Latest / What’s Up, Wake / Exploring Wake County Magnet Schools With Dr. Mariah Walker & Tamani Powell
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Rescue Wood Rehab is more than wood, it's an experience. rwrnc.com. Welcome to What's Up Wake?, presented by the publishers of Cary Magazine, WakeLiving, and Main & Broad. What's Up Wake? is the go-to place to discover the people, places, restaurants, and events, all the happenings, hotspots, and headlines that make Wake County the best place to live, work, and play. I'm your host, Melissa Wistoph. Join me as we find out what's up Wake. Joining me are two incredible women helping shape the future of education in Wake County. Dr. Mariah Walker is the principal of Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy, the 2026 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year, and one of our 2026 Women of Western Wake honorees. She's joined by Tamani Anderson Powell, director of marketing and recruitment for Wake County Public School System's magnet programs, and is also a 2023 Women of Western Wake honoree. They're giving us the inside scoop on what makes Wake County's magnet schools, well, so magnetic. Whether you're a parent exploring options, new to the area, or just curious about what makes these schools stand out, this conversation is full of insight, inspiration, and maybe even a few surprises. Welcome, Mariah and Tamani [00:02:39] Melissa: Welcome, ladies. [00:02:40] Dr. Mariah Walker: Thank you. [00:02:41] Tamani Powell: Thank you. [00:02:41] Melissa: Before we talk about magnet schools, which is essentially why we're here today, I would love to get to know both of you ladies. I want to know where you're from, I want to hear a little bit about yourselves, and especially how you got to be in education. So let's start with you, Mariah. Yeah. Can I call you Mariah- You- ... or should I call you- Please ... Dr. Walker? I know you have earned the t- You have earned the title doctor. [00:03:06] Dr. Mariah Walker: Thank you. [00:03:06] Melissa: Okay. But for the purposes of this interview, I will call you Mariah. [00:03:09] Dr. Mariah Walker: Please do. [00:03:10] Melissa: Okay. [00:03:10] Dr. Mariah Walker: Please do. 100%, I, I am Mariah. [00:03:13] Melissa: Okay, great. [00:03:14] Dr. Mariah Walker: Yes. So, um, a little bit about me. I am from Raleigh, born and raised, [00:03:18] Melissa: So we're all three from Raleigh. Oh my goodness. Because Tamani said that she's from this area as well. I'm from [00:03:22] Tamani Powell: Franklin County. [00:03:23] Melissa: Franklin County. But still North Carolina. But we'll call you, we'll call you- Yeah, yeah, yeah ... local, yeah. [00:03:26] Tamani Powell: Yes. We're- I am local. [00:03:28] Dr. Mariah Walker: We, we claim it. Yeah. [00:03:29] Tamani Powell: Yeah. We claim. [00:03:31] Dr. Mariah Walker: Um, yeah, so I am from Raleigh, and just that side of me, I'm very much Mariah, yes. Like, went to school a, a lot of times to be Dr. Walker, but 100% Mariah. Um, and I just am thankful to still be connected to Wake County and just all the wonderful things that we have here, and, um, just seeing the growth, obviously, since I've been here has been extraordinary. But a little bit about me, so, um, went to elementary school at Douglas Elementary in Raleigh, Carroll Middle School, Sanderson High School, and then the only university, NC State University, of course. [00:04:11] Melissa: Nice. My guys. Yes, my son is about to start there. Okay. [00:04:15] Dr. Mariah Walker: Yeah. Awesome. Awesome. Go Pack. Um, and so just the community and the area has just been such a big part of growing up for me, and, um, wanting to be in education was something that I feel like I always knew and definitely wrestled with. I initially said I was gonna be a neonatal nurse, um, and, you know, support women in the labor and maternity space, but extended that out because I got a scholarship, North Carolina Teaching Fellows at NC State, and so that definitely sealed my fate of entering into education. And- Yeah ... I was still working with kids, so it was definitely rewarding on, on both sides. [00:04:58] Melissa: Nice. [00:04:59] Dr. Mariah Walker: Yeah. [00:05:00] Melissa: What about you? Did you teach [00:05:00] Tamani Powell: in... Now, [00:05:01] Dr. Mariah Walker: no- Oh, sorry. No, you're okay. No, go ahead. [00:05:03] Tamani Powell: Did you teach [00:05:04] Dr. Mariah Walker: before you- I did. I did. Good question. I taught, um, thank you, I taught high school English for- Okay ... um, quite some time at Sanderson High School. Okay. And then that's also where, you know, I went to high school there, so I taught there, stayed there, and became assistant principal, um, and was there for almost 11 years. And then prior to that, I did have the joy of working with three-week-olds all the way up to three-year-olds at The Growing Child. So I, I did- Oh ... that was my, you know, initial love of, of small children and infants, and where I really was like, you know, I love the babies and I wanna do neonatal, um- Um, or newborns Mm-hmm But yeah [00:05:40] Melissa: So you've really been around all ages. [00:05:41] Dr. Mariah Walker: Oh, yes. I always say, like, birth to 23- Mm ... because that's really what I've, you know, have worked with. And- Yeah ... I feel like they actually all have a lot of similar needs. They ask for them in different ways- Mm-hmm ... but very similar in their needs. [00:05:55] Tamani Powell: Wow. [00:05:55] Melissa: And some of them never grow out of that. [00:05:56] Dr. Mariah Walker: Yes. [00:05:57] Melissa: But I digress. Right. It's [00:06:00] Dr. Mariah Walker: true. [00:06:00] Melissa: How about you, Tamani? [00:06:01] Tamani Powell: So I am from, I am local, but I'm from Franklin County. