2027 Leadership Lab
Practitioners

Matt Anderson

Nelson Mandela School for Social Justice
Brooklyn, New York

  • Matt Anderson has served as the Principal of Nelson Mandela High School since 2021. With nine years of experience in educational leadership, he has built a reputation for fostering equitable learning environments that promote academic excellence, student achievement, and a positive school culture. Prior to becoming principal, Mr. Anderson served as both an Assistant Principal and Director of Continuous Improvement, where he developed expertise in instructional leadership, strategic planning, systems improvement, and data-driven decision-making. His leadership has been guided by a commitment to ensuring that all students have access to high-quality educational opportunities and the support needed to succeed.
    As principal, Mr. Anderson has led initiatives focused on strengthening teaching and learning, improving student outcomes, and building meaningful partnerships with families and community stakeholders. He believes that collaboration, cultural agency, and high expectations are essential drivers of student and staff success. Dedicated to empowering educators and cultivating a culture of growth, he works to create conditions where every member of the school community can thrive.
    Additionally, Mr. Anderson is a doctoral candidate at the CUNY Graduate Center, where his studies focus on educational leadership and organizational improvement. He remains committed to advancing innovative practices that positively impact schools, students, families, and communities.

Matthew Baker

Albert R Sabin Magnet School
Chicago, Illinois

  • Matthew Baker is an equity-driven CPS Principal who has served young people since 2008 and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) since graduating from college in 2010. A two-time Fulbright recipient and Mallot Fellow, Matthew brings administrative leadership across the PreK–12 continuum to drive equitable student outcomes. He specializes in building tailored instructional coaching cultures, designing robust MTSS structures, and embedding trauma-informed and social-emotional learning (SEL) strategies so all students can unlock the greatness that lies within them. As a distributive, community-oriented leader, Matthew uses data transparently to monitor school-wide interventions that support the whole child. He views schools as sanctuaries for community development and collaborates closely with families. After helping found, teach, and lead Ogden International High School, Matthew became principal of Sabin Elementary in 2023, a Pre-K through 8th grade Dual Language magnet school in CPS. His expansive background also includes experience as an instructional coach, political organizer, athletic coach, and advocate for students with disabilities. Outside of school leadership, Matthew enjoys spending time with family and loved ones, playing basketball, running marathons, listening to and making music, camping, biking, fishing, and hiking.

Damali Caine

Forte Preparatory Academy
Queens, New York

  • Damali Caine is the founding principal of Forte Preparatory High School in Queens and a proud New Yorker who grew up in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. She was shaped by educators in her community who believed black and brown students deserved to go to college, build meaningful careers, and imagine futures beyond what society expected of them. Their belief continues to shape her advocacy for students in underserved neighborhoods. That advocacy has guided her through roles as a humanities teacher and department chair in Seventh-day Adventist schools, a parent coordinator with the Department of Education, and a social studies teacher and grade team leader at Ascend Charter Schools. Since 2023, Caine and her team have been building Forte Prep into a place students call home, where they learn to advocate for themselves and dream without limits. Many will be the first in their families to attend college. For them, high school is a lifeline to scholarships and futures once out of reach. Caine holds an M.S.Ed. in School Building Leadership from Manhattan College and grew as a leader through the 2024–2025 Leadership Collaborative Fellowship with SURGE Institute's Black Principals Network. Outside of work, she treasures building memories with her husband and children.

Teresa Chavez

Casals School of Excellence
Chicago, Illinois

  • Teresa is the proud principal of Pablo Casals School of Excellence in Humboldt Park, serving the school community as teacher, assistant principal, and principal since 2013. Recipient of the Madeleine Maraldi Award for Teaching Excellence and the Martin J. Koldyke Educator Leadership Award, she is driven by a vision of academic rigor, distributive leadership, and collaborative school culture. Under her leadership, Casals was recognized by Chicago Magazine as the 23rd highest-performing school in the city. Teresa has achieved continuous PK-8 growth by strengthening vertical alignment, operationalizing systems to increase rigor in daily instruction, and leveraging ILT and MTSS teams to drive high-impact professional learning communities. By balancing academic remediation with acceleration, her strategic approach has boosted Illinois Assessment Readiness proficiency, elevated iReady diagnostics, and decreased chronic absenteeism. Her focus on instructional rigor, aligned with the Chicago Public School’s Rigor Walk Rubric 3.0, has cultivated a joyful, high-expectation climate across all grade bands. Teresa holds a B.A. and BCLAAD from UC Riverside, an M.A. in Urban Education from National Louis University, an M.A. in Educational Leadership and Administration, and is completing her Ed.D. in Urban Education Leadership at the University of Illinois Chicago.

