22 Inspiring Education Leaders Join the Transformative Leadership Experience
Black Principals Network, an initiative powered by Surge Institute, proudly announces its third cohort of The Leadership Collaborative, welcoming 22 exceptional Black school leaders from across seven states and the nation’s capital. As part of this transformative experience, these visionary educators will engage in a powerful network designed for their professional growth, restoration and sustainability in the field of education.
Originally launched in 2021 by Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, Black Principals Network was designed to curate space for Black principals from across the country in pursuit of community, professional growth and collective liberation. Since its inception, the hope was that BPN would find a home with an aligned organization.
“As we celebrate the third anniversary of the Black Principals Network’s relaunch under Surge Institute’s suite of programming, I am honored to welcome the third cohort of The Leadership Collaborative,” said TaraShaun R. Gipson, Executive Director, Black Principals Network. “This year, 22 incredible school leaders from across seven states and Washington, D.C. are joining this transformative experience. Every year, I become even more energized because these leaders represent so many who are doing the work that matters in our schools and communities. Now, they have the opportunity to pour into themselves, to be poured into and to strengthen their leadership in ways that will have a lasting impact. We are proud to be a small part of their journey.”
This year’s cohort includes accomplished school leaders who are committed to educational excellence, student-centered instruction, and connection. The 22 members of the 2025 cohort hail from diverse educational backgrounds, spanning public, charter and private institutions.
Among the distinguished leaders joining the 2025 cohort are:
- Natalya Richie – Principal, Highlands Estates Academy of Jacksonville, Florida
- Muronji Inman-McCraw – Principal, Inspired Teaching Demonstration School of Washington, DC
- Bosede Bada – Principal, Suder Montessori Magnet School of Chicago, IL
- Ramone Smith-Johnson – Assistant Principal, Riverwood Optional Elementary of Cordova, TN
- Damali Caine – Principal, Forte Preparatory High School of Queens, NY
- Stacy Gray – Principal, McDade Classical Elementary School of Chicago, IL
- Troy H. Wilson, II – Principal, Great Oaks Charter School of New York, NY
- Lisa Manuel – Principal, Whittier Elementary of Harvey, IL
- Sheila E. Foster – Principal, Legacy Charter School of Chicago, IL
- Janelle Hatch-Miller – Principal, LEARN Middle School of Chicago, IL
- Kara Franklin – Principal, Russell Byers Charter School of Philadelphia, PA
- Brandon D. Clayton – Principal, Takoma Elementary School of Washington, D.C.
- Candace J. Anderson-Matchem – Assistant Principal, The Virtual Academy of Chicago, IL
- Ifeoluwa Oyedele – Principal, Animo Watts College Prep Academy of Los Angeles, CA
- Jillian Theus – Assistant Principal, Lincoln Park High School of Chicago, IL
- Robbye “Nikki” Grier – Founder/Executive Director, DELTA STEAM Academy of Atlanta, GA
- William Robert Johnson – Assistant Principal, CICS Wrightwood of Chicago, IL
- Lauren Hilliard – Principal in Residence, Lead Academy, KIPP DC of Washington, D.C
- Jonathan Love – Assistant Principal, Manley Career Academy of Chicago, IL
- Kanika Traywick-Glover – Assistant Principal, ChiArts High School of Chicago, IL
- Bryan Stroud – Principal, Harlem Prep Elementary of Harlem, NY
- Shalane Peterson – Principal, Dinsmore Elementary of Jacksonville, FL
Throughout the program, cohort members will refine their leadership skills, engage in critical conversations on equity and education and develop strategies for sustaining their impact. They will also join a growing national network of Black principals committed to elevating student success and advocating for systemic change in education.
As a vital part of Surge Institute’s portfolio of leadership development experiences for emerging leaders of color, Black Principals Network is dedicated to supporting Black school leaders in their efforts to proactively and effectively tackle the challenges in their school communities.
Surge Institute and Black Principals Network look forward to witnessing the growth and achievements of this new cohort as they embark on this exciting and meaningful journey together.
