The CharterFolk of the Year Award recognizes exceptional leaders. Voting occurs in two rounds: the first from April 6 to April 30 and the second from May 11 to June 4. All CharterFolk subscribers can vote. The winner and runners-up will be announced on June 8, the anniversary of CharterFolk.
Kathleen Hermsmeyer, CEO of Springs Charter Schools, has led the organization since its inception over 15 years ago, providing diverse educational pathways. Amid legislative challenges and the pandemic, she ensured support for over 10,000 students despite funding cuts. Her advocacy and leadership have significantly impacted families seeking better educational options.
Dr. Blondean Davis, CEO of Southland College Prep and Superintendent of Matteson School District, is celebrated for her exceptional contributions to education in Chicago. Inspired by her mother, she has dedicated her career to improving student opportunities, leading Southland to academic excellence and substantial scholarship earnings, while advocating for women’s leadership in education.
Eddie Conger, Founder and Superintendent of International Leadership Texas, is celebrated as CharterFolk Extraordinaire for his significant contributions to education. He transitioned from military service to teaching, ultimately founding a successful charter school promoting multilingualism and leadership. Under his guidance, IL Texas has expanded to serve 21,000 students, embodying the motto “Others Before Self.”
Ramona Wilder, CEO of Wilder’s Preparatory Academy, is honored as CharterFolk Extraordinaire. The school’s legacy, founded by her ancestors in the 1800s, emphasizes educational empowerment for Black students. Wilder’s Prep is recognized as one of California’s top-performing public schools, with a strong commitment to student success and community engagement.
Margie Lopez-Waite, CEO of Las Américas ASPIRA Academy, is honored as CharterFolk Extraordinaire for her impactful leadership in bilingual education. From a challenging childhood, she became the first in her family to graduate college. Under her guidance, ASPIRA Academy excelled, expanding to accommodate 800 students and influencing bilingual education statewide.
Margie Lopez-Waite, Directora Ejecutiva de la Academia de Las Américas ASPIRA en Newark, Delaware, ha sido reconocida como CharterFolk Extraordinaria. Su trayectoria destaca su resiliencia y liderazgo en la educación bilingüe, creando una escuela charter exitosa y promoviendo políticas que benefician a estudiantes y familias en Delaware.
Erin Studer, Executive Director of CHIME Charter School in Los Angeles, is recognized as CharterFolk Extraordinaire for his commitment to inclusive education. CHIME serves 800 students, integrating those with disabilities alongside their peers. Erin’s leadership exemplifies the charter movement’s mission of valuing all children and advocating for full integration in schools.
Daniela Anello, Executive Director of DC Bilingual Charter School, is celebrated as a leader who exemplifies bilingualism and educational excellence. Her leadership transformed the school during a crisis, resulting in significant academic improvements. Daniela advocates for the unique potential of charter schools to serve underserved communities, inspiring impactful change within the education system.
Daniela Anello, directora ejecutiva de DC Bilingual Charter School, es reconocida como CharterFolk Extraordinaria por su liderazgo en la educación bilingüe. Su compromiso con la excelencia y la diversidad ha transformado la escuela, mejorando su rendimiento académico. Daniela defiende el potencial de las escuelas charter para atender a estudiantes históricamente desatendidos.