Misty D. Freeman, EdD

What’s the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned?

That true leadership creates spaces where people feel safe, valued, and heard. It fuels innovation, collaboration, and meaningful impact through inclusion and authenticity.

What do you consider to be your most important career achievement or milestone?

Founding Mocha Sprout is my greatest milestone. It unites my work in education, behavioral science, and leadership to drive inclusion and innovation in AI, empowering organizations to bridge the gap between technology and culture while amplifying the voices of historically marginalized individuals.

What do you aspire to accomplish in your career and why? What obstacles will you overcome?

To shape a more inclusive AI future where culture and technology evolve in tandem. I aim to close equity gaps in tech by embedding a sense of belonging in innovation. I’ll overcome bias, access barriers, and resistance to change by using evidence-based, human-centered strategies.

Describe an amazing opportunity in your STEM career.

All of my opportunities are amazing, especially when leading AI inclusion strategy sessions with cross-industry leaders. It enables me to merge behavioral science with technology, amplify underrepresented voices, and influence how organizations integrate ethics and belonging into their innovation.

How was AWIS helped you professionally and/or personally?

AWIS has provided a powerful community of support, inspiration, and shared purpose. AWIS has helped me connect with like-minded women in STEM, expand my network, and stay grounded in my mission to lead with inclusion, innovation, and impact.

What is your favorite word? (only one word)

Belonging

How do you define it?

Belonging means feeling seen, valued, and empowered to show up authentically. It’s the foundation for innovation, equity, and connection, where diverse voices shape the future, and every individual knows they matter in the spaces they occupy.

How has this word influenced or inspired your career?

Belonging has shaped my entire career. It drives how I lead, teach, and innovate, ensuring all voices are included in shaping tech and education. It inspires me to build spaces where diversity thrives and meaningful, human-centered progress is possible.

How does AWIS impact your career journey?

AWIS supports my journey by connecting me with a vibrant network of women in STEM, offering inspiration, resources, and advocacy. It reinforces my mission to lead with inclusion and helps amplify my voice in shaping a more equitable future in tech and science.

What are you currently reading or listening to?

I’m currently reading Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown and listening to the Tech Policy Press podcast. Both deepen my understanding of human connection, ethics, and the cultural impact of technology, key to my work at the intersection of AI and belonging.

What do you consider the best professional or personal advice you’ve ever received?

Lead with purpose, not position. It reminds me that true impact comes from aligning my values with action, creating change not through titles, but through intentional, inclusive leadership rooted in service.

Dr. Misty D. Freeman is a visionary leader in inclusive AI, belonging strategy, and behavioral science, with over 25 years of experience in education and leadership. As founder of Mocha Sprout, she empowers organizations to bridge culture and tech, tackle AI bias, and foster equity. With advanced degrees and certifications, she champions innovation driven by diverse voices. Her mission is to ensure that AI and emerging technologies serve all people in an ethical, equitable, and humane manner.