Leadership Lab Practitioners

Bosede Bada

Suder Montessori Magnet School
Chicago, IL

  • Bosede Bada experienced first-hand how teachers have the ability to change the life trajectories of students. In way of paying it forward, she serves as a transformational leader and is committed to supporting educators in transforming students’ lives every day. Bosede Bada holds a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Master’s in School Leadership from Concordia University. After five years as a teacher and one year as an instructional coach, Bosede served in a number of leadership roles including assistant principal and resident principal. In these roles, she had a strong presence in the school community, providing instructional support for teachers, advocating for students, and promoting college and career readiness for every student. Bosede Bada has served as the school principal at Suder Montessori Magnet School in Chicago, Illinois since 2019. In this role, it has been her mission to continue to enhance the abilities of reflective practitioners while fostering a rich school environment that promotes cultural awareness, cultivates equity, and values academic rigor.

Everett Boyd

The Renaissance Charter School 2
Queens, NY

  • Everett Boyd is the founding principal of The Renaissance Charter School 2, which opened in 2020. The school is located in Elmhurst, NY, a diverse neighborhood in the borough of Queens in New York City. Everett began his career in education as a music teacher for children with special needs in the New York City public school system, while maintaining an active career as a professional bass player. In his previous school he developed a music education program that combined instrumental music, songwriting, studio composition, and recording arts and sciences, providing opportunities for students to develop their talents as performing artists and creative music technicians. Some of his former students have pursued successful career paths in the music industry and music education. Everett holds a B.A. in Psychology from The College of William and Mary, a M.S. in Special Education from Hunter College, a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Building Leadership from The College of Saint Rose, and a Professional Certificate in Arranging from The Berklee College of Music. Everett has embraced his mission as a school leader to create a successful and sustainable educational environment that will be the foundation for many successors for years to come.

Crystal Davis

The James Baldwin School
Manhattan, NY

  • Crystal Davis is a dedicated educator working with teens in middle and high schools in New York City public schools since 2003. Her experiences range from math teacher, school counselor, assistant principal and principal co-director at the James Baldwin School, a transfer school in Manhattan since 2020. Crystal leads from the heart and is dedicated to building strong school communities that are progressive, transformative and responsive to student needs. Crystal is a graduate of Florida A & M University, Adelphi University, Queens College and the College of Saint Rose, where she holds a bachelor's degree in business administration, master’s degrees in urban education and counselor education, and advanced certificates in school leadership. Crystal is a proud product of the New York City Teaching Fellows Program and the Executive Leadership Institute’s Advanced Leadership Program for Aspiring Principals. Crystal finds balance nurturing her mind, body and spirit through running, dancing, meditating, reading, journal writing, and creating hair and skin care products. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and board member of The Haile L. Alford Foundation. Crystal currently resides in NY with her husband and 3 children.

Ramon Garner, Ed.S.

John Lewis Invictus Academy
Atlanta, GA

  • Ramon Garner, the proud principal of John Lewis Invictus Academy, is an Atlanta native and a graduate of Atlanta Public Schools. After high school, he attended Albany State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Middle Grades Education. Later, he continued his education by earning a Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration from Troy State University, followed by an Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership from Central Michigan University. Currently, he is pursuing an Educational Doctorate Degree from Lincoln Memorial University. In 2005, he came to Atlanta Public Schools as a Math teacher at the newly-opened BEST Academy. After working at BEST Academy for several years, he was promoted to Implementation Specialist and Instructional Coach at Forrest Hills Academy. Shortly after, he became an Assistant Principal at Benjamin Banneker High School. While working in APS, he served in several capacities, including Teacher, Department Chair, Head Football Coach, Instructional Coach, Assistant Principal of curriculum and instruction and operations. In each position, he prided himself on focusing on the needs of the students and consistently setting high expectations for all stakeholders.

Natasha Jones

Lawndale Community Academy
Chicago, IL

  • Natasha Jones is a passionate leader with more than 20 years of experience in Education. She's most passionate about serving students from underserved and marginalized communities. Natasha’s experience includes, but is not limited to, serving as an Elementary & Middle School Teacher, Assistant Principal, Case Manager, and Principal. In her role as Assistant Principal at John Marshall High School, Natasha increased attendance by 5% and decreased discipline referrals by 82% in a single school year. Since 2019, she has served as the Principal of Lawndale Community Academy, a small and historic elementary school on the Westside of Chicago. Under her leadership, Lawndale Community Academy’s enrollment has increased by more than 20%. In addition, she has successfully transformed the culture, climate, and quality of teaching and learning at Lawndale. By cultivating and maintaining meaningful partnerships with community institutions, she has also been able to lead her team in creating rich, culturally-responsive educational experiences for students daily. Natasha holds an M.Ed in Educational Leadership, an M.S. in Instructional Design & Technology, and a B.A. in Elementary Education. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, and exploring different restaurants. Natasha is a mother of two and has a pet Yorkie named Bella.