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Um, and so I went to school in Franklin County, and then, um, I came to Meredith and swore that I would not teach. But my mother said, "You should get a teaching certificate because you never know when you're gonna need a job." And I majored in sociology. And we always need teachers. And we always- [00:06:21] Dr. Mariah Walker: Yeah ... [00:06:23] Tamani Powell: need teachers. And so I did like you. Mm-hmm. I went back home- ... um, and taught at, with my former assistant principal. He was then a principal. He hired me. Um, and so I taught in Franklin County for four years, and then I taught in Wake County for four years, and then I decided I just wanna make more money. Mm. So I went into administration. Mm-hmm. Um, and it, it was fine. School admin was great, but I had taught at a magnet school, and I loved teaching at a magnet school. I just loved the opportunity to expose students to things that I had not been exposed to because I'm from a rural county. Mm-hmm. And I just thought, "Oh my God, these opportunities, I wanna be involved and engaged" and I loved it. Mm. And so I was an AP for two years, and I didn't really enjoy the job. I loved my kids. I didn't enjoy the job. So I got a chance to go and work with magnet programs again at the central level, and I was like, "Oh, this is where I'm meant to be." My parents were very involved in civil rights when I was growing up, and they were very involved in, um, school integration when I was growing up. So being in magnets kind of allowed me to marry, um, or continue my family's legacy and marry that with being in education. Um, so being in magnets was like a win-win for me to be able to do what I loved and still continue, um, what I've been taught as a child, which is that, you know, to whom much is given, much is required, and, and you should give back, and this is my way of giving back. But I love what I do. I love what I do. [00:07:52] Melissa: Well, it sounds like you're really able to marry the, the, the role of an educator with the role of helping to guide the magnet programs, which is- Right ... very key to Wake County Public School systems. Yes. Yes. We are known- Yes ... for our magnet programs- Yes, yes ... which we'll get into, but first, I would like to say congratulations to Mariah for being named, and this is a tongue twister- The 2026 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year. [00:08:18] Dr. Mariah Walker: Thank you. [00:08:18] Melissa: That is- [00:08:19] Dr. Mariah Walker: Thank [00:08:19] Melissa: you ... outstanding. [00:08:20] Dr. Mariah Walker: Such an honor. [00:08:21] Melissa: That's what I want to know, though. What does it mean to you to be recognized like this? [00:08:27] Dr. Mariah Walker: Yes. Oh my goodness. First- [00:08:29] Melissa: Were you absolutely blown away? [00:08:31] Dr. Mariah Walker: Just floored. Completely shocked. Yeah. Yes. Um, so first, just so humbled and honored to be recognized amongst so many dynamic leaders across the state, and just so thankful to be able to celebrate education across the state in that way. Um, but for me personally, it just, it really is a reflection of the students and the community of Wake County, and just being able to reflect what happens when things go right in education for families. Um, just as Tamani said, education has always been important to my family, and giving back was something that just never even felt like work to me. And so I love being able to be a part of the community that I grew up in, and to have the opportunity to change really the beliefs about public education, whether that's, you know, elementary, a first-time parent coming into kindergarten or preschool- Mm-hmm ... or, you know, the family of a senior who's just getting jittery about what is life gonna be like after graduation. And having served at every level, like elementary, middle, and high school, it's just really a joy to be able to be just a small part of a family's journey, and to really, you know, have them know that someone is celebrating their child when they drop them off and leave and go wherever they need to go, that their child is still getting that love and celebration. [00:09:49] Melissa: And that, that is no small thing. I mean, as, as a mom myself- ... we all know the feeling of- Oh, yes ... of leaving our child somewhere. [00:09:55] Dr. Mariah Walker: Oh, yes. [00:09:56] Melissa: And knowing that they're going to be nurtured taught well- [00:10:00] Dr. Mariah Walker: That's right ... [00:10:00] Melissa: around role models in a safe environment. I mean- Absolutely ... come on. You can't ask for anything more than that. Right, right. And, and for your children a- at your high school- [00:10:08] Dr. Mariah Walker: Yes ... [00:10:09] Melissa: to know that they have the principal of the year. I mean, now that's just extra bragging rights. [00:10:13] Dr. Mariah Walker: The, the girls at Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy are phenomenal, and just the way that, um, they inspire and encourage me just by being who they are. We, um, use a, a, a saying that we say, "I am because you are. You are therefore I am." And just being in their essence really is so amazing, and they are just inspiring with, with all that they accomplish and that they do. So it's really a joy to be around them. [00:10:39] Melissa: Well, speaking of being honored, both of you have been recognized as Women of Western Wake. Tamani was in 2023. Correct. And Mariah this year. Women of Western Wake is an annual community event hosted by Cary Magazine that honors outstanding women from Western Wake County, and I'm looking at two- ... great examples right now. Looking back at your careers, what is one piece of advice that you would give to the next generation of young women leaders? Or what would you say to your younger self? [00:11:17] Tamani Powell: Wow. Wow. I don't, I, I honestly, when I look back, I never thought of myself as being a leader- Mm-hmm ... in this capacity. [00:11:28] Dr. Mariah Walker: Mm-hmm. [00:11:30] Tamani Powell: I'm doing things that I did not even dream of because I did not know they were possible. