Dr. Nadia Lopez

5 years ago, today, this Humans Of NY post went viral and it changed my life. It came at a time when I was experiencing brokenness and defeat as a school leader. After asking for support multiple times from various people, all I got was “Nadia, you got this, everything will be fine.” But it wasn’t. The scholars had tremendous needs, as did my team filled with new, inexperienced teachers. I was always exhausted and felt like my light was being filled with darkness. It was as I had no value and nothing I was doing even mattered. My mother told me that I should pray, but I didn’t have an ounce of strength or the desire to talk to God. Instead, I wrote my letter of resignation with the intention of submitting it after MLK Day. I decided to pray on my decision and asked God to use me as a vessel to do his work. If this [being a principal] is what he wanted, then I needed him to show me. That very night, this post was published and what became an inspiration to so many, was the confirmation I was seeking. The irony is that my prayer was answered through a child who said, “she told each of us that we mattered.” I am forever grateful for this moment in time that brought about many opportunities for @motthallbridges and myself, as well as a created a community of supporters from all over the world. Today, Vidal remains a resilient young man, who is pursuing his music dreams and making a life for himself. The challenges within Brownsville never ended after the story was told, it continues to be a place where being able to survive physically, mentally, and spiritually is still a reality for so many of us. To those experiencing the spirit of defeat or just trying to figure things out, I hope this message offers inspiration and speaks to your heart. This is the preparation before your elevation! Check out my IG story 📺 Lopez Note 📝 1. Pray 2. Write your vision down and make it plain. 3. Trust and believe there is something greater on the other side of your despair. 4. Surround yourself with people who can encourage and lift you up. 💜#theLopezEffect #LopezNote #HONY #Faith #Inspiration #supersoulsunday #prayer #Herstory #Wellness

Thank you God for the gift of Brandon @humansofny and allowing us to be in this journey filled with so many blessings. ---->REPOST by @humansofny "On January 19th, I met a young man on the street named Vidal, and I asked him to tell me about the person who had influenced him the most in his life. He told me about his principal, Ms. Lopez, and he explained how she had taught him that he mattered. Over the next two weeks, I learned the story of Ms. Lopez and her school, Mott Hall Bridges Academy. By hearing the stories of MHBA students and educators, my eyes were opened to the unique challenges facing a school in an under-served community. Ms. Lopez taught me that before a student is ready for academic training, they must be made to understand that they deserve success. And that can be the hardest battle in education. Ms. Lopez always said that there was no place her students did not belong. Recently we received an invitation that proved just that." via @PhotoRepost_app

💥💥💥@nytimes book 📖 review 🙌🏾 “It’s telling that social media rather than our system of public education helped Lopez find the strength to go on. Her book will give readers even more reasons to ask what we as a society are doing to support the thousands of educators who labor in obscurity, trying to help the nation’s most vulnerable children.” - Dale Russakoff They don’t sell the NY Times in Brownsville, yet the majority of the stories that have been featured about it has highlighted the violence, poverty, and gangs that exists. A long time ago, I promised the scholars that we could change the narrative about Brownsville and it would be feature in The NY Times, because it is considered the media Bible. This book review of The Bridge to Brilliance was for all the young people in Brownsville, every educator who has worked tirelessly, especially Black women in education leadership, and my grandmother who passed away before the book was published. She never learned to read or write, but I am her living legacy of what it’s possible and how education transforms lives 💜 Get your copy at your local bookstore or order your copy, click the linktr.ee in my bio 📖🔗 #thelopezeffect #bookreview #nytimes #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofinstagram #teachersofig #teachersofinsta #teacherinspiration #blackeducators

Mama Lo went from being the one with all the answers to me becoming the daughter having to fill in the blanks. For most of my life, she was the one sitting beside me in the exam room asking the questions, remembering every detail, and advocating for my health. And when I became a mother, she taught me how to do the same for Cenné. But now this season is different. I recently changed her primary care doctor to a gerontologist, a specialist who focuses on the unique needs of seniors, because aging requires a different level of attention, care, and understanding. The subtle changes that may be dismissed elsewhere are recognized, prioritized, and taken seriously. And whew… 😥 some days it takes everything in me to hold it together. Because the progression of aging is a reminder of how fragile life truly is, and how important it is to cherish every moment while we still can. To everyone caring for their mothers, who once cared so deeply for them, I’m sending you so much love this Mother’s Day weekend. And to those who have lost their moms, or are grieving who their mothers once were, I’m holding space for you too 💜💐 #TheLopezEffect #Caregivers #MothersDay #Eldercare #CaregiverJourney

