This is the question we put out to our alumni and staff across the country—from assistant principals to nonprofit directors; from district superintendents to leadership coaches. In honor of our 20 year anniversary, we wanted to hear from you.
The response has been overwhelming and uplifting. In exactly seven words, we asked you to capture the spirit of New Leaders. And you did. You inspire us all.
Leading with courage to support all children
Manuel Adrianzen, Principal, Chicago, IL
Supporting education to lift every child, everywhere
Sarah Leikin, Nonprofit Director, Albuquerque, NM
Overcoming systemic resistance to transform children’s lives
Erin Roche, Principal, Chicago, IL
Helping children and adults achieve their highest
Fia Davis, Deputy Superintendent, Bronx, NY
Be a part of the change you NEED
Dr. Tonya Walker-Barnes, Administrator, Collierville, TN

Having a lasting impact in school communities
Calana Gilbert, Middle School Educator, Brooklyn, NY
Systemic work to ensure excellence and belonging
Melissa Barnes Dholakia, Board Chair, Bend-La-Pine School District, Bend, OR
Transforming minds, transforming hearts, and transforming practice
Glynis Richardson, District/CMO Academic Strategy Coach, Hartford, CT
Providing access and opportunity for all stakeholders
Dr. Archie Moss, Jr, School Design Partner, Memphis, TN
Bold transformative leadership that drives student success
Sonia Beatty, New Leaders, New York, NY

Impacting students and teachers with endless possibilities
Kristin Eng, Assistant Principal, Chicago, IL
Great opportunities come few and far between
Stephanie Jenkins, Assistant Principal, Clinton Township, MI
The TLF provided confidence and a plan!
Something NO ONE can take from me!
Kelly Carideo, Principal, Baltimore, MD
Being a New Leader has sharpened my skills
Lori Briscoe, Dean, Washington, DC

Leading others to be their greatest selves
Jennifer Sweeters, Assistant Principal, Wilton, CT
When you know better, you do better!
Sandra Gassaway, Assistant Principal, Prince George’s County, MD
Change in me to lead and grow
Amanda Lane, Teacher, Charlotte, NC
I believe in supporting Black Brown children
Lucy Matos, Bilingual Adjunct Trainer, New Leaders, New York City, NY
Leading with heart to help all children succeed
Katlina Brown, Principal, Chicago, IL

Empowering marginalized students to become global leaders
Dr. Bertrand Tchoumi, Principal, New York City, NY
Transforming leaders and teachers to increase outcomes
Yalil Nieves, Principal, Chicago, IL
Maximizing student potential through equitable instructional leadership
Marc Etienne, Executive Director, Teaching and Learning, Baltimore, MD
Collaborating on a bigger scope for scholars
Amanda Coleman, Interventionist, Baltimore, MD
Educating, validating, and empowering so others flourish
Shelina Warren, Instructional Coach, Washington, DC

In darkness, the stars shine more brightly
Paul Bambrick-Santoyo, Founder and Chief Schools Officer, Leverage Leadership Institute & Uncommon Schools, Newark, NJ
Educational excellence and equity for ALL students!
Tiffany Stocks, Associate Director eLearning & Design, New Leaders, Zionsville, IL
Privilege to serve on a big scale
Luz Borges, Principal, Chicago, IL
Leading educators to ensure all students thrive
For more inspiring #7WordStories, read Part One