A testament to the adage “Life is a journey with many paths“, Antoinette L. Rayburn has traveled down multiple roads and succeeded in multiple professional fields.
For over 15 years, Rayburn worked in the finance industry, where she was a founding member of a full-service investment bank, brokerage, and advisory firm in Chicago that provides capital solutions for governmental and institutional entities across the globe. Later, she was inspired to become a substitute teacher, where an entirely new journey opened up for the Purdue University graduate.
In addition to her bachelor’s degree in marketing communications from Purdue, Rayburn went on to earn a master’s in school counseling from Concordia University Chicago and a master’s in educational leadership from Governors State University all while embarking upon her now almost two decade career in education as school counselor and technology teacher at SPEED S,E, J.A. District 802. After nearly nine years as Director of College & Career Readiness and Student Programming at Proviso Township – District 209 and Director of Secondary Education & Leadership at Kankakee – District 111, Rayburn was named to her current position as Career Academy Lead at Rich Township – District 227 in 2022.
“My philosophy on education is that each child is a unique individual who needs a telescope to envision their future, a guide to create their path, and an opportunity to thrive in an environment where they can grow and mature emotionally, intellectually, physically, and socially,” she says.
Currently pursuing her PhD in organizational leadership with a focus on culturally responsive pedagogy, Rayburn is also an avid supporter of cancer research, a member of numerous education-focused professional organizations, and proudly serves on the Board of Directors for the Chicago Metropolitan Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.
N’DIGO recently sat down with the multi-talented educator to learn more about her work and the next path she plans to travel down.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Antoinette Rayburn?
Antoinette Rayburn: I am someone who leads with love and cares deeply for those around me. I use my life and leadership to motivate others to push through adversity and find purpose.
What are three words family and friends would use to describe you?
Inspiring. Loving, Resilient/Strong.
As a child, what did you dream of doing for a living as an adult?
I dreamed of dancing on Broadway! I was captivated by performance art and loved expressing myself through movement and music. I even trained in dance and envisioned a future on stage. But as I grew older and went to college, I discovered a deep passion for science and caring for others, which ultimately led me to pursue medicine instead. Life had other plans for me, but my love for the arts still lives in everything I do, especially how I connect with others.
How did you start your path into education?
My education journey wasn’t linear. After undergrad, I found myself in sales and marketing, and later transitioned into finance. At the time, I had no desire to go into education because I had witnessed how challenging it was through my mother, who was an administrator. But everything changed once I became a parent. I began substitute teaching and immediately fell in love with the energy, curiosity, and potential of students. It awakened something in me. That passion eventually led me to become a school counselor, and now I serve as a leader in the education space.
What are some of your day-to-day duties as Academy Lead, Health & Human Services for Rich Township – District 227?
Every day is about making sure our students have access to the tools and opportunities they need to thrive, not just academically, but socially and emotionally. I support teachers in curriculum development, expand and refine career academies, and lead initiatives that improve student achievement. A large part of my work involves analyzing data and applying culturally responsive strategies that support the whole child. That means seeing each student fully, including their challenges, identities, and lived experiences—and creating spaces where they can grow, belong, and succeed.
What are three principles or ideals you try to abide by in your work?
- Visionary Leadership – I believe in forward-thinking leadership that challenges the status quo and pushes toward equity and excellence.
- Equity & Cultural Responsiveness – I aim to create environments that affirm every student’s identity and lived experience.
- Unity of Purpose – I work to build alignment among educators, families, and communities so that every decision supports student growth.
How do you balance your work and personal life and practice self-care?
For 23 years, I was a single mother, and balancing work and life was an ongoing challenge. But everything shifted when I lost my only child to breast cancer last year. That loss changed my perspective entirely. I now prioritize self-care not as a luxury, but as a necessity. I focus on healing, honoring her legacy, and doing the things that bring me joy. Whether it’s walking, reflecting, or surrounding myself with people who fill my spirit, I’ve learned that caring for myself is an act of strength.
The last great book you read?
Caste by Isabel Wilkerson. It opened my eyes to how deeply rooted our social systems are and how they continue to shape our lives. It was powerful, emotional, and thought-provoking—exactly the kind of book that stays with you.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
Although I’ve spent most of my life in the suburbs of Chicago, I was born in Indiana. People often assume I’m a lifelong Chicagoan, but my roots are a little more complex! Not to mention my family’s southern beginnings that create the true fabric of who I am.
Best advice you have for the youth?
Your path won’t always be straight, and that’s okay. Life will throw you curveballs, detours, and storms—but that doesn’t mean you’re not on your way to something beautiful. Learn from every moment, especially the difficult ones. Keep moving. Don’t let anyone tell you that you’ve reached your limit.
Someone once said, “Don’t confuse your path with your destination. Just because it’s stormy now doesn’t mean you’re not headed for sunshine.”
Favorite quote or affirmation?
It’s hard to choose just one, but a quote I return to often is by Maya Angelou:
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”
It reminds me that life is about more than endurance—it’s about living fully and with intention.
What’s next for Antoinette Rayburn?
I’m leaning into advocacy, especially around issues that impact Black women and girls. I also plan to expand into consulting, helping organizations and institutions reimagine how they serve youth. We can’t keep doing the same things and expect different outcomes. It’s time to challenge outdated systems, center student voices, and create pathways for true transformation in education and beyond.
For more information on Antoinette “Toi” Rayburn, please visit www.toirayburn.com.
