Description

In this inspiring episode of Origin Stories, we celebrate the powerful journey of Tamar Coleman, Assistant Principal at Garfield High School. Tamar’s entire career—spanning 15+ years across roles from Childcare Director to Special Education Teacher—is a testament to the power of unwavering service and a deep-seated growth mindset.

Her path is rooted in one driving, non-negotiable mission: uplifting and empowering students farthest from educational justice. We dive into what it takes to climb the professional ladder in education without ever losing sight of the fundamental belief that every child deserves access to opportunity.

Tamar shares her own "origin story," from her early life as a Boston-born Yankee navigating the culture of Jackson, Mississippi, to taking a "do it scared" leap of faith to Seattle. We discuss the real challenges facing today's classrooms—from conflict management to implementing culturally responsive practices—and the wisdom she’s gained in her influential leadership role.

This conversation is essential for any leader, educator, or believer in service, providing actionable insights into how to lead with genuine presence and joy.

By the end of this conversation, you'll walk away with three genuine, heart-centered actions you can embrace today:

• The power of every role: How each position, from after-school instructor to Assistant Principal, prepares you for the next level of impact.
• The "do it scared" mindset: Tamar’s philosophy of stepping out on faith and embracing the unknown to avoid complacency.
• The growth imperative: Why you must constantly outgrow your current shell, like a hermit crab, to keep moving the needle for educational justice.

Show notes:

• Connect with Tamar Coleman on LinkedIn
• Connect with Xhelan on LinkedIn

Guest bio:

Tamar Coleman is the Assistant Principal (Gold Bulldogs Team) at Garfield High School, bringing over 15 years of diverse and dedicated experience to educational leadership. A native of Boston and Jackson, Mississippi, Tamar holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from City University of Seattle, and Administrative Certification in Educational Leadership. Her career, which includes roles as a Childcare Director, Special Education Instructional Assistant, and House Administrator, has been singularly focused on championing students farthest from educational justice. Tamar is known for her joyful presence, her commitment to meaningful representation, and her deep belief in the power of a growth mindset—never stop growing, learning, and getting better.

Quotes:

“You might not understand why you’re doing something or if it’s going to work out. Do it anyway.” – Tamar Coleman

“When you have that unction to move... if you are on a growth mindset, at some point you’re going to outgrow the space that you’re in.” – Tamar Coleman

“Educational justice means giving a voice to the voiceless.” – Tamar Coleman

“If you want to be student centered you have to chip away at that ego.”– Tamar Coleman

In this episode of Origin Stories, we go on a field trip into the world of Muay Thai and jiu-jitsu to explore the gym as a profound place of education. I sit down with my old coach, Zach Zabel of Vital Muay Thai and Vital Jiu Jitsu (Fife, WA), a natural-born teacher whose deep understanding of martial arts has created a powerful supplemental space for development.

For me, discovering Muay Thai was a turning point as an insecure kid struggling with mental health. The gym became my genuine classroom for self-trust, teaching me that the fight is never external—it's always internal.

Coach Zach's journey from a young man who resisted traditional schooling to a dedicated mentor and successful podcast host (Sway City Muay Thai) is living proof that the greatest teachers and lessons are often found outside the traditional path. We discuss:

• The self-discovery connection: how the pressure and vulnerability of the gym forces you to see yourself clearly.
• The power of showing up: Zach’s strong mindset on consistency and presence as the true building blocks of confidence.
• Building a teaching legacy: The secret to crafting a legacy that is not about winning titles, but about giving people a voice and a platform to be themselves and grow.

This episode reminds us that the power you discover in a gym, a dojo, or any demanding field, is the very power you need to be successful anywhere.

Show notes:

• Connect with Xhelan on LinkedIn
• Follow Sway City Muay Thai
• Learn more about Vital Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu

Guest bio:

Zach Zabel is an entrepreneur, digital creator, and Muay Thai coach from Spanaway, Washington. With over 14 years of experience in the sport, he trains and develops athletes as a coach and trainer at Srisuk Muay Thai while co-leading the fight team. Beyond coaching on the mats, Zach is the host of the Sway City Muay Thai Podcast, where he showcases fighters, coaches, and culture from across the Pacific Northwest. Driven by a passion for growth, community, and discipline, Zach continues to help build the next generation of martial artists—both as an instructor and as a voice for the Muay Thai community.

Quote(s):

“You don’t need a title to be a leader” – Zach Zabel

“Find your avenue to inspire” – Zach Zabel

In this episode of Origin Stories, I sit down with true Seattle leader, Rick DuPree, to trace an incredible journey of creative reinvention and lifelong service. Rick's path is a masterclass in persistence, moving from the broadcast booth as Seattle’s first Black sports talk show host to a decades-long career in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) and community leadership.

Rick embodies the "keep going energy" required to step into new roles, whether leading affinity groups, directing a documentary, or guiding young people through pivotal life choices. We dive deep into his K-12 experience navigating mandatory bussing in Seattle, the importance of intentionally exposing students to arts and cultural experiences, and the wisdom gained from media and public service.

This is a powerful conversation about how legacy isn't just about what you build; it's about who you lift up along the way. Tune in for three genuine, heart-centered actions you can embrace today to find your own legacy in motion.

Show notes:

• Connect with XJ on LinkedIn
• Learn more about the Seattle Black Panther documentary

Guest bio:

Rick DuPree is a dynamic leader, storyteller, and community advocate rooted deeply in the Pacific Northwest. His career is marked by purpose-driven work that spans media, athletics, and non-profit leadership. He made history as Seattle's first Black sports talk show host before transitioning to an impactful career in youth development, including leadership roles at the Boys and Girls Clubs. Rick is a champion of DEIB, having directed community engagement at Seattle Academy and now applying his vast experience to film, including his documentary project, Passing the Torch. He holds a degree in Broadcast Communications and remains dedicated to mentoring and empowering the next generation.

Quotes:

“Believe in yourself. Don’t let anybody tell you can’t.” –Rick DuPree