School leader, mentor, entrepreneur and change-agent are just a few words to describe Sheila E. Foster. Born and raised on Chicago’s westside, Sheila’s experiences as a student shaped her paradigm about education, which fueled her desire to be a teacher. For eighteen consecutive years, she has educated children in the public, private and charter sectors, locally and internationally. At Legacy Charter school, she has evolved from being a first grade teacher, Robotics Club Founder, and middle school volleyball coach, to becoming the K-8 principal, all within the past 3 years.
Recently nominated for the 2025 Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Leadership, Sheila’s journey proves the saying, “your gifts will make room for you”. As her school’s first Black woman leader in its 20-year history, she is on a mission to execute a clear vision rooted in excellence and equity for over 450 scholars of color in the North Lawndale neighborhood. Within her first year, she has prioritized the stability of staff and scholar culture through joy, love, and accountability. Additionally, she has instituted enrichment programs like Golf, Healthcare, Technology, and Cosmetology to grant exposure opportunities to scholars in grades 4-8. Leading and learning are her passions and she is on a divine mission to live a purpose-driven life well!
Sheila E. Foster | Principal, Legacy Charter School, Chicago, IL