Lekesha Coleman

Oglesby Sustainable Community School
Chicago, Illinois

  • Lekesha Coleman serves as the Principal of Oglesby Sustainable Community School, bringing dedicated leadership to Chicago Public Schools since 2003. Known for her transformational approach to urban education, she drives systemic change by centering equity, social emotional wellness, and high impact instruction. Principal Coleman specializes in cultivating collaborative, growth oriented school environments through distributed leadership and strategic teacher development. Her unwavering commitment ensures that every student, regardless of background or learning need, is empowered to excel in a thriving, inclusive community. As a passionate lifelong learner Principal Coleman leads by example building a supportive, high performing school culture where every student is empowered to succeed. Her mission ensures that every student, regardless of background or need, receives the resources and support required to excel academically and personally.

LaToya Garcia

The Cambria Heights School
Queens, New York

  • LaToya Garcia has served as the Principal of P.S. 176 in Cambria Heights, Queens, since 2023. A dedicated educator and instructional leader, she brings extensive experience in both general and special education. Prior to becoming principal, Mrs. Garcia served as an assistant principal, where she focused on strengthening teaching and learning, supporting diverse student needs, and fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence. Mrs. Garcia is committed to ensuring that all students have access to meaningful opportunities that prepare them to become productive citizens in an ever-changing world. She believes that education should equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to succeed as global citizens and lifelong learners. Through a focus on academic achievement, equity, and social-emotional development, she works to create a school environment where every child is valued, challenged, and supported. Under her leadership, P.S. 176 continues to build strong partnerships with families and the community while maintaining high expectations for student success. Mrs. Garcia is passionate about empowering students and staff to reach their full potential.

Rusmayris Guillermo

Intermediate School 10, Horace Greeley
Queens, New York

  • Rusmayris Guillermo arrived in New York City in 1991 and is a proud product of New York City public schools. As a first-generation college graduate and multilingual learner, her own educational journey has shaped her belief in the power of public education to transform lives. Ms. Guillermo has served students and families in New York City Public Schools since 2003. Throughout her career, she has held a range of roles, including Co-op Student, Mathematics Teacher, Dean of Students, Instructional Coach, Assistant Principal, and now Principal of I.S. 10 Horace Greeley in Queens, New York. Her leadership is grounded in high expectations, equity, student voice, strong family partnerships, and creating a school community where every student feels seen, supported, and challenged. She holds master’s degrees in Educational Administration and Special Education and has extensive experience supporting multilingual learners, students with disabilities, instructional leadership, and school improvement. At the heart of her leadership is a simple belief: every child deserves opportunity, high expectations, and adults who believe in them.

Nicole Kone

Valence College Preparatory Chater School
Queens, New York

  • Nicole Kone is the Executive Director and Principal at Valence College Prep in Queens, New York, where she has served in her role since 2024. She began her career in education in 2011 in New York City public schools, and has worked in both district and charter schools in the city. Driven by a deep belief that educational equity is the foundation for lasting social change, Nicole has dedicated her career to creating inclusive, high-impact learning environments for all students. Prior to joining the founding leadership team at Valence College Prep, Nicole served as an Instructional Leader and Special Education Coordinator, expanding on previous roles as a Special Education teacher and an educator for English Language Learners. These experiences continue to inform her student-centered approach to leadership. She is particularly passionate about building strong operational and cultural systems that support all scholars, especially those in special populations. A solutions-oriented and strategic thinker, Nicole excels at developing structures that empower both students and staff to thrive. Her leadership is grounded in empathy, clarity, and a commitment to continuous improvement, making her a trusted partner in driving equity-focused school transformation.

