Nurturing the Leader Within

Since teaching the original Freedom Writers in Room 203 at Wilson High School, Erin Gruwell has worked diligently to create a methodology that will universally allow teachers across the globe to empower their students in the same life-changing ways that she was able to empower the Freedom Writers.

The Freedom Writer Methodology and Gruwell’s inspiring experiences have proven to be highly effective in fields outside of education, as she has spoken at several corporate events and leadership trainings with organizations such as Franklin Covey, Girl Scouts of America, and the International Forum of Child Welfare. Her approach to leadership and management is applicable in all contexts and profoundly impacts professionals in all industries.

Filled with anecdotes from teachers across the country, Gruwell’s presentation proves that the methodology she has developed is not location-specific, but can be implemented in all types of schools and communities. In “Nurturing the Leader Within”, Erin explores her personal journey and her students’ transformations from disgruntled high school students to leaders and activists, illustrating that everyone has the power to embrace change and become a leader in their own community.