Dr. Jasmine Juarez

Pilsen Community Academy
Chicago, IL

  • Dr. Jasmine Juárez is a bilingual school leader with a deep understanding of diverse urban educational settings. She has experience working with students ranging from primary to high school level. With over ten years of instructional leadership, she has significantly impacted school-wide data through the use of culturally responsive teaching and differentiated instruction. Dr. Juárez’ strategic leadership style focuses on not just getting results but shifting mindsets and inspiring commitment from key stakeholders. As the current principal of Pilsen Community Academy, she is committed to improving relationships between school and community to create a shared vision that empowers students to succeed holistically.

Brian Kelly

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. College Prep
Chicago, IL

  • Brian Kelly has been a principal since 2019. Brian holds an EdD in Urban Educational Leadership from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Additionally, he has B.A. in Sociology and African Studies and an M.A. in Teaching and Learning from DePaul University. He earned another M.A. in Special Education and a Type 10 certificate from the University of Illinois at Chicago. For nearly 19 years, Brian has taught various history and social studies courses and served as a special education teacher for students with behavioral and emotional disorders and specific learning disabilities in Chicago Public high schools. Under Brian's leadership, he has increased enrollment by 125% since July 2019. Attendance, GPA, GA, and on-tracks have increased under his leadership. He watched GPA 's increase by a whole point over three years, from 2.59 to 3.80, and his school's attendance has increased by four percentage points, from 89% to 93%. Brian's four-year graduation rate is 99.1%. Participation in athletic programs has tripled since July 2019; Brian transformed the school by supporting and leading with his heart. Dr. Kelly has modeled what he expects, and he measures everything in the learning community to assess for the intended impact.

Kendrick Myers

Charles R. Drew Charter School
Atlanta, GA

  • Mr. Kendrick L. Myers is a husband and father of five beautiful children. Since 2007, he has made an indelible impact teaching and leading in Montgomery County, Auburn City, Opelika City, and now in Atlanta Public Schools systems. Mr. Myers’ tenacity and passion for children has enabled him to work with various organizations including BICS mentoring program, CLAS, Auburn University, AT&T, the International Mentoring Association, and Purpose Built Schools. In his tenure as an administrator, he has continuously contributed to graduation rates above 90%, decreased discipline infractions by 30%, and witnessed a host of academic achievements for students. In 2016, he was awarded State Assistant Principal of the Year in Alabama. The following school year, Kendrick moved to Atlanta as Senior Academy Dean of Students at Drew Charter School to successfully matriculate the school’s first ever graduating class with a 100% graduation rate into college. Three years later, he was named principal of Drew’s Senior Academy in July 2019. He attributes a large part of his success to collaboration with university/college partners, stakeholders, and colleagues that continuously guide him toward becoming a better administrator. Mr. Myers holds degrees from Alabama State University, Auburn University at Montgomery, and Auburn University.

Paul Riskus

Walt Disney Magnet School
Chicago, IL

  • Paul Riskus started his educational career as a high school chemistry and physics teacher in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood at Urban Prep High School. At Urban Prep, he also coached football and track, and became the Science Department Chair. It was in this role that he gained a love and interest in school leadership. After applying and being accepted to the EdD program in Urban Educational Leadership at the University of Illinois in Chicago, he became an instructional coach and assistant principal at Garcia High School. Following this role, he served as the Assistant Principal at Chicago’s largest elementary school, Walt Disney Magnet School. He currently serves as Disney’s principal, and is humbled and excited to be in this role. Paul is a family and community partner placing a high value on cultural and intellectual diversity, while creating optimal postsecondary opportunities for all students. He has a shared approach to leadership that strives to empower school stakeholders to create a secure environment that dreams big, has high expectations for all, and offers support that makes success possible for everyone.

