Courage, Calling & Career: Rethinking Education, Trades and Your Next Chapter with Dr. Nelva Lee

What if education prepared young people not only to graduate—but to confidently step into a career? And what if women in midlife realized it is never too late to learn a new skill, pursue a new calling, or completely reinvent what comes next?

In this episode of the Wise Divine Women Podcast, Dana Irvine sits down with Dr. Nelva Lee, entrepreneur, author, educator, advocate, and former 2026 candidate for Georgia State School Superintendent, for an inspiring conversation about education, workforce readiness, faith, courage, resilience, and creating meaningful change.

Dr. Lee shares why she believes trade education deserves a much larger place in our schools. Her vision is simple but powerful: give young people opportunities to graduate from high school with practical, industry-recognized skills that can lead directly to meaningful careers—with or without a traditional four-year college degree.

But this conversation isn't only about teenagers.

Dana and Dr. Lee explore how women in midlife can also rediscover their passions, explore certification programs, learn new skills, and step into an entirely different career chapter. After years spent raising families, building careers, and meeting everyone else's needs, this may be the season to ask: What has God placed on my heart now?

Episode Highlights & Timestamps

00:49 – A Heart for Advocacy
02:05 – Why Trade Education Matters
03:31 – Preparing Students for the Workforce
05:51 – What Actually Counts as a Trade?
08:33 – Reinventing Yourself in Midlife
09:28 – Scholarships and Funding Opportunities
12:48 – Redefining Courage
14:30 – Turning Down the Noise
16:32 – Test the Waters
17:31 – Books as Written Testimonies
24:06 – Dr. Lee's Word of Wisdom

Connect With Dr. Nelva Lee

Learn more about Dr. Nelva Lee, her books, advocacy, educational work, interviews, and projects at DrNelvaLee.com.

A Final Thought

Your purpose does not expire because you've reached a certain age, raised your children, completed one career, or taken an unexpected path. Sometimes the next chapter begins by becoming quiet enough to hear the direction God is giving you—and courageous enough to take the first step.

For support with hormones, metabolism, breast health, digestion, and whole-body wellness, visit DanaIrvine.com and book a Health Clarity Call.

Subscribe to the Wise Divine Women Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with a woman who is ready to step courageously into her next chapter.

Editor's note: The interview references Dr. Lee's 2026 campaign for Georgia State School Superintendent and the May 19 election. That primary has since taken place; the episode's discussion reflects the circumstances at the time it was recorded. Official Georgia election results show the Republican primary was led by incumbent Richard Woods

Dr. Nelva Lee, trade education, vocational education, career education, career change for women, women in midlife, midlife career change, women over 40, workforce development, high school trade certification, skilled trades, career certification, education reform, student debt, career readiness, women and education, faith and purpose,