Her Story
About Stacy
Stacy Chambers brings more than 25 years of expertise in innovation to her work in education. She began her career as a teacher at one of the first magnet schools in Connecticut, established following a class action lawsuit for equitable access to quality education. While pursuing her doctorate, she designed a school that remains in operation today. Chambers holds an undergraduate degree in business and earned her doctorate with a dissertation on aligning time and money with core beliefs, principles that guide her approach to organizational turnarounds. She has focused on improving financially and educationally struggling organizations across public and choice schools. At Florida State University Schools, she contributed to a state task force on ethical AI use in education and recently opened the first AI-infused middle school in Florida. A lifetime member of Leadership Florida, Chambers attributes her success to resilience, innovation, strong relationships, and teamwork. She values honesty and alignment between stated beliefs and actions, particularly in managing time, money, and focus. Her father's advice to prepare for unexpected opportunities has shaped her career, and she advises young women to seek honest mentors grounded in shared values.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Stacy
01What do you attribute your success to?
My husband says I'm a freak because I'm so driven. I'm super resilient and surround myself with resilient people. I'm super innovative - if I can't get it this way, I find a way. It also comes from relationships and teamwork, understanding the value of teamwork within the organization, community, state, or even nationally.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
From my dad: you can do anything you set your mind to, but take time to determine the direction. Always prepare even if you don't want it, because you never know when a tipping point moment will come. Continue to prepare because you just don't know when you're going to have a tipping point moment.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Find a champion that will give you feedback, mentor you - one conversation can change your life. Find people grounded in your values or goals who will see in you, listen, advise. Seek out people who won't be yes people.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In education, fewer students and more opportunities for choice is a challenge for those expecting a guaranteed job. Biggest shift due to AI; advocate for ethical use, teach people how to use it ethically. Resist calling it bad; manage it to enhance lives without taking away ability to lead.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty is huge - don't lie about mistakes. Honesty in alignment with what you say is important, managing time, money, focus. People watch to see if you're really being honest and meaning what you say about innovation or change.
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