News Summary
Elise Carter has been honored with the Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award for her significant contributions to education and social equity. Known for her advocacy efforts, Carter, alongside colleague Trinity Walsh, has established the Northern Kentucky Inclusive Students In Education (NISE) initiative. This nonprofit celebrates diversity and inclusion in education, offering programs that extend beyond conventional curricula. Despite facing resistance regarding her initiatives, Carter continues to promote understanding and acceptance among students, making strides toward advancing educational equity.
Fort Thomas, Kentucky – Elise Carter has been awarded the prestigious Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award for her tireless advocacy in education and social equity initiatives. This recognition, part of a growing acknowledgment of her impactful work, marks a significant milestone not only for her but also for the broader community efforts advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusivity in education.
Carter’s journey into the public eye began in spring 2021. At a meeting discussing a new social equity course at Highlands High School, she and colleague Trinity Walsh proposed a curriculum aimed at educating students on issues of diversity and inclusion. However, this initiative faced substantial backlash from parents who perceived the course as an attempt to indoctrinate students in critical race theory (CRT). The mounting community opposition ultimately led to the removal of the social equity course from the school’s curriculum.
Despite this setback, Elise Carter and Trinity Walsh did not waver in their commitment to advocacy. They went on to establish the Northern Kentucky Inclusive Students In Education (NISE), a nonprofit initiative dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly for students preparing for college and careers. The NISE program runs on Saturdays throughout the year and is offered at a minimal cost of $50, with activities that include enriching field trips, engaging history lessons, and talks from guest speakers.
Carter’s curriculum goes beyond traditional educational narratives by incorporating lesser-known histories and broader perspectives. This comprehensive program not only focuses on African American history but also encompasses Jewish history, LGBTQ+ history, Native American history, and Latino history, aiming to foster greater understanding of intersectionality among students.
Elise Carter has been a fixture at Highlands High School since 2012 and holds the distinction of being the school’s first Black teacher, where she teaches business and leadership courses. While she maintains a clear distinction between her educational responsibilities and nonprofit initiatives, she actively encourages her students to engage in conversations about vital social issues, promoting an environment of open dialogue and acceptance of diverse viewpoints.
Her work has already garnered substantial recognition, with multiple accolades including the 2025 Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award, the Smith-Wilson Award for Civil and Human Rights in Education, and a finalist position in the upcoming 2024 Upstander Awards presented by The Nancy and David Wolf Holocaust and Humanity Center.
As a Black mother raising a son, Elise’s advocacy is deeply personal and motivated by a desire to combat marginalization and promote an equitable society. The current political climate presents challenges to diversity and inclusion initiatives, as legislative actions increasingly seek to limit open discussions on these crucial topics.
Carter’s innovative approach effectively combines classroom education with active community involvement. Through her nonprofit, she offers programming and volunteer opportunities aimed at enriching both students and adults, fostering an environment that enhances understanding and awareness of diversity and inclusion issues.
Through her relentless efforts, Elise Carter is making significant strides in reshaping educational narratives while ensuring that all students have access to a more inclusive understanding of history and contemporary society. The support and recognition she has received, including the esteemed Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award, underscore her vital role in advocating for educational equity and social justice.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