Meghan Kozak

P255Q
Queens, New York

  • Meghan Kozak is Principal of P255Q, one of 65 schools within New York City Public Schools’ citywide District 75, serving students with significant disabilities. P255Q serves approximately 630 students in grades K–12 with autism and other developmental disabilities across 89 classrooms in nine locations throughout Queens. Meghan joined P255Q in February 2009 as a special education teacher and progressed through leadership roles including site coordinator and Assistant Principal, beginning in 2018. She became Principal in February 2025. Meghan is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and New York State Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA). Meghan’s leadership centers on building capacity to deliver coherent, differentiated, evidence-based instruction for students with complex learning needs. Her work emphasizes advocacy and amplifying student voice, ensuring students have meaningful opportunities to communicate, make choices, and participate in their learning. She prioritizes multi-tiered systems of support, assessment-informed instruction, professional learning, collaboration, and shared accountability. Meghan believes sustainable school improvement depends on developing people and systems. She is passionate about advancing equitable, rigorous, individualized opportunities for students with disabilities and contributing to the broader field of special education leadership through collaboration and continuous improvement.

Jessica LoBoen-Morrobel

PS 65 Mother Hale Academy
The Bronx, New York

  • Jessica Loboen-Morrobel is the proud Principal of P.S. 65 Mother Hale Academy in the South Bronx and a visionary instructional leader who believes that every individual has a genius within them waiting to be discovered, cultivated, and empowered to make a difference. As a product of the South Bronx, she is driven by a personal mission to expand opportunities for children and families while helping to create a future defined by possibility, achievement, and hope. Serving a community where nearly 50% of students are living in temporary housing, she is dedicated to removing barriers and creating equitable pathways to achievement. Her leadership is grounded in the belief that when people feel supported, valued, and inspired, they are capable of extraordinary outcomes. She champions student-centered learning that encourages students to take ownership of their learning and develop their leadership capacity. Under her leadership, P.S. 65 was recognized as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School in 2025. Through a relentless focus on leadership, equity, and opportunity, Jessica works to ensure that every child who enters P.S. 65 leaves believing in their ability to lead, achieve their dreams, and create a brighter future for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Kevin Lopez

Motion Picture Technical High School
Queens, New York

  • Kevin Lopez is the Founding Principal of Motion Picture Technical High School, an innovative Film/CTE institution in NYC that prepares students for creative and technical careers in film and television. With over 15 years of experience in media arts education and film production, Kevin has developed programs that integrate industry practices with academic rigor. His producing credits include acclaimed films such as HBO’s The Inquisition of Camilo Sanz and Primera, as well as the SXSW-selected documentary LA SALSA VIVE, showcasing his dedication to diverse storytelling.
    At Motion Picture Tech, Kevin oversees a four-year, project-based curriculum combining Media Arts/CTE with academics, enabling students to earn an Advanced Regents Diploma and CTE endorsement. The school empowers diverse students to build creative and technical skills while accessing real-world opportunities, preparing them for higher education and professional success. With a mission to transform the entertainment industry, Motion Picture Tech nurtures the next generation of below-the-line professionals. The school is ideal for aspiring filmmakers who thrive in collaborative environments and are passionate about artistic innovation and authentic storytelling.

Nadia Madan Morrow

Place Bridge Academy
Denver, Colorado

  • Nadia Madan Morrow is the proud Principal of Place Bridge Academy, a K-8 Newcomer and bilingual school that welcomes large numbers of new-to-country students from around the world. Nadia is passionate about serving Multilingual Learners and has dedicated more than 25 years working in school systems to create strong programming, instructional practices, and inclusive school environments that allow immigrant and refugee students to thrive. She has held roles at both the school and district level including bilingual teacher, Instructional Coach, Executive Director of the Multilingual Education Department and the Chief of Academics for Denver Public Schools. Nadia strives to create educational experiences that allow Multilingual Learners to achieve their full potential, wearing their cultural and linguistic identities as badges of honor.

Dr. Jennifer Madden

Jonathan Y Scammon
Chicago, Illinois

  • Dr. Jennifer Barrera Madden is an experienced Chicago Public Schools educator and leader currently in her fourth year as Principal of Scammon Elementary. Prior to her principalship, Dr. Madden served as an Assistant Principal at North River Elementary and as an MTSS Coordinator at Columbia Explorers Academy, where she led impactful academic, behavioral, and restorative intervention frameworks. She began her career as an elementary and middle school teacher. A passionate advocate for high expectations and community engagement, Dr. Madden works collaboratively with staff, families, and the Local School Council to cultivate a nurturing learning environment. Her leadership focuses on data-driven instruction, professional learning communities, and expanding student recognition programs and festive school events. Dr. Madden holds a Doctorate in Education (EdD) in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Special Education from the American College of Education, a Master’s from Concordia University, and a Bachelor’s from DePaul University. Deeply rooted in the district, she is also the proud mother of three CPS students and the wife of a fellow CPS educator, driving her dedication to the social, emotional, and academic growth of every Scammon Husky.