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. So I think I would tell myself, "Be ready for anything, because the world is just there for the taking, and, and be open and be prepared for anything that comes your way." I think that was, um, the thing that I'm most pleased with myself, is I felt like I always made myself ready for whatever came my way, um, because I didn't know to dream- Mm ... for this- Mm-hmm ... at all. Um, so that would be my advice to my younger self, but my advice to anyone is be open and be prepared for whatever life brings you. [00:12:10] Dr. Mariah Walker: Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Yeah. I love that. And Tamani is the magnet school icon of the district- ... so I feel very fortunate to be, um, sitting, sitting next to such a celebrity. As I do with you. Um, but I think if I look back over my career and I think about just what I would say to myself or to other women in the field just looking to do different things, um, I would kind of sum it up as something we use at our school, and that is purpose, heart, and joy, and really finding confidence and comfort in purpose. And so to do that, it does require a lot of grounding work. We talk a lot in our leadership circles about Brené Brown and being vulnerable and, and learning who you are, and learning about the traits and things that you truly believe in, and how that is so, um, fundamental in everything that we do as women leaders. And so I would definitely say, looking back, I, I don't know that I understood how important that was. Mm-hmm. Um, because if you are not clear on your purpose, everyone else will certainly try to give you one. Hmm. Um, so making sure that you find confidence in your purpose, but so, so important that you keep- your heart and you keep joy at the center of what you do because this work is hard. [00:13:24] Melissa: Yeah. [00:13:25] Dr. Mariah Walker: Um- [00:13:25] Melissa: And people can tell when you don't like it. [00:13:27] Dr. Mariah Walker: Absolutely. Right, right. Yeah, yeah. Absolutely. Right. The work is hard. Right. And so you have to have alignment of your purpose with heart and, and bringing joy to each and every day because without that, I mean, you really just lose sight of it, and, and it becomes mundane, it becomes heavy. And I do believe that joyful leadership is what our schools need and what our students and families need to not only see hope in their own educational experience, but the greater educational, um, community as well. [00:13:55] Tamani Powell: Oh, so well said. [00:13:56] Melissa: I know, I love that. Yes. Amen to that. So well said. Because, Yes ... again, you can really tell if somebody, especially in certain careers, like- Mm-hmm teachers, admins- Right ... um, nurses, doctors. Oh, yeah. If you don't like what you do, it, it really resonates- Right ... with everything that you- Yeah ... and the kids especially. I was gonna [00:14:14] Tamani Powell: say, you have to like- Mm-hmm ... and enjoy the people. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Like, you have to have a passion- Oh. Yeah ... for students- Yes. [00:14:20] Melissa: Mm-hmm ... [00:14:21] Tamani Powell: to to be inspiring to them. Mm-hmm. And you don't have to do anything special to be inspiring- Mm-hmm ... but you do have to show love- Yes. Mm-hmm ... and compassion and care- Yes ... and the joy. The joy. Yeah. I love that you said joy. Um, that you find joy in whatever it is you're doing. Oh, yes. That you find joy in that. Yes. 100%. Yes. [00:14:37] Melissa: Before I forget, I want to add a little bit more about the, the Women of Western Wake. [00:14:42] Dr. Mariah Walker: Oh, [00:14:42] Melissa: yes. The, we have a forum on tw- September 25th to celebrate our WOW honorees, Women of Western Wake honorees. Mm-hmm. It's such a unique event. You've been to it. I have. I'm hoping you will be there. I will be attending this one. Good. Yes. It is at The Umstead, which, I mean, what- Yes, beautiful ... more can you ask for? Yes. It is beautiful there. We have speakers, workshops, panel discussions, networking. For more information, including tickets and agenda, go to womenofwesternwake.com. So I had to get that in there. Yes. [00:15:11] Dr. Mariah Walker: Yes. [00:15:11] Melissa: It's gonna be [00:15:12] Dr. Mariah Walker: wonderful. [00:15:12] Melissa: And speaking of leaders, Mariah- Yes ... um, I don't know much about Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy. Okay. Can you tell us about this school? How it came to be, there's also a men's young- Yes ... Leadership Academy. Yeah. So tell us how that came to be, why they're separated- Yes ... and, and just a little bit about that before we dive into magnet schools. Sure. [00:15:33] Dr. Mariah Walker: I would love to. Yeah. [00:15:34] Melissa: Which I didn't even know this was a magnet school, by the way- Oh, yes, yes until I was doing research for this. Mm-hmm. I didn't know this was a magnet school. Yes. I knew it was a p- part of the public school system- Right ... but I didn't understand how. Yes. So I'm gonna let you take that. [00:15:45] Dr. Mariah