My Journey to Becoming a Google Certified Innovator: Serendipity in Chicago

Years ago, the  Google for Education Certified Innovator Program caught my eye. After completing the Level 1 and 2 training, the Certified Coach and Trainer programs -- I know that becoming an innovator would be the experience of a lifetime. With starting and raising a young family and the COVID-19 pandemic— I knew this program had to wait. I couldn’t leave my kids as infants and then pressing family health issues made me leery of traveling. at least not this year. Life has a way of throwing curveballs, and timing has always been a barrier. But when I discovered, serendipitously, that the 2024 cohort would meet in my hometown of Chicago on the day applications were due, I knew I couldn’t let the opportunity slip by. With furiously typing fingers, I penned my application, sharing what I have always been most passionate about as an educator - amplifying student voice. 

Why I Applied

The Google for Education Certified Innovator Program has always been a goal of mine. It’s more than just a professional development opportunity—it’s a platform for educators to transform classrooms and school communities. As I fervently finished my application, I realized that this program is more than just learning to innovate - it is about exploring challenges in the world of education and using creative problem-solving to advocate for students and the educators who serve them. This program would allow me to continue to research, reflect, and create solutions for a pressing issue in education - the silencing or marginalizing of student voice, especially in a post-COVID world. 

At a time when I felt like I had lost my own voice as an educator, I knew I needed to take this leap of faith and speak up for diverse and often marginalized voices within our school systems. I need to use my voice to amplify and champion the voices of others. With just 30 minutes to spare, I submitted my voice and shared my unwavering belief that our words are power. I could use them to advocate for others. 

I’ve always believed that storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have as educators. It fosters empathy, empowers individuals, and fosters strong classroom communities. During COVID, when the Google Innovator program was postponed or moved online, I stopped pursuing it. So when I saw that this year’s cohort was meeting right here in Chicago, it felt like a sign.

The Experience of a Lifetime

The Innovator Academy brought together 50 of the most passionate and driven educators I’ve ever met. From the moment we walked into the space, the energy was electric. Every individual there was dedicated to tackling big challenges in education, and the collaboration, tenacity, and support we shared were unlike anything I’ve experienced before.

Throughout the program, we dove deep into our projects. We were also challenged to think bigger. We were guided by some of the best leaders in educational technology, TED, and Future Design School, we were inspired to dream and imagine solutions. 

My Project: Amplifying Student Voice

My Innovator journey is centered around the essential question: How might we amplify and celebrate students' and educators' voices? My answer is what I tell students almost every day: Good speakers are good storytellers. 

My goals with this project are to increase student voice, promote empathy, and foster a strong community within any classroom setting. I will follow up with another blog post about the project. 

The Bigger Picture

Being a Google Certified Innovator isn’t just about launching a single project—it’s about driving transformation in education. My time in the program has shown me that real change happens when educators take risks, think big, and collaborate with others.

I hope this storytelling platform will empower students and educators to celebrate their unique contributions and use their voices to inspire change. I have been so grateful to have amazing mentors and teammates who are also passionate about and exploring this topic. 

Being a part of this program in the summer of 2024 was the reconnection and inspiration I needed in my career. I had a rough year prior personally and professionally that made me doubt myself and feel directionless - feelings that came from years of burnout, unpacking trauma, and diagnosis of complex PTSD caused by the pandemic and being pushed in directions by some well-meaning people that were not right for me. I had lost my sense of self. 

Advice for Aspiring Innovators

Currently, there are only about 3000 Google Innovators worldwide. If you’re considering applying to the Google Innovator Program, do it! Reach out to people online who have gone through the program and can give you advice/input on your project.

1. Just Apply: Don’t let self-doubt or timing hold you back. If I hadn’t applied at the last minute, I would’ve missed this incredible opportunity. I didn’t think I’d be selected among the hundreds (or even thousands) of applicants, but I was. I could not be more grateful for this opportunity and for every amazing person I have met because of it. 

2. Focus on your mission: Choose a problem you care deeply about. Consider where your heart always leads you as an educator. Your enthusiasm will shine and your curiosity will help you create a strong application. 

3. Embrace the Process: The academy is intense, but it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences. When I said that the room was electric, I truly meant it. The creativity, curiosity, and kindness expressed by every person helped me rediscover myself. 

The Google Certified Innovator Program has been a transformative experience, not just for my professional growth but for my journey as an educator. It’s given me the tools, mentorship, and community to bring and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next. If you’re passionate about solving big problems in education, take the chance on this program. You won’t regret it.