CHICAGO, Feb. 28, 2025 - Black Principals Network, an initiative powered by Surge Institute, proudly announces its third cohort of The Leadership Collaborative, welcoming 22 exceptional Black school leaders from across seven states and the nation's capital. As part of this transformative experience, these visionary educators will engage in a powerful network designed for their professional growth, restoration and sustainability in the field of education.
"As we celebrate the third anniversary of the Black Principals Network's relaunch under Surge Institute's suite of programming, I am honored to welcome the third cohort of The Leadership Collaborative," said TaraShaun R. Gipson, Executive Director, Black Principals Network. "This year, 22 incredible school leaders from across seven states and Washington, D.C. are joining this transformative experience. Every year, I become even more energized because these leaders represent so many who are doing the work that matters in our schools and communities. Now, they have the opportunity to pour into themselves, to be poured into and to strengthen their leadership in ways that will have a lasting impact. We are proud to be a small part of their journey."
This year's cohort includes accomplished school leaders who are committed to educational excellence, student-centered instruction and connection. The 22 members of the 2025 cohort hail from diverse educational backgrounds, spanning public, charter and private institutions.
Among the distinguished leaders joining the 2025 cohort are:
Natalya Richie – Principal, Highlands Estates Academy of Jacksonville, Florida
Dr. Muronji Inman-McCraw – Principal, Inspired Teaching Demonstration School of Washington, DC
Bosede Bada – Principal, Suder Montessori Magnet School of Chicago, IL
Dr. Ramone Smith-Johnson – Assistant Principal, Riverwood Optional Elementary of Cordova, TN
Damali Caine – Principal, Forte Preparatory High School of Queens, NY
Stacy Gray – Principal, McDade Classical Elementary School of Chicago, IL
Troy H. Wilson, II – Principal, Great Oaks Charter School of New York, NY
Lisa Manuel – Principal, Whittier Elementary of Harvey, IL
Sheila E. Foster – Principal, Legacy Charter School of Chicago, IL
Dr. Janelle Hatch-Miller – Principal, LEARN Middle School of Chicago, IL
Kara Franklin – Principal, Russell Byers Charter School of Philadelphia, PA
Brandon D. Clayton – Principal, Takoma Elementary School of Washington, D.C.
Dr. Candace J. Anderson-Matchem – Assistant Principal, The Virtual Academy of Chicago, IL
Ifeoluwa Oyedele – Principal, Animo Watts College Prep Academy of Los Angeles, CA
Jillian Theus – Assistant Principal, Lincoln Park High School of Chicago, IL
Robbye "Nikki" Grier – Founder/Executive Director, DELTA STEAM Academy of Atlanta, GA
William Robert Johnson – Assistant Principal, CICS Wrightwood of Chicago, IL
Lauren Hilliard – Principal in Residence, Lead Academy, KIPP DC of Washington, D.C
Jonathan Love – Assistant Principal, Manley Career Academy of Chicago, IL
Kanika Traywick-Glover – Assistant Principal, ChiArts High School of Chicago, IL
Bryan Stroud – Principal, Harlem Prep Elementary of Harlem, NY
Shalane Peterson – Principal, Dinsmore Elementary of Jacksonville, FL
Throughout the program, cohort members will refine their leadership skills, engage in critical conversations on equity and education and develop strategies for sustaining their impact. They will also join a growing national network of Black principals committed to elevating student success and advocating for systemic change in education.
About Black Principals Network:
Launched by Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies, the Black Principals Network was designed to curate space for Black principals in pursuit of community, professional growth and collective liberation. Since the program's original launch in 2021, more than 350 principals have joined the online platform, participating in shared learning and community building. The Black Principals Network is dedicated to the restoration, professional development and liberation of Black principals across the country. The overarching goal of BPN is to co-create a community of Black principals in pursuit of the career-bolstering and self-sustaining practices that are often not prioritized in this impactful yet demanding role.
About The Leadership Collaborative:
The Leadership Collaborative is an intimate cohort experience, a monthly community space consisting of seven sessions, including four virtual and three in-person connection points, that provides a deeper sense of connection through programming. The program includes an intentional professional learner series, individual principal coaching, self-care strategies/practices and a problem of practice that selected leaders nationwide collectively work on together to take back to their school communities. The TLC goal is to support Black principals in their quest to proactively and effectively address the problems of practice germane to the school communities they serve.
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SOURCE Surge Institute
