Presenter Bio

Tony Hudson

Equity Transformation Specialist

Tony Hudson was born in Omaha, Nebraska on the North Side. His experience growing up in one of the most racially segregated metro areas in the United States, while experiencing attempts at school integration and busing, led him to question the deeper meaning of race and racism. Tony went on to complete Bachelor’s and Master of Educational Leadership degrees. In his post-Master’s studies Tony became a licensed K-12 Principal and is completing a Doctoral degree. Tony is the first college graduate from his family.

Tony began his career in community based non-profit organizations, assisting families of color in achieving racial economic and educational equity. He then progressed through K-12 leadership as a Head Principal,where he maintained a passionate and persistent focus on racial equity. Under Tony’s leadership the school he led was ranked as a top school in the state of Minnesota for its growth in eliminating racial disparities for children of color and students receiving Special Education and English Language Learning services.

As a result of his Principal leadership Tony was later promoted and became the Director of Equity for the Osseo Area Schools system. Tony created the Department of Equity and provided capacity building and tools for all employee groups and executives throughout the school system to lead for racial equity. Tony engaged in innovative partnerships with the City of Brooklyn Park, African Immigrant Services, the YWCA, Isaiah Minnesota, and other community based racial justice organizing groups to make significant headway toward the elimination of the racial cradle-to-prison school discipline pipeline.

Beyond K-12 Education, Tony developed deep experience as a leader engaged with local groups focused on community organizing for racial equity transformation. Hudson has spent the majority of his career leading organizations toward equity.

As an Equity Transformation Specialist now with Courageous Conversation™ Tony coaches leaders across the United States to achieve their best selves by gaining alignment and authenticity between their personal, professional, and organizational leadership for racial equity transformation.

What calls me to do this work?

Growing up, I watched my mother enact the will skill courage and passion necessary to bring together people and resources to interrupt racism toward herself in her own workplace and in the learning environments of myself and my siblings. My mother gave me the gift of racial consciousness and I have had to privilege to live my life organizing racial consciousness.  I am inspired by the consciousness of my own children, my wife, and the many colleagues  I have coached across the United States that are engaging in systemic racial equity transformation. In order to do my part to heal and advance  humanity,  I am personally called to organize racial consciousness. I look forward to doing our work together