Tassili’s Raw Reality, and Old Lady Gang.
– Evening: Dinner at a fusion restaurant that combines African American flavors with global influences, followed by cocktails at a speakeasy-style bar like BQE Lounge or Kat’s Cafe.

**Day 5: City Life and Nightlife**
– Morning: Visit the Atlanta History Center to learn about the city’s rich heritage and explore its gardens and historic homes.
– Afternoon: Lunch at a cozy cafe in the Virginia-Highland neighborhood, followed by shopping and exploring local boutiques.
– Evening: Dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Atlanta skyline, followed by dancing and live music at a popular nightclub or lounge like Tongue & Groove or MJQ Concourse.

**Day 6: Relaxation and Reflection**
– Morning: Relaxing morning at a local spa for a massage or wellness treatment, followed by a visit to a nearby park for a leisurely stroll.
– Afternoon: Lunch at a farm-to-table restaurant in the Old Fourth Ward or Grant Park, enjoying fresh, seasonal cuisine in a cozy setting.
– Evening: Wine tasting at a local winery or wine bar, sampling wines from Georgia’s vineyards and enjoying intimate conversations with friends.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Brandi: I would like to dedicate this shout out to my mother. As my first teacher, there are so many things she instilled in me from an early age. She reminded me constantly that I could do any and everything I put my mind to, so long as I worked hard and had faith in myself. My mother has always been the epitome of perseverance and dedication. She also didn’t allow my brother and I to play with our own potential. As a first generation college graduate, I was all over the place with what I wanted my career to be. I wasn’t confident in what I had to offer. When I was being too hard on myself, my mother was always the one who picked me back up and told me to keep pushing. When I became a teacher, she supported me 100%, even going as far as to buying things for every class I have had (because we all know teachers make pennies!). All in all- she is who has supported and encouraged me for…all these years. Without her, I would have never had the confidence to step into the next chapter of my life- advocating for children and education on another level.

I also had an amazing guidance counselor in middle school, Ms. Moore. She showed me

Nikia: My passion for education is indebted to my parents, Michael and Lindy Hopkins, and my first teacher, Cheryl Hunter. From an early age, my parents emphasized the significance of education, setting high standards and encouraging me to aim for excellence. Their unwavering support laid the foundation for my journey in learning.

Ms. Hunter, my first teacher, played a pivotal role in shaping my educational experience. She infused joy into the learning process, making lessons engaging and memorable. Her dedication to her students and genuine care left a lasting impression on me. Even today, she continues to mentor me and remains a steadfast presence in my life, celebrating important milestones alongside me.

Thanks to their influence, I developed a profound love for learning and a desire to impart knowledge in a dynamic and creative manner. Their guidance inspired me to pursue a path in education, aiming to make the learning journey as enriching and enjoyable for others as it has been for me.

Instagram: @imnotgradingthatpodcast @thehypeducator (Nikia) @beeprettywithapurpose (Brandi)

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Imnotgradingthat