Jamie Militello

Salmon P. Chase Elementary School
Chicago, Illinois

  • Jamie Militello serves as the Principal of Chase Elementary School in Chicago, where she leads a dynamic community encompassing multiple programs: STEAM Magnet, Dual Language, and Special Education cluster classrooms. As a transformational administrator since 2022, Jamie is committed to high expectations, inclusive excellence, and the steady work of building a vibrant school environment. Believing that leaders must invest in collective values and relational trust, Jamie centers her practice on distributed leadership and teacher agency. By establishing five-week learning cycles, collaborative curriculum vetting, and student-centered, data-driven practices, she has cultivated a culture of collective efficacy that resulted in increased enrollment, double-digit academic gains, and impressive growth in student experience metrics. Jamie holds master’s degrees from DePaul University in Chicago, alongside a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan. Grounded in equity, she remains dedicated to ensuring every student, particularly students with disabilities and multilingual learners, have access to rigorous, grade-level instruction that honors their humanity and fosters joy.

Gabriela Nunez

Telpochcalli Dual Language and Fine Arts School
Chicago, Illinois

  • Gabriela Núñez, M.Ed., is the principal of Telpochcalli Dual Language and Fine Arts Elementary School in Chicago's Little Village community. Her connection to Telpochcalli spans more than 16 years, beginning as a student teacher and continuing as a classroom teacher, dual language coordinator, and now principal. Gabriela leads with a deep commitment to creating a school where students feel seen, valued, and empowered to recognize the strength of their own voices. She believes Telpochcalli can provide students with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to become the agents of change the city needs. She believes strong schools are built by creating nurturing learning environments where students feel safe taking risks and educators are supported to grow, collaborate, and strengthen their practice. Under her leadership, Telpochcalli continues to strengthen its dual language and fine arts programming while expanding opportunities for student voice, agency, and leadership. Gabriela is especially passionate about ensuring students see their language, culture, and lived experiences as strengths. As a Cahn Leadership Lab practitioner, Gabriela is excited to deepen this work and continue building a school community where students recognize the impact they have on their learning and community.

Adrienne Reininga

STEM Institute of Manhattan- PS 241
Manhattan, New York

  • Adrienne Reininga is the Principal of P.S. 241, the STEM Institute of Manhattan, a community school in Harlem serving students in 3K- 5th grade. Adrienne began her career in Harlem as a Teach For America corps member and has dedicated nearly two decades to advancing educational equity as a teacher, instructional coach, special education lead, assistant principal, and principal. Since joining the STEM family in 2016, she works to cultivate a joyful, academically rigorous community where every child is celebrated and empowered. She believes deeply in the inherent genius of every student and is committed to disrupting systems and practices that marginalize Black and Latinx students, multilingual learners, and students with disabilities. Adrienne's leadership is grounded in culturally responsive-sustaining education and a commitment to ensuring every learner thrives.The STEM Institute develops curious learners and creative engineers through hands-on learning that affirms identity, builds criticality, and empowers students to use STEM to imagine and build a more just world. Adrienne holds a B.A. in Black Studies from the University of California, Davis, a dual M.S. in Childhood General and Special Education from Bank Street College of Education, and an M.S. in Educational Leadership from Fordham University.

Varun Rule-Pandey

Hillcrest High School
Queens, New York

  • Varun Rule-Pandey is a student-centered public school leader and a proud graduate of Hillcrest High School, where he now serves as principal. He is a kid-first leader who focuses on supporting students, strengthening instruction, and building a school community where young people can succeed. At Hillcrest, Varun has led schoolwide literacy and mathematics improvement efforts, expanded academic and attendance supports, and developed restorative practices to strengthen school climate. His work has contributed to higher Regents pass rates, improved mathematics outcomes, fewer suspensions, and stronger student progress. He also supports educators through coaching, professional learning, and shared leadership. Varun began his career as a special education teacher and has also coordinated transition planning and behavior supports. He holds graduate degrees in education leadership and special education, along with a bachelor’s degree in history. He is certified as a School Building Leader, School District Leader, and Students with Disabilities teacher, and speaks English, Hindi, and Nepali.

