This week, we are excited to profile the extraordinary Emily Whalen, director of Next Charter School and board member for the New Hampshire Alliance for Public Charter Schools. Emily Whalen grew up on a small farm in upstate New York, but she began her career in education out at sea. She worked in the sail
This week, we are excited to profile Salwa Kinsey, an extraordinary leader and the principal of Pembroke Academy in Detroit. With a joy for reading and a passion for service, Salwa Kinsey always wanted to be a teacher. As a child, she would play school in her clubhouse with organized student profiles of the neighborhood
This week, we are excited to profile Ted Duncan, School Director of Brevard Academy, an extraordinary leader championing leadership in the movement and future generations. Leadership is the cornerstone of Ted Duncan’s philosophy. With over two decades of experience, Ted, the School Director of Brevard Academy, has worn various hats in the field of education—from
This week, we are profiling Michelle Vruwink, the extraordinary founder and executive director of The Franklin School of Innovation in Asheville, NC. When Hurricane Helene tore through western North Carolina in September, Michelle Vruwink didn’t know how bad it was at first. With no cell phone service and no Wi-Fi, it was difficult to
This week, we are excited to profile Chelbi Mims, an extraordinary voice for charter schools and the Vice President of External Engagement at the Texas Public Charter Schools Association. Chelbi Mims grew up in southeast Houston thinking one thing in particular was quite normal: “If you wanted a good education, you go somewhere outside
This week, we are excited to profile Kelly Garrett, Executive Director of KIPP St. Louis, an extraordinary leader who has dedicated his career to transforming education for underserved communities. Teach For America hooked Kelly Garrett into the world of education. After earning a degree in religious studies with a minor in international studies from Rhodes
Oliver Sicat, CEO of Ednovate, overcame rejection to become a leader in education, founding a successful charter management organization for first-generation college-bound students. Inspired by innovative schools, he reshaped educational assessment and now mentors future leaders, fostering a culture of collaboration and commitment to social impact in the charter school movement.
Shara Hegde, CEO of Alpha Public Schools, transitioned from a law career to education, joining Teach For America and founding Cornerstone Academy. Her advocacy intensified after facing opposition in 2019. Recognized for her leadership, Shara emphasizes collaboration among charter leaders and launched a political action committee to support quality education in Santa Clara County.
Debbie Veney, Founder and CEO of Agency Inc., champions educational choice, influenced by her own childhood experiences in D.C. She advocates for charter schools, emphasizing their role in providing accessible education. Through her nonprofit initiatives, she aims to amplify community voices and strengthen the charter school movement, focusing on outcomes for underserved students.
Brandon Wait, principal at Paladin Career & Technical High School, emphasizes a proactive, student-centered approach to education. Drawing from his background as a school counselor, he fosters trauma-informed practices and builds strong relationships, significantly improving school culture. With innovative, hands-on learning, Paladin supports diverse student needs, praising the benefits of charter schools.