Christina Rogers

Carver Early College
Atlanta, GA

  • Mrs. Christina Rogers currently serves as the principal of Carver Early College. Over the past two years, she has intentionally led her team to achieve gains in graduation rate, dual enrollment participation, EOC achievement data and college scholarship dollars. An educator in APS since 2008, Mrs. Rogers served as assistant principal of Therrell High School since 2017, where she also played a significant role in improvements in academics and culture. Mrs. Rogers is a proud product of the Atlanta Public Schools’ Aspiring Principals Program. Christina Rogers earned her Bachelor's Degree (English) and her Master's Degree (Secondary Education) from Georgia State University. She earned a Specialist in Education (Teaching and Learning) from Georgia State University and a Specialist in Education Degree (Leadership) from the University of West Georgia. She has also served as an advisor for the Teacher Advisory Panel for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Christina Rogers is married to Roderick Jermaine Rogers, Sr. They enjoy spending time and traveling with their children, Courtney, Rod, Jr. Christopher, Jaden, and Tyler Bobby.

Natasha Topps

John D Shoop Math-Science Technical Academy ES
Chicago, IL

  • Providing opportunities for success and changing the educational trajectory of children has always been a priority for Natasha Topps. Beginning as a classroom teacher in 2001 to elementary school principal in 2019, Natasha meets educational challenges head on and works to alleviate challenges that affect her school community. Raised on the south-side of Chicago, Principal Topps is an instructional leader committed to excellence. Natasha received a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Rust College, a Historically Black College/University (HBCU), and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from DePaul University. As the principal and instructional leader of John D. Shoop, Natasha has worked to secure more than $1 million dollars in STEM funding and increased community partnerships to support the social and emotional well-being of her students. Other areas of expertise include: using student data to inform instruction, building teacher capacity, and working to create environments that shape academic success.. Principal Topps attributes her success to her faith in God, family, mentors, other educational leaders, teachers, parents, and community members who support her vision and work alongside her in support of the Shoop community and all of its stakeholders.

Alina Valero

Miami Springs Middle School
Miami, FL

  • Alina Valero became principal of Miami Springs Middle School in June 2018 with a vision to focus on creating an environment of pride, excellence, and success. Providing teachers and students with access to the resources needed to succeed emotionally and academically has been at the forefront of her career. Ms. Valero was born in Pinal de Rio, Cuba and grew up in Miami, Florida. Since she was a young girl, she had a desire to teach and pursued a career in education. She has had a well-rounded career, educating students with disabilities in self-contained and inclusion settings before becoming a reading teacher, Reading Coach, and later an Assistant Principal. She has had the privilege of working at the elementary, middle, and high school level. Professionally, Ms. Valero is interested in increasing her own expertise as a school leader through reflection and continued professional development. She is a proud mother of five children and two grandchildren, which she considers her greatest pride and joy. Outside of work, Ms. Valero enjoys reading, working out, and spending time with her husband and children.

Calondria Williams

Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy
Miami, FL

  • Calondria E. Williams serves as the proud Principal of Mandarin Lakes K-8 Academy in Miami Florida. Ms. Williams graduated from University of Florida with a B.S. Degree in Health Science Education in 1997. She began her educational career in 1997 as a Middle School Science teacher with Miami-Dade-County Public School system, following in her mother’s footsteps, a 37-year veteran of the school district. After teaching full-time while attending graduate school, Ms. Williams earned an M.S. Degree in Educational Leadership from NOVA Southeastern University in 2005. Ms. Williams was inducted into the Principals Leadership Development Program (PLDP) at Florida International University Leadership Academy in 2021. As a Servant Leader, Ms. Williams is committed to working collaboratively to ensure all students receive a level of education that will exceed his/her academic expectations. Service to all is her life’s work. Ms. Williams credits much of her personal and professional success to her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie and Gail Williams. Both extraordinary leaders who believe in the power of building positive culture that develops future leaders.

Elizabeth Wontor-Leach

Franklin Fine Arts Center
Chicago, IL

  • Liz Wontor is the principal of Franklin Fine Arts Center, a public Fine Arts magnet school located in the heart of the Old Town neighborhood in Chicago, IL. She began her teaching career in Chicago as a fine arts educator. She has served as an administrator in both elementary and high school settings. In addition to serving as a principal, Liz also leads professional learning communities of principals through the Chicago Fund for Education. Recent PLC topics she had developed and led include “Building Resilient Educators in a Time of Crisis” as well as “Dismantling Systems of Oppression in Our Schools.” Her drive and passion for equity has led her to become a facilitator for the National SEED Project, and she has led numerous parent and teacher SEED groups. In addition to her degrees in Education, Liz also holds an MA in design and enjoys bringing design thinking concepts to solve school-based challenges. Ultimately, Liz strives to foster a sense of community that builds trust, positive relationships, and a shared cause- preparing all of our students to lead full and purposeful lives as their authentic selves.