Our People

Bringing Optimism And A Fierce Resolve To Our Work

We Reflect The Communities We Serve

New Leaders staff are former classroom instructors, principals, school system and industry leaders. We bring our deep experiences and interdisciplinary perspectives to every aspect of our work. Our staff average eight years of school leadership experience.

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

Reflections from Our Staff

#7wordstories

Shaping the world I'll live in tomorrow

John Jenkins, Ed.D., Chief Implementation Officer

#7wordstories

Aligning passion and purpose for school transformation

Lauren Ramers, Adjunct Program Designer

#7wordstories

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.

See more “My Whys”

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!

See more “My Whys”

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.