Elise Carter Receives Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award

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Students discussing critical social equity issues in a diverse classroom setting.

News Summary

Elise Carter, a prominent advocate for education and social equity, has been awarded the Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award for her commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion through her nonprofit, NISE. Her initiatives, including the proposed social equity course, sparked community discussions about critical race theory while expanding educational narratives to include varied histories. Carter’s work not only enhances student learning but also encourages essential dialogues around equity in education.

Fort Thomas, Kentucky – Elise Carter, a dedicated advocate for education and social equity, has been honored with the prestigious Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award for her relentless efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the educational landscape. This recognition highlights her impactful work, both within the classroom and through her nonprofit initiative, Northern Kentucky Inclusive Students In Education (NISE).

Elise Carter first gained public attention in spring 2021 when she presented a proposed social equity course at Highlands High School. However, her initiative faced severe backlash from some parents who perceived it as an attempt to introduce critical race theory (CRT) to students. In response to the community’s opposition, the proposed course was ultimately removed from the school’s curriculum, prompting Elise and her colleague, Trinity Walsh, to continue their advocacy outside of school settings.

Following the removal of the course, Carter and Walsh established NISE, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The NISE program offers Saturday sessions throughout the year at a nominal cost of $50, which includes enriching field trips, history lessons, and engagements with guest speakers. The program aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of intersectionality by helping students connect their personal experiences to broader societal themes, preparing them for future college and career opportunities.

The curriculum developed by Elise Carter extends beyond traditional historical narratives. It encompasses a wide array of histories, including those of figures like John Lewis, as well as lesser-known marginalized groups. NISE emphasizes not only African American history but also highlights Jewish, LGBTQ+, Native American, and Latino histories. This diverse approach provides students with a richer understanding of the varied experiences and contributions that shape society.

Elise Carter’s contributions to education have not gone unnoticed, as she has received multiple awards for her impactful work. In addition to the 2025 Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award, her accolades include 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.

A teacher at Highlands High School since 2012, Elise Carter was also the school’s first Black educator, specializing in business and leadership courses. As she navigates her dual roles as a teacher and nonprofit leader, she maintains a clear boundary between her teaching responsibilities and her advocacy work. Nonetheless, she is committed to encouraging dialogue in her classroom, promoting honest conversations, and accepting diverse perspectives among her students.

Elise’s motivation for advocacy is profoundly personal; as a mother of a Black son, she emphasizes the urgent need for equity and awareness in a climate where diversity and inclusion efforts are increasingly challenged. Current political trends have seen significant legislative action aimed at restricting discussions on these critical topics, making Elise’s advocacy work more important than ever.

Through her multifaceted approach, Elise Carter combines classroom education with community involvement, offering both students and adults volunteer opportunities and programming aimed at enhancing the collective understanding of diversity and inclusion. Her holistic approach is a testament to her commitment to creating a more equitable society.