Walker: Absolutely. So Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy and Wake Young Men's Leadership Academy was established in 2012. Um, sounds like really long ago, but it's really not. But 2012. Um, and at that time, um, the school system was just kind of looking into a little bit more, um, opportunity for smaller creative schools, and within that magnet framework, Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy and Wake Young Men's were able to open. I believe in that same year, Hillbaugh Academy also became pre-K8. Um, so that academy model was just something that, um, was adopted and really took off. So the Wake Young Men's and Wake Young Women's, um, are magnet schools. We are also early colleges, so our students who are in grades 9 through 12 are considered early college students, which is a part of the North Carolina CIHS program, um, which is Cooperative Innovative High Schools which allows students who are first-gen students, um, to really have an opportunity for greater access into post-secondary experiences. But all of our students, regardless of it whether or not you're first gen, can, can take, um, those opportunities to grow and learn. Are [00:16:53] Melissa: you talking about, like, classes- [00:16:54] Dr. Mariah Walker: College classes ... like college classes? Okay. Correct. [00:16:55] Melissa: Yes, [00:16:56] Dr. Mariah Walker: yes. Okay. So there are a couple other early colleges- Mm-hmm ... quite a few, um, throughout not only the state of North Carolina, but here in Wake County as well. But for Wake Young Men's and Wake Young Women, we are partnered with Shaw University now, which is- Oh ... mm-hmm, um, a newer partnership. We've just partnered with them last year. [00:17:12] Melissa: Okay. [00:17:13] Dr. Mariah Walker: Historically, when the school first opened, we were partnered with St. Augustine's University, and then we had a brief, um, middle transition year where we were partnered with Wake Technical Community College. Mm-hmm. Um, and so we are just thankful for that rich history of both our founding partner at St. Augustine's University and then also our time at Wake Tech Community College. And then now we're just thriving and excited about our partnership at Shaw University. Um, our students do not have to declare a major, which is phenomenal. They can earn up to 60 college credits that within the state of North Carolina they can transfer and enter into their first year- With up to 60 credits. So for ex- [00:17:53] Default_2026-07-28_1: That's [00:17:53] Melissa: a lot of credits. [00:17:54] Dr. Mariah Walker: It is. Yeah. For free. For free. Did you mention they were free? Wow. Yes. Wow. Completely free. It's through that CHS. So are you [00:17:59] Melissa: essentially getting an associate's degree by the time you graduate? Is that kind of how it is? Some... [00:18:03] Dr. Mariah Walker: Mm-hmm. Some of the early colleges do offer the associate's degree. Mm-hmm. We do not at Wake Young Men's and Wake Young Women's, and we don't do that because we want our students to be able to really explore a variety of pathways- Mm-hmm ... and really see what their interests may be. You don't wanna [00:18:17] Melissa: pigeonhole them into- [00:18:18] Dr. Mariah Walker: Right, right ... you [00:18:18] Melissa: know, a business degree or- [00:18:20] Dr. Mariah Walker: Mm-hmm ... teaching, whatever. Yes. Yes. But we, on average, I'd say well over 50% of our students when they graduate are graduating and technically could be sophomores or juniors when they enter into their first year of college. Dang, that's a big [00:18:33] Melissa: plus. [00:18:33] Dr. Mariah Walker: Yes, yes. Right. Yeah. And I would say also with the early colleges here in Wake County, over 99% of all of our graduates go on to attend four-year university schools. Tamani, you have spent many years helping families navigate- Yes ... the, the magnet school- Yeah ... system- Mm-hmm ... within Wake County Public School Systems. [00:20:30] Melissa: We talked a little bit about what drew you to this work. I wanna know if you can explain what being a magnet school means. [00:20:39] Tamani Powell: So, and I will, I will say, um, I love working with our magnet schools because I was not a student at a magnet school. Ah, yeah. So I think I see more clearly all of the opportunities- And the differences that students get there. Mm-hmm. Yeah. So when I talk to parents, I talk about, um, what students have to learn is the same. Right. The curriculum, the what, is the same. How you learn it, the opportunities for electives or a different instructional delivery style, or opportunities in a smaller school setting- Mm-hmm that lead to an early college. So it's about the environment- [00:21:19] Dr. Mariah Walker: Mm-hmm ... [00:21:19] Tamani Powell: that the student is in that makes it different. Um, and for some students, that is exactly where they need to be. Um, there are students who really... And I wanted my daughter to go. There are students who really thrive in a smaller setting. Yeah. And in that Wake Young Women's and Wake Young Men's single gender setting, grades six through 10- Mm-hmm ... that's exactly where those students need to be. Mm-hmm. But there are other students, like my amazing daughter- Mm-hmm ... who really needed to thrive- Mm-hmm ... at a place that had a really strong arts, visual and performing arts- Mm-hmm, gotcha program. Yeah. That's her thing. Mm-hmm. That's her gift. Mm-hmm. And being at her magnet allowed her to really explore and grow in her gifted area. Right. [00:22:02] Melissa: And she ended up going to Enloe. [00:22:04] Tamani Powell: She ended up going to Enloe. [00:22:05] Melissa: