Elise Carter Receives Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award

News Summary

Elise Carter has been awarded the prestigious Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award for her advocacy in education and social equity. Her journey began with a proposed social equity course at Highlands High School, which faced backlash but led to the establishment of the Northern Kentucky Inclusive Students In Education (NISE) nonprofit. The initiative focuses on fostering diversity and inclusion among students, covering various histories and encouraging discussions on societal issues. Carter’s dedication has earned her multiple accolades, highlighting the need for advocacy in today’s climate.

Fort Thomas, Kentucky — Elise Carter has been awarded the prestigious Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award for her dedicated advocacy in education and social equity. This recognition comes as Carter continues to champion diversity and inclusion through her nonprofit work, even amid significant challenges at the school level.

The journey began in spring 2021 when Elise Carter and her colleague, Trinity Walsh, proposed a social equity course at Highlands High School. However, their initiative faced substantial backlash from some parents, who accused the course of promoting critical race theory (CRT). This community opposition resulted in the removal of the social equity course from the school’s curriculum.

Despite the setback, Elise and Trinity chose to pursue their mission outside the school system by founding the Northern Kentucky Inclusive Students In Education (NISE), a nonprofit initiative aimed at fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion for students preparing for college and careers. The NISE program offers a year-long series of sessions on Saturdays, priced at $50, which includes enriching activities such as field trips, history lessons, and guest speakers.

One of the key focuses of NISE is to help students understand intersectionality, allowing them to relate their personal experiences to broader societal issues. Elise Carter’s curriculum goes beyond traditional histories to include lesser-known narratives and figures who represent marginalized communities. In addition to Black history, the program covers Jewish, LGBTQ+, Native American, and Latino histories, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of America’s diverse heritage.

Elise’s dedication to education has garnered her multiple accolades, including the Smith-Wilson Award for Civil and Human Rights in Education, the 2024 Innovative Teacher Award for Northern Kentucky, and a finalist position for the 2024 Upstander Awards from The Nancy and David Wolf Holocaust and Humanity Center, along with her recent recognition as the recipient of the 2025 Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award.

Carter has been a teacher at Highlands High School since 2012, notably becoming the school’s first Black educator. She teaches business and leadership courses while maintaining a clear divide between her teaching responsibilities and her nonprofit initiatives. Nevertheless, she encourages her students to engage in honest conversations about important societal issues, promoting an acceptance of diverse perspectives.

The motivation behind Elise Carter’s work is deeply rooted in her personal life as a mother of a Black son. She understands the importance of advocacy in countering the marginalization that many communities face. The current political climate presents significant challenges to efforts promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Many states are experiencing legislative actions aimed at limiting discussions surrounding these topics, further emphasizing the necessity of advocacy initiatives like NISE.

By combining educational efforts with community engagement, Elise Carter’s approach offers programming and volunteer opportunities that cater to both students and adults. This model fosters a greater understanding of diversity and inclusion, empowering participants to actively contribute to conversations surrounding social equity.

Through her perseverance and commitment to education, Elise Carter’s work continues to inspire and promote an inclusive environment, highlighting the crucial need for advocacy and understanding in today’s society.

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Additional Resources

• The Alpena News: Why Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Cannot Be Canceled
• Sharon Herald: Holding Space for Good: Why DEI Cannot Be Canceled
• Soapbox Media: Northern Kentucky Organizations Address Housing Challenges
• National Review: The Battle for Public Education in Red America
• Link NKY: DEPs Officially Rebrands to Liquor Barn
• Wikipedia: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Google Search: Social Justice Education
• Google Scholar: Equity in Education
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Intersectionality
• Google News: Diversity Equity Inclusion