Today we’d like to introduce you to Daphne Moriel De Cedeno.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born and raised in Oak Cliff, and that place has always shaped who I am. I attended Bishop Dunne Catholic School for high school, and it was there that my journey in education and community began to take root. After college, I became a high school Spanish teacher and wrestling coach, spending many years in the classroom and on the mat. I eventually moved into school leadership as an assistant principal, continuing to serve students and families in a deeper capacity.
Along the way, I pursued my own education and earned a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership with a minor in Research, Measurement, and Statistics. That academic journey gave me a strong foundation in data-informed decision-making and strengthened my belief in the transformative power of education.
My path then led me into higher education, where I became the Director of Research and Data Analytics at Moreland University. In that role, I helped prepare future educators, supporting them as they earned their teaching certifications and master’s degrees. It was fulfilling work that reinforced my belief in the importance of empowering educators.
About a year ago, I took a leap of faith and co-founded my own consulting firm with two close friends. From the beginning, I felt that this path was divinely guided and protected. Just weeks into launching, we signed our first contract—and we’ve been in business ever since. Our firm partners with small businesses, solopreneurs, nonprofits, and higher education institutions, with a focus on curriculum development, strategic planning, and leadership development.
Beyond my professional work, I stay deeply connected to the community. I serve on the board of a local charter school district, and I’m also on the strategic planning steering committee at Bishop Dunne, where I coach both the boys and girls wrestling teams. I serve on the advisory boards of two nonprofits—Maryland Reads and the 826 Dallas Project—and I also work directly with students as a writing instructor.
My passion lies in helping people thrive, especially through education. I believe education is the most powerful gift we can offer—because it’s the one thing no one can ever take away from you.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all—but I wouldn’t trade the journey for anything.
There have been seasons of doubt, burnout, and having to constantly prove myself in rooms where people didn’t expect to see someone like me leading. Being a Latina woman in leadership, especially in education and entrepreneurship, means you’re often navigating spaces that weren’t built for you. I’ve had to learn how to hold my ground while also staying open, grounded in my purpose, and committed to doing things differently—more human, more heart-centered, and more just.
Leaving a secure position in higher education to start a business was a leap of faith. There were moments of uncertainty, sleepless nights, and plenty of questions about whether I was doing the right thing. But every challenge reaffirmed my calling. I leaned into the trust that I am divinely guided and protected, into my community, and into the belief that this work is bigger than me.
I’ve also faced the emotional weight of carrying so much—coaching, teaching, leading, showing up for students, families, and entire organizations—all while trying to carve out time for my own well-being. But even in the hard moments, I’ve always been reminded why I do this. When I see organizations, leaders, and students thrive- it’s all worth it.
So no, it hasn’t been smooth. But it’s been real, it’s been purposeful, and it’s been filled with growth every step of the way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
ConnectEd Consulting LLC is a mission-driven consulting firm founded by three educators who believe in the power of strategy, education, and community to spark meaningful change. We bring years of experience in K–12 and higher education, nonprofit work, and entrepreneurship—and together, we support small businesses, solopreneurs, nonprofits (especially small to midsize), and higher education institutions through curriculum development, strategic planning, and leadership development.
I bring a deeply personal commitment to equity, cultural responsiveness, and ensuring that underrepresented voices are not just included, but centered. That lens, combined with our team’s collective expertise, allows us to design human-centered, data-informed solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs.
What sets us apart is our ability to balance big-picture strategy with practical, actionable support. We’re not just here to offer advice—we co-create, we execute, and we walk alongside our clients from ideation to implementation. Whether it’s designing a professional learning series, reimagining an organization’s internal structure, or helping someone turn their passion project into a sustainable business, we show up with intention, clarity, and heart.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the trust we’ve built. Within just weeks of launching, we secured our first contract and have continued to grow through word-of-mouth and strong relationships. Our clients know we lead with integrity, deliver with excellence, and always stay aligned with our values.
At ConnectEd Consulting, we believe powerful things happen when people feel seen, heard, and supported. That’s what we do—connect people to their purpose, their potential, and their next bold step.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://connectedconsultingllc.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectedconsultingllc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558604108461
Image Credits
Elizabeth Schultz