What, what are, what is Enloe's focus? Is it visual arts? Every- [00:22:09] Tamani Powell: Or [00:22:09] Melissa: STEM, or- [00:22:10] Tamani Powell: It's everything. Everything. It's everything. But it is, so it's gifted and talented- Mm-hmm ... which in the Wake County Public School System, in our magnet, just means everybody has gifts and talents. Mm. And these schools offer a huge array of electives or- Yes ... opportunities for students to explore or grow their gift or talent. [00:22:27] Melissa: Mm-hmm. [00:22:28] Tamani Powell: Mm. So it's really- Or [00:22:28] Melissa: even find what their gift or talent is ... or [00:22:30] Tamani Powell: even find what, they don't know what it is [00:22:31] Melissa: yet. Yeah. [00:22:32] Tamani Powell: I love that. [00:22:32] Melissa: Most people don't. Yeah. You know? That's right. We're expecting the kids to know what they want- Right ... to go into college to do. Right. Yeah. And- Right ... I mean, I didn't know I wanted to be a writer until I was- Right 30-plus years old. Right. I love that. So, yeah. [00:22:42] Tamani Powell: And so had you gone to Enloe, you [00:22:44] Melissa: Perhaps. Perhaps, yes. But, [00:22:46] Tamani Powell: no, it, but it does give the students an opportunity to really explore. Mm-hmm. My daughter kind of already knew she loved dance, she loved the visual arts. My son really this year is kind of finding himself. Mm-hmm. Last year he was like, eh, took some electives and they were fine, but now he's kind of refined what he, what he wants to focus on. And so being at Enloe is giving him an amazing opportunity to- To take different electives and explore different things, and kind of figure out what he wants to do. But each of our magnets has- Mm-hmm a, a purpose or a reason or an opportunity for students to learn in a different way. So what you have to learn is the same, but how you learn it, the things you get to do, the way the teachers deliver the instruction is what makes a magnet school different. [00:23:32] Melissa: And also a magnet school is different in terms of... And I'm, I'm not well-versed in this, you are. Okay. So I'm gonna, I'm looking at you. [00:23:39] Tamani Powell: I'll, I'll fix it up. [00:23:41] Melissa: Yeah, yeah. You'll have to fix it up 'cause I'm gonna mangle it up. Um, but, you know, each address is assigned to a school. Mm. But magnet schools you can enter a lottery- Mm-hmm. Correct ... to get into, but you won't necessarily, unless it is your base school, have transportation. [00:23:57] Tamani Powell: That is correct. [00:23:58] Melissa: So let's talk a little about- That's right ... about the logistics- Sure ... of magnet school programs. Sure. So [00:24:01] Tamani Powell: let me start with Wake County Schools in general. Mm-hmm. Every address has an identified base school. Yes. That's the school you're assigned to based on your address. By your address. Mm-hmm. If you do nothing, you go to Sanderson High School- Mm-hmm ... if that's your base school. Mm-hmm. And then there are magnet options- Mm-hmm ... available in the district that you can apply to. So for every address, there are a lot of different magnet schools- Mm-hmm ... that a family could apply to. Um, on the application, you can identify up to five schools that you would like to request. Yes. [00:24:33] Melissa: So in the case of your daughter, for example- Mm-hmm ... she might have applied to hope to get in to Wake Young Women's- [00:24:39] Tamani Powell: Correct ... [00:24:40] Melissa: but she didn't get in, s- but she did get into Enloe. Enloe. Okay. Correct. Okay. Correct. [00:24:44] Tamani Powell: I, well, okay, the hope for Wake Young Women's- ... was more mine than [00:24:51] Melissa: hers. It's okay. As it should be. It's okay. I mean, we're helping guide our children, [00:24:54] Dr. Mariah Walker: so. We want every single [00:24:56] Tamani Powell: young woman- I try to guide her that way ... to find [00:24:57] Dr. Mariah Walker: their purpose in [00:24:58] Tamani Powell: life. Yes, yes. Yes, [00:24:58] Dr. Mariah Walker: yes. So I'm happy that [00:24:59] Tamani Powell: she is happy. She did. She did. I, I wanted that for her- Yes ... but I wanted that for her. [00:25:04] Melissa: Yeah. [00:25:04] Tamani Powell: Um, and she needed to be somewhere else. [00:25:08] Melissa: Mm-hmm. [00:25:08] Tamani Powell: So we- It [00:25:09] Melissa: all worked out very [00:25:10] Tamani Powell: well. It, it all worked out. Yes. Yes. She is where she graduated from, where she needed to be. But, um, and so another thing I just want to clarify, we use a selection process that includes a weighted lottery. Mm. So I just... And people who want more information- ... can contact me, and I can talk in lots of detail. But when you apply, we use a weighted selection process. The purpose of magnets in Wake County Schools is to create a healthy and balanced student population in our magnet schools, and so we use a weighted selection process that helps us meet those objectives. We use a different application process for our early colleges because they have a different objective. Mm-hmm. Um, so that's a whole- I- ... lot of detailed information. [00:25:53] Dr. Mariah Walker: No, it's wonderful. I think one thing that you said that really stands out to me, so often we will meet parents at open houses, at, you know, s- school fairs, and very oftentimes a parent has a vision of what they want for their student. Correct. And that is not always aligned with what their student has vision for themselves. [00:26:13] Melissa: Yeah, [00:26:13] Dr. Mariah Walker: yeah. Right. And so I love that you said that, you know, you had a vision, but what your daughter really wanted and needed, she really needed to have that, and- Right ... I just think that's so important. As, you know, a boy mom, I often like to think that I know best, but I'm rapidly learning that sometimes, you know, we have to let them- Yeah, [00:26:31] Melissa: you have [00:26:31] Dr. Mariah Walker: to pivot. Yeah. 