Jessica Scanlon

P.S. 165 Robert E. Simon
Manhattan, New York

  • Jessica Scanlon has served as Principal of PS 165 Robert E. Simon in Manhattan since 2024, building on her long-standing dedication to the school as Assistant Principal, Literacy Instructional Coach, and teacher since 2011. An educator since 2007, she has devoted her career to academic excellence and student empowerment. She is proud of increasing enrollment by over 30% and leading a thriving community school serving diverse learners through General Education, Special Education (12:1:1 and ICT), Dual Language Spanish, and Gifted & Talented programs. Central to Jessica’s philosophy is the belief that all students can succeed when given opportunities to explore their talents. She pairs rigorous instruction with social-emotional learning, elevating student voice through leadership initiatives and formal student proposal processes. In 2015, she co-authored a grant to introduce the Leader in Me program, helping PS 165 earn prestigious Lighthouse Certification in 2022. Today, PS 165 hosts educators globally to study its best practices and student leadership model. Jessica holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology, Elementary, and Special Education from Marist College, a Master’s in Literacy from The College of New Rochelle, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Hunter College. She is also a 2022–2023 Cahn Fellow Ally.

Mayra Segura

Central Park East High School
Manhattan, New York

  • Mayra Messi-Segura is an accomplished educational leader with over 18 years of experience driving academic excellence, supporting student success, and cultivating inclusive school cultures. She currently serves as the Principal at Central Park East High School in New York, NY since July, 2023. In this role, she oversees total school operations, instructional vision, and budget allocation for grades 9–12, implementing data-driven initiatives that elevate graduation rates and college readiness. Prior to becoming Principal at Central Park East High School, she served as the Assistant Principal from September, 2008 to July, 2023, where she directed the Guidance, Special Education, and English Departments. She also pioneered equity and college-access programs, implemented restorative justice practices, led curriculum planning, and built a comprehensive, high-quality Special Education Program. Mayra began her career in education as a Literacy Teacher and Coach, providing targeted instruction and professional development across NYC schools. A former NYU Alumnae Club Scholar and Founders Scholar, Mayra holds a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in English Education (Summa Cum Laude) from New York University. She is fluent in Spanish and proficient in key NYC Department of Education systems.

Martin Zaborac

Compass Academy
Denver, Colorado

  • Martin Zaborac earned his Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin. He spent seven years in the classroom at Compass before moving into the Instructional Leadership role for the 2023-24 school year. Prior to serving at Compass, he spent two years working in community centers in the Greater Madison area. Over the course of his career he has been Math Lead, Science Lead, Math Intervention Lead, and also a soccer coach. Martin has also worked in close partnership with City Year, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), Leading Educators, and Fully Liberated Youth (FLY). He believes that every student has the ability to succeed in math and knows they all will. In his spare time, he enjoys soccer, hiking, and the outdoors in general.

Maricela Torres

Cooper Dual Language Academy
Chicago, Illinois

  • Maricela Torres is a dedicated educator and proud Chicago native who has served Chicago Public Schools (CPS) since 2003. Raised in Little Village, she is a proud alumna of Gary Elementary School and Curie High School. Her own experience as a CPS student, alongside supportive mentors, inspired her to dedicate her career to the community that shaped her. Over her 20+ years with CPS, Principal Torres has worn many hats, starting as a middle school teacher and ELPT before serving as an instructional coach at Hamline Elementary in 2012. In 2016, she joined Gunsaulus Scholastic Academy as co-principal, where she spent seven years fostering collaborative, community-focused leadership. In 2023, Principal Torres began her journey as Principal of Peter Cooper Dual Language Academy. Drawing on her roots in an immigrant family, she deeply relates to her students and families. As principal, her goals center on strengthening dual-language programming, expanding enrichment opportunities, championing student voice, and ensuring graduates are fully prepared for the future. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling and spending time with her young daughter.