Your plan is not the plan, it’s GOD’s PLAN 🙏🏾 When it feels like everything that was once falling into place, is now falling apart, it can feel like the all weapons are forming against you, when it’s molding and preparing you to prosper. I know it’s HARD and it doesn’t feel fair, but it all according to the plan for you are becoming. Be encouraged (saying this to myself as I type)…all things will come together 💜 #thelopezeffect #godsplan #faithingod #byfaith #beencouraged

Congratulations to my nephew Ross and his wife Kalene who tied the knot two weeks ago. Time flies. But it such a blessing to watch the children become adults, who find joy, and get to celebrate love. @bryant5clan @toddbryantsr @toddbryantjr @savannahh.bryant @cennetyler 💜💜💜💜💜

When life feels like a big F-U… choose YOU💚✨ Today I sliced open my middle finger and for a second, it really felt like the universe was sending a message 😩 But while cleaning it up, I caught my reflection wearing my “Choose You” sweatshirt and realized I haven’t been doing that. My planner showed me, there was too much pouring out, not enough pouring in. Sometimes life forces us to pause so we can pay attention. God reminded me: the flesh may be cut, but my life is still here. I still have the opportunity to shift, breathe, and care for my heart and spirit. So if you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, resentful, stretched too thin… this is your reminder: CHOOSE YOU 💜 Sweatshirt 🔗 in bio #TheLopezEffect #ChooseYou #chooseyourself #godsplan #wordsofwisdom

Absolutely STUNNING 💃🏽🔥The @envsnfest prom drive was a huge success. Attendees walked away with gorgeous gowns, accessories, and makeup. There were even alternations done on site. Thank you to: @aerie @elfcosmetics @bam_brooklyn @chillhouse To everyone who shared the post about the event. THANK YOU! The vision powered 🔌 @sharifasays & @laurastylez co-founders of ENVSN. Congratulations to the Class of 2026 🎓 Class of 2027, see you next year 💜 #promdress #classof2026

Sis you good? That’s how @iamaprilwalker have been checking in on random voice notes for the past 6 months because that how long it’s taken us to meet up, when we love all but 15 mins from each other. But that’s been life when we are trying to balance caring for our parents and taking care of all other responsibilities. So when we finally met up for dinner and sat for endless hours we realize that we had been on the same journey in need of support and a safe space to o share our experiences. That planted the seed for what would become a conversation with 70+ fellow caregivers, receiving much need guidance and strategies from @ashatarrymental . 3 things that stood out: 1. Anxiety and depression can be the result of rage and resentment that is internalized. 2. Find yourself an accountability partner who is going through or has been on the journey. 3. People who have not gone through this may not be able to fully empathize or offer best support—although they are well intended. That was just a snippet, imagine the full hour! The link to the replay is in my bio. Stay tuned there is more to come. #caregivers #caregiving #caregivingsupport #caregivingjourney #caregivinglife

Calling all NYC HS seniors, FREE prom dresses and accessories courtesy of @envsnfest Foundation. Last year over 100 seniors received a complete program package that included their dress, shoes, makeup, and jewelry. 🗓️ Sunday, April 26 ⏰ 3-6PM 🏫 BAM Fischer - 321 Ashland Pl, Bklyn, NY 11217 ⚠️ YOU MUST REGISTER - Link in my bio Please tag and share with a HS senior or an educator, family member or friend of a HS senior. THANK YOU & see you there 💜

Mini-fashion with @cincinthepoodle 🐶🧡 👗 @rossdressforless 🎀 @shein_us @sheinofficial #minipoodle #minifashionista #poodlegram #dogfashionista #dogfashion

ICYMI… this was one of the real conversations from our Caregiving Conversation. One of the most eye-opening truths we discussed: The more visible you are as a caregiver, the more systems assume your loved one doesn’t need support. And as a result… services can be reduced. Less hours. Less access. Less help. Not because your loved one doesn’t need it, but because they assume you will fill the gap. But the truth is, many caregivers are balancing: work, family, distance, and their own well-being. You cannot do it all. And you shouldn’t have to. This is why advocacy and clarity matter. If you missed this conversation, you can catch the replay at the link in my bio. Please follow @ahsatarry @caregivercoaching for more resources and support during this journey. @iamaprilwalker and I are just getting started. #thelopezeffect #caregivingsupport #caregiver #caregiving #caregivingjourney