'Cause your boys are getting [00:26:32] Tamani Powell: older now. [00:26:33] Dr. Mariah Walker: Oh, yes. Mm-hmm. [00:26:34] Tamani Powell: They're getting older. [00:26:34] Dr. Mariah Walker: We have to let them. [00:26:35] Tamani Powell: And they do, and students have to have some agency- They do. They do ... and some voice and choice in what's- Yeah ... happening in their lives, especially as they get older. Mm-hmm. Um, and so- It's [00:26:43] Dr. Mariah Walker: the hardest part of being a parent. [00:26:44] Tamani Powell: It is the hardest part- Yes ... of being a parent, is helping them. 'Cause we do know best. We [00:26:47] Dr. Mariah Walker: do. We do. [00:26:49] Tamani Powell: And it's hel- but it, it is helping understand that was my dream. [00:26:52] Melissa: Right. Yeah. [00:26:53] Tamani Powell: And- Yeah ... she had a dre- and honestly- Yes ... where she landed was a better fit- [00:26:58] Melissa: Mm-hmm ... [00:26:59] Tamani Powell: for her. [00:26:59] Melissa: Yeah. [00:27:00] Tamani Powell: Right. And so that's the opportunity that you find in magnet schools- Mm-hmm is we offer programs that are often a better fit- That's [00:27:06] Dr. Mariah Walker: right ... [00:27:06] Tamani Powell: for a child's learning needs or learning experiences. So that's where we landed. [00:27:11] Melissa: And my, my two, well, well, my son just graduated Athens. Yes. My daughter is still at Athens, and I'll have a younger one- That's awesome ... coming through as well. Yes. But that's our base school. So w- I didn't have to go through the- Right ... the whole lottery But every [00:27:23] Tamani Powell: student [00:27:24] Melissa: in the [00:27:24] Tamani Powell: school participates in the magnet theme. [00:27:26] Melissa: Yes. Mm-hmm. So- Because it's a school- Yes ... program. Yeah. And I, that's what I wanna focus on next. Yes. So each school essentially has different themes. Mm-hmm. Correct. Mariah, your school is leadership- Leadership. Mm-hmm ... obviously. Yes. Um, at Athens, we're kind of the rare, I think, double magnet. That's correct. Which I almost consider us a triple magnet- ... because we have STEM- [00:27:48] Dr. Mariah Walker: Yep ... [00:27:49] Melissa: but we also have the health sciences program. That's correct, yes. And within that, there's animal sciences- Yes and human health science. Right. Right. My daughter is in the animal science- I love it [00:27:58] Dr. Mariah Walker: So amazing. [00:27:59] Melissa: I love it ... um, magnet program. Um- I was wondering, though, if you can give us other examples that maybe aren't STEM and leadership and- Oh, yeah ... and science heavy. [00:28:08] Tamani Powell: So, so Enloe is kind of offers everything because of the huge array of electives that they offer. Mm-hmm. Um, Enloe offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma program. Mm-hmm. Athens is actually the only magnet high school that does not offer the IB diploma program. [00:28:24] Melissa: So why not? [00:28:24] Tamani Powell: Um, we haven't- [00:28:25] Melissa: Is there a reason or- [00:28:26] Tamani Powell: We haven't put it there yet. [00:28:27] Melissa: Oh, okay. So it's just really- Yet. Yeah. Yeah. Okay. [00:28:30] Tamani Powell: It's not, there's no reason. It's the newest magnet high school. Oh, okay. It's the newest magnet theme. We haven't done that yet. Oh. But so there are, Broughton offers the International Baccalaureate program along with the Global Studies program. Mm-hmm. Millbrook. Um, Southeast, it still leans very tech heavy. They do engineering. They do design- [00:28:47] Dr. Mariah Walker: Mm. [00:28:47] Tamani Powell: Okay ... um, at Southeast. Millbrook and Garner both offer the IB program. Mm-hmm. So there are some that are lean heavily STEM. [00:28:54] Dr. Mariah Walker: Yes. [00:28:54] Tamani Powell: That's Southeast. Mm-hmm. Some that lean more visual and performing arts, and that's Enloe, although they have a lot of STEM opportunities- Mm-hmm ... in the elective program. And then you have Athens that leans very STEM. [00:29:05] Dr. Mariah Walker: And that's just thinking, right, secondary, but if you- Right ... you know, even look across at all the magnet elementary options you have, like, Powell, which really emphasizes play-based learning. Right. Um, and so I think just the variety of programs across the board, not only when you look at, like, a secondary level but including- Right the elementary grades too. Right. [00:29:23] Tamani Powell: The other good piece is each of our elementary programs- Mm-hmm ... so Moriah mentioned they can be very, very varied. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. But they all line up into either, um, STEM- Yes ... International Baccalaureate. We have immersion programs. