Calvin Lawrence – Leading with Heart and Purpose
I had the pleasure of meeting Calvin Lawrence during the early days of the pandemic through Coffee with Kelly—a virtual community that became a source of connection, growth, and healing. We gathered three times a week on Zoom, and even in that virtual space, Calvin’s energy was unmistakable.
He leads with empathy, compassion, and unwavering presence, and it was clear from the start that his voice was one rooted in experience, kindness, and wisdom. Calvin is the kind of leader who makes people feel heard, supported, and inspired. His genuine care for others, especially in the spaces of education and leadership, is what continues to draw people to him.
As an educator and speaker, Calvin believes that relationships are the foundation of any meaningful diversity and leadership model. His approach to building healthy, authentic connections—especially in schools—is deeply impactful. As he says:
“The teacher who has laid the ‘relationship foundation’ will inevitably be more successful than the one who has not.”
Calvin is not only a trusted voice in education—he’s also the author of the incredible book, The Happy Leader: Relatable Stories to Influence and Inspire, available now on Amazon. 
My book is a memoir of leadership stories and life lessons that have emboldened me to never give up and never lose hope. My faith has been central in that mindset, but also my reliance on mentors and others who have helped shape my life’s journey. There are failures to learn and grow from and successes to help make one brave and strong. But always great relationships will win out and save the day.
To learn more about Calvin, his work, and how he’s inspiring leaders and educators across the country, visit his official site: calvinlawrencespeaks.net.
I’m honored to know him, to call him a friend, and to share his story with you.
Meet Calvin!
“To be successful in this modern world, one must be committed to diversity and inclusion.”
Dr. Calvin
Relationships are at the foundation of any great diversity success model. I base this belief on years of experience, as well as the latest research on the subject. With regards to school/educational diversity, I think the effort to establish and maintain good, healthy relationships is even more essential. On a smaller scale, you can observe the impact and significance of relational diversity in any classroom. The teacher who has laid the “relationship foundation” will inevitably be more successful than the one who has not.