Our People

Bringing Optimism And A Fierce Resolve To Our Work

We Reflect The Communities We Serve

New Leaders staff—57% of whom identify as people of color—are former classroom instructors, principals, school system and industry leaders. We bring our deep, diverse experiences and interdisciplinary perspectives to every aspect of our work. Our staff average eight years of school leadership experience.

New Leaders Staff at a retreat - New Leaders Images

What It Means To Be A New Leader (In Only 7 Words)

Reflections from Our Staff

Shaping the world I'll live in tomorrow

John Jenkins, Ed.D., Chief Implementation Officer

Aligning passion and purpose for school transformation

Lauren Ramers, Adjunct Program Designer

Having courage and love for our students

Maria Esponda-Medina, Senior Executive Director, Program Implementation 

Meet Our Team

Each of our 150+ staff members has a different “why” that drew them to New Leaders and propels our mission forward. Learn more about why we do what we do.

Wendy Perdomo

Executive Director, Professional Development & Training

How long have you been working with New Leaders?

Since November 2014.

We each have a different “why” story that brings us to this work, and ultimately connects us all. What brought you to engage in this work? What is your “why”?

I grew up in low income housing in Harlem in the late 70s/early 80s in a household of five with two non-English speaking parents who both had less than a high school education. My parents made huge sacrifices to put my sisters and I through parochial schools, however, growing up I was keen on the “haves” and “have nots” and knew that education was my ticket to a different life. That remains true today—a quality education is a ticket out for many students, and that’s why I am committed to this work. Your demography should never define your destiny.

Imagine and describe New Leaders’ impact in 5 – 10 years. How do you envision supporting us in reaching that impact?

I imagine that New Leaders will be the premier “go to” organization for the development of educational leaders in the ed reform space, and I envision continuously supporting and rolling out innovative training and professional development programming to grow and develop the talents and skillsets of our staff.

What’s a fun fact about you?

I was once hypnotized as part of a live show. When the hypnotist awoke the audience from the trance, he said there would be one person remaining who would not be able to speak. I was that person. YIKES!

Lawanda Hill

Executive Director, Program Implementation

How long have you been working with New Leaders?

Since August 2014

We each have a different “why” story that brings us to this work, and ultimately connects us all. What brought you to engage in this work? What is your “why”?

Growing up, I spent a lot of time with my grandmother who had no formal education. Though she was instrumental in teaching me to count, it did not take long for me to realize that school offered it differently. I learned to code switch before I could define it, but I also learned early lessons of equity and access. Quality education is crucial; particularly to those marginalized due to race and poverty. This personal intersectionality keeps me grounded and connected to opportunities to alleviate such inhumane practices in public education.

Imagine and describe New Leaders’ impact in 5 – 10 years. How do you envision supporting us in reaching that impact?

I believe that we have an opportunity to transform our nation’s approach to education through results-driven leadership training that ensures that ALL students are supported for success. My pursuit of excellence in practice and implementation will aid in getting the best support to school and district leaders to drive improved student outcomes.

What’s a fun fact about you?

I was formerly employed by a national security firm. Though most of my responsibilities involved account management for employee background checks, it required licensure as a private investigator. Interestingly, shoes have always been my thing and my only undercover assignment was at a shoe store; and yes...I got to keep the shoes!

Rick Cusick

Deputy Chief Officer, Technology Team

How long have you been working with New Leaders?

Since May 2021

We each have a different “why” story that brings us to this work, and ultimately connects us all. What brought you to engage in this work? What is your “why”?

One the best working experiences of my life was being part of a team creating an innovative and impactful reading intervention. The intentionality around the research-driven instructional design and technical craft showed up in the program results. While the team was deservedly proud of the program and its efficacy, there was a realization that full adoption requires school and district leadership creating a culture that would drive the desired impact at scale. I’m thrilled to be part of the New Leaders team, developing school leaders and driving impact at scale for the most marginalized students in our country.

Imagine and describe New Leaders’ impact in 5 – 10 years. How do you envision supporting us in reaching that impact?

Our organization, our work, and our program serve as exemplars of how to create, deliver and embody leadership development in education through an equity lens. We use technology to scale innovative experiences and are recognized for using data and feedback to make decisions.

What’s a fun fact about you?

I grew up in a big family - the 4th oldest of 9 children.
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Supporting the dreams of children through education

Michelle Pierre-Farid, National Senior Executive Director, Strategic Partnerships and Alumni Impact

Gratefully collaborating in service of equitable education

Rick Cusick, Deputy Chief Officer, Technology

Educational excellence and equity for ALL students

Tiffany Stocks, Associate Director, eLearning & Design