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. And that's where students are- For languages. Yeah ... immersed in the language beginning in kindergarten. I [00:29:41] Melissa: actually love that. It's so awesome. [00:29:42] Tamani Powell: Yeah. So awesome. Yeah. What great prep for living in the world that we live in. Oh, yeah. [00:29:47] Melissa: Absolutely. Right. International. Well, I went to Jeffries Grove Elementary School. Oh, yeah. But now that is a Spanish immersion program. That it is. It is Spanish immersion. Yeah. Which just was not when I was there. Yeah. So my, my Spanish is very rusty. Yes. [00:29:58] Tamani Powell: Yes. Yes. [00:29:59] Melissa: But I would've loved that. Right. I mean, and it would've given me- So nice ... a, a leg up- [00:30:02] Tamani Powell: Exactly ... [00:30:03] Melissa: in today's world. Exactly. Mm-hmm. Exactly. Um, okay. I said that I have a recent high school graduate- Yes which, um- [00:30:09] Dr. Mariah Walker: Congratulations. [00:30:10] Melissa: Thank you. I don't wanna talk about it. But thank you. [00:30:13] Tamani Powell: Except that he's going to NC State, and then she doesn't want to talk about it. Yeah. [00:30:15] Melissa: Now. Yeah. Now. I, I feel a lot better about that. Um, it does make a big difference. Um, but what I'm wondering is- Let's talk about the process of graduates. Mm-hmm. What being a part of magnet programs, how, how that gives them a little bit of an advantage- Mm-hmm ... perhaps, maybe not, being a- applying to colleges. Right. We've been through the whole application process. It is, it is quite an adventure. Mm-hmm. But how does it help you prepare for college, careers, post post-education life as a student? Mm-hmm. [00:30:50] Tamani Powell: So let's talk about the early college- Oh, sure ... first, 'cause I think- Oh, [00:30:53] Melissa: yeah ... [00:30:53] Tamani Powell: that's probably- Yeah, absolutely ... really in line with prepping kids for college. [00:30:56] Dr. Mariah Walker: Oh, absolutely. Right, right. One of the things that I love about the early college model and the early college program is just how much exposure they get, right? So when they are in high school, they're already learning how to navigate a campus. They're learning how to take advantage of, you know, office hours, emailing, and meeting with their professors. They're learning how to navigate the world independently of, you know, a teacher being right over their shoulder and honestly, even their parent, right? So in that, um, model, the parents are really giving the student that kind of trust to say, "I trust that you are managing your classes, your professors." But that's [00:31:30] Melissa: also part of being a leader. [00:31:32] Dr. Mariah Walker: It is. Not [00:31:32] Melissa: just the early college part. Yes, yes. That, that's all rolled into [00:31:36] Dr. Mariah Walker: leadership [00:31:36] Melissa: too. [00:31:37] Dr. Mariah Walker: Oh, yes. Yes. Mm-hmm. But I love seeing that emerge for our students. So when they do land on a college campus, they're already familiar with how to handle some of those things. Um, you mentioned something, um, in your question of just thinking about how magnet schools prepare, not only for the academic rigor and those things, which I think Wake County Schools- Certainly does a great job with that, but just the experience of a unique community and how the world is just so wide and vast. Mm-hmm. And I love that about magnet schools. Yeah. Right. I feel like you are seeing so many different populations. You're experiencing so many different people, and that is our world. [00:32:12] Tamani Powell: Right. [00:32:12] Dr. Mariah Walker: That is our world. [00:32:13] Melissa: Yeah. [00:32:13] Tamani Powell: Right. I was gonna say, I think the population- Yeah. Mm-hmm ... in our magnet school really prepares students well. Yes. I think the opportunity, you mentioned this earlier, about learning about yourself. Yes. And I think being in a magnet and those courses that you're able to take- Sure ... or the exposure that you have really help you learn yourself- Mm-hmm which is gonna better prepare you for being in college and- Mm-hmm ... and being in your career. Mm-hmm. And really finding, not waiting until your 30s- Yes ... really finding yourself a little bit earlier and really being able to prepare and move forward. [00:32:42] Melissa: Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Yeah. Because I do feel like a lot of kids will leave high school just like I did, go into college not having a clue- Mm-hmm what I'm good at- Right ... what I'm interested in, what I want to do- Right ... what options are out there. Mm-hmm. But I feel like Athens helped prepare my kids because of electives. Correct. Mm-hmm, mm-hmm. Because also the teachers seem like they have such niche- [00:33:04] Dr. Mariah Walker: That's right. [00:33:04] Melissa: Right, right ... Things that they're teaching. That's right. Right. Um, and it really has helped guide- [00:33:09] Tamani Powell: Right As, when I was a magnet teacher, I was saying earlier, I really, I loved teaching in a magnet school because I got to really be engaged and involved with my curriculum. Yes. It was something that I loved already- Yes ... and I loved to teach, so I brought that joy- Yeah. Yes ... and that passion to teaching that curriculum to students. Mm-hmm. Um, so I think that's what students at magnet schools carry with them. I know Kelsey- Mm-hmm ... took psych and suddenly she was like, "Oh my God, I wanna be a psych major." [00:33:35] Dr. Mariah Walker: Yes. [00:33:36] Tamani Powell: Yeah. Excellent then. I, I love that she found that in high school- Mm-hmm. [00:33:39] Dr. Mariah Walker: Yep ... [00:33:39] Tamani Powell: and will be able to take that to college with her. Yeah, [00:33:41] Dr. Mariah Walker: and just the way the gifts and talents- Mm-hmm ... like you said earlier, are celebrated for each student. I mean, my third-grader- Right ... was starting band in third grade, and- Mm ... we never knew he was gonna love band. And now, you know, in middle school he loves band. Right. He also has been on the magnet school track team, and, you know, football. Just things that you wouldn't think about, right? But the, having that opportunity to have a teacher who has that niche and can