Shantel Sappleton is a native of Bloomfield Connecticut. Her journey in education began at University of Connecticut where she received her master’s degree in education through the accelerated master’s program. She began her teaching career in Baltimore City Public Schools teaching fourth grade. She spent nine years there before transitioning to leadership roles. She is…
Walter Wright-El Shabazz is a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, and a first-generation college student. He is a graduate of East Carolina University with a Bachelor’s in Political Science, Black Studies, and Spanish. He continued his education at Liberty University receiving his Master of Education in Higher Education and Urban Education K-12 Leadership. Mr. Wright-El…
Keviyona Ray describes herself as a passionate educational leader with a commitment to equity for all students. Throughout her professional endeavors, she has shown the ability to develop strong teacher teams and leaders and provide instructional coaching. She is passionate about building relational trust with all stakeholders and fiercely advocates for a community-centered approach that…
Lathan J. Pooser is an Assistant Principal whose mission is to cultivate culturally inclusive learning that promotes positive student outcomes. His current role as an assistant principal involves serving as the lead administrator for the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) Team, School Testing Coordinator, and Safety and Facilities Coordinator. In addition to his duties…
La Shawndra is an Assistant Principal at Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences. She began her professional career as a Mental Health Professional, working with adults living with mental illnesses. Although the career was rewarding, La Shawndra had a strong desire to work with young people in an educational setting. She transitioned from the private…
Ashley Kerri Peel joined KIPP DC in June 2011 as a Kindergarten teaching resident and is currently the Principal of KIPP DC Grow Academy. In this role, they lead alongside amazing educators who work tirelessly to provide unconditional love & high-quality instruction to all students. Ms. Peel is a Posse Scholar from the Bronx, New…
Mrs. McBride has served Duval County Public Schools for 17 years. She has served in leadership roles for 13 years in Title I schools. Sanaa was recognized as Duval County Public Schools Assistant Principal of the year in 2015. She serves as the “STELLAR” Principal of Biscayne Elementary Leadership Academy. As an educational leader in…
Kyla Mathews, EdD is a south side Chicago native and an active mom of a sprouting 4th grader. After earning her bachelor’s degree she chose to root her talents back home, on a mission to significantly impact her students’ connectedness to their school and their own futures. Dr. Mathews currently serves as the principal of…
Dr. Kristle Hodges Johnson is the Executive Director of University High School, a laboratory school on the campus of University of Memphis, which launched in the fall of 2022. She has over 10 years of experience in education, beginning in the classroom as a high school English teacher in her TFA placement school, serving as…
JuDonne Hemingway is an experienced Educator, DEI Strategist, and Systems Leader who helps others persist unapologetically in pursuit of their visions. She explores how bold strategy, anti-racist practices, and core values-based leadership development work together to help leaders and organizations (re)ignite their superpowers and (re)imagine what’s possible. JuDonne currently serves as the Principal of Gary…