pull that out of a student- Mm. Right. Right ... to say, you know, "This is also you." Right. Same kid is also doing magnet chess. Right. Right? So just that- Yeah. Wide variety- Mm-hmm ... and being able to see students, you know, enjoy so many different levels of themselves. [00:34:17] Melissa: Right, right. It's just like anything in life. If you have the opportunity and you- That's right ... see the opportunity- That's right. Correct ... and it's right there that you can- Yep. Right ... you can take it- Right ... then- And you can [00:34:26] Tamani Powell: see yourself in that opportunity. Yes. You're given the opportunity, but you've got somebody who's supporting you- Mm-hmm ... and brings that out, and you can really see yourself- Yeah ... in that opportunity. I think that's amazing. Mm-hmm, [00:34:36] Melissa: because if you don't see it, then how do you even know that it's gonna be there for you- That's right to be able to do [00:34:40] Tamani Powell: it? [00:34:40] Melissa: Correct. That's [00:34:41] Dr. Mariah Walker: right, [00:34:41] Tamani Powell: the exposure. Hence my not having dreamed about this- Yes ... because I had no idea- Mm-hmm ... to even dream- Yes. [00:34:46] Dr. Mariah Walker: That's [00:34:46] Tamani Powell: right ... about this. [00:34:47] Dr. Mariah Walker: Yeah. Well, the exposure and being in a space- Mm-hmm When you're in it, it's different from hearing about it. It is. 100% So living it, seeing it, walking it, believing it, and growing into that allows- Right you to step into something that otherwise would've been a door, but now it's a window. Right. [00:35:01] Melissa: Yeah. Mm. We're gonna end there. Wow. Exactly. Yes, love it. I, before we go, though, I want you guys to tell people, especially with the magnet school program, Tamani, how people can get in touch with you. I know you're very open to receiving calls and emails. I am. I am. Good. Um, so if you can share how we can learn more about the programs, and if we have any questions, how to reach out to you. [00:35:24] Tamani Powell: Certainly. So we host lots of events. Schools do, too. Mm-hmm. Schools will begin hosting tours, um, late September, early October. Yep. [00:35:31] Melissa: And I, by the way, I highly suggest people go on their tours. So valuable. Highly suggest. It, yes. So valuable. It's so much different than reading about it. So valuable. Yeah. [00:35:39] Tamani Powell: We do parent info sessions. Mm-hmm. Um, I do them in person and virtual, so that if you know nothing, you jump on our website, um, and we'll have the dates on there for our upcoming parent information sessions. That's just kind of the quick start- Mm-hmm ... where we do very general information about, here are magnet schools. Here's what we do. Here's what we offer. Schools do tours. We have a big magnet fair. We have small mini fairs. We have lots of opportunities. Parents can schedule a one-on-one virtual meeting with me. [00:36:07] Dr. Mariah Walker: Dun, dun, dun. [00:36:08] Tamani Powell: Dun, dun, dun. [00:36:08] Melissa: Nice. [00:36:09] Tamani Powell: If they have really individual questions that they wanna get answered, then we will schedule a time where they can talk just to me. We can have a little conversation. [00:36:18] Dr. Mariah Walker: It's just amazing, and I wanna just share thanks, because I think in a county that's so big, right? Yes. Taking the big and making it small is really what makes folks feel seen, heard, and valued. Right. Yeah. So just take Tamani up on her willingness to do that. [00:36:33] Melissa: That's, I'm, that's why- Yes ... I'm sitting here surprised- Yes ... because there's a lot of people are so busy- That's right ... with such a big county that- Right ... you don't want people c- saying, "Hey, let's set a meeting." [00:36:42] Dr. Mariah Walker: That's right. That's right. [00:36:43] Melissa: Or a phone call. But I do- So that's very- ... 'cause yeah, [00:36:45] Tamani Powell: I [00:36:45] Melissa: really [00:36:46] Tamani Powell: want to meet you folks. But that shows your joy. Yes. It does. In what [00:36:47] Melissa: you're doing. [00:36:48] Dr. Mariah Walker: That's right. Yeah. I love it. [00:36:49] Tamani Powell: I love it. Yeah. [00:36:49] Melissa: I [00:36:49] Tamani Powell: think we have- So meaningful ... the most amazing programs and the most amazing principals. Yeah. I am so excited about Dr. Walker's win this year. Yeah. Thank you. Really, when she came to Wake Young Women's, we were elated, and she has just- Thank you ... grown that school in ways that we had not dreamed. Thank you. [00:37:05] Melissa: Yeah. Thank [00:37:05] Tamani Powell: you. Yeah. She is just taking it to a different level. So- Thank you ... um, and her work with their transition to Shaw University, incredible. Thank you. [00:37:12] Dr. Mariah Walker: Incredible, so. [00:37:13] Melissa: And you're still young, too. You have a lot- [00:37:15] Dr. Mariah Walker: Yeah ... more [00:37:15] Melissa: to go. Bless you. A lot of good years to come. [00:37:18] Dr. Mariah Walker: Thank you. Bless you. I, I claim that, too. [00:37:20] Melissa: And I am excited to see you. I'll circle back to the Women Of Western Wake. Yes. I'll see you in, September 25th. Can't [00:37:26] Dr. Mariah Walker: wait. [00:37:26] Melissa: Womenofwesternwake.com for more information. See you then, and thank you guys so much for being here today. Thank [00:37:32] Dr. Mariah Walker: you. [00:37:32] Melissa: Thank you. I'm excited to, to know more about the magnet program. Yay. Thank you. That I'm already a part of, but I didn't know much about. Thank you, ladies. Thank [00:37:39] Dr. Mariah Walker: you. [00:37:40] Default_2026-07-28_1: Thank you.