The Broad Center Announces 2024-25 Cohort of the Fellowship for Public Education Leadership

The Fellowship for Public Education Leadership is an executive leadership program run by The Broad Center at Yale SOM for senior-level public education leaders from across the country who are dedicated to strengthening public school systems and the communities they serve.

Starting this fall, the 18 Fellows selected for the 2024-25 cohort will gather four times over 10 months for weeklong modules at Yale SOM designed to expose them to leading management research and skills that can be applied to the public school systems in which they work. The program also places an emphasis on peer-to-peer learning within the cohort and with leading practitioners in the field. Fellows leverage these learnings as they drive transformative work happening in urban school districts, charter networks, and state education agencies that advances equity and excellence for all students.

Meet the 2024-25 Fellows

Biographies provided by Fellows.

Fabiola Bagula

Deputy Superintendent, San Diego Unified School District

Fabiola Bagula is the deputy superintendent for San Diego Unified School District, the second largest in California serving approximately 98,000 students. Fabiola is a true partner to the superintendent and oversees the entire district committed to equity, belonging and thriving. As a published author, university faculty, sought out keynote speaker- Fabiola continues to leverage her identity and power in service of students and community with love.

Eve Colavito

Co-Chief Executive Officer, DREAM Charter Schools

Eve Colavito is the co-Chief Executive Officer of DREAM, a network of inclusive, extended-day, extended-year charter schools in New York City. Eve has overseen the strategic growth of the organization, which at scale will serve over 4,000 Pre-K through postsecondary youth across East Harlem and the South Bronx. Eve believes deeply that investing in the whole child from early childhood to early adulthood leads to generational change.

Samuel DePina

Deputy Superintendent of Operations, Boston Public Schools

Dr. DePina is a graduate of the Boston Public Schools (BPS). He completed his post secondary education at the University of Massachusetts at Boston where completed all three degrees including Master's and Doctoral. Dr. DePina has a track record of working across BPS departments, parents, students, partners, unions, community based organizations, faith based community, vendors and elected officials to provide positive outcomes for students. This includes obtaining services for English learners, students with special needs, along with other student supports. He assists schools and central departments with numerous operational, academic, finance, labor and safety initiatives.

Lawrence Harris

Chief Impact Officer, KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools

Dr. Lawrence Harris is the Chief Impact Officer of KIPP Atlanta Schools, a high-performing public charter school network in Atlanta, Georgia. Lawrence is deeply committed to implementing innovative, sustainable, and inclusive strategies to achieve positive outcomes for students and communities.

Ajit "AJ" Pethe

Chief of Schools, Jefferson Parish Schools

Ajit "AJ" Pethe is the Chief of Schools at Jefferson Parish Schools, focusing on removing barriers to ensure student access to quality education, including technology and mental health support. Recognized as Louisiana State Principal of the Year and a National Distinguished Principal, he has earned acclaim for improving school performance. Pethe holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Administration from the University of Southern Mississippi and is a graduate of the Louisiana Superintendents Academy. He frequently presents at educational conferences and collaborates with healthcare organizations to enhance student wellness and mental health initiatives.

Nicole Scott

Chief of Legal, Compliance & External Partners, Phalen Leadership Academies

Nicole Scott is the Chief of Legal, Compliance & External Partners at Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA), a high-performing charter school management organization and turnaround operator. In her role, Nicole manages risk, legal matters, and external relationships throughout six regions for PLA. Nicole believes that every child deserves access to quality education, no matter their zip code, and is committed to closing achievement gaps that persist between different communities in our country.

Melissa Bassanelli

Superintendent, San Juan Unified School District

Melissa Bassanelli serves as the superintendent of schools for the San Juan Unified School District, California’s 10th largest school system. Spanning 75 square miles, the district educates over 40,000 students from preschool through adulthood across 65 schools. Melissa is dedicated to ensuring that every student, regardless of race, ethnicity, language, or other identity characteristics, has the support needed to achieve academic, social, and emotional success. She firmly believes in fostering inclusive partnerships with the community, families, educators, and students to realize this vision.

Charmie Curry

Associate Commissioner, Statewide System of Support, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Charmie Curry is the associate commissioner of the Statewide System of Support (SSoS) within the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education. As associate commissioner of SSoS, Charmie oversees the state's targeted assistance to districts with schools performing in the lowest 10th percentile in the Massachusetts accountability system.

Larry J. Guillory

Senior Chief Administrative Officer, KIPP Texas Public Schools

Larry Guillory is an accomplished, multi-industry executive, with a successful record of building strategies and systems to support organizations pursuing scale. Larry is currently serving as Chief Administrative Officer for KIPP Texas Public Schools a multi-region, high-performing charter school network serving over 30K students in the state of Texas. Larry’s appreciation for the value of education brought him to KIPP Texas, where he leads the talent, technology, and belonging teams that together provide greater access to learning for students in economically disadvantaged communities.

Davion R. Lewis

Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, South Bend Community School Corporation

Dr. Davion R. Lewis is the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services at the South Bend Community School Corporation, in South Bend, Indiana. Prior to that, Davion served as the Chief Executive Officer of the South Bend Empowerment Zone, a school transformation network, created by the Indiana Department of Education in 2019. He has been an educator for the last 16 years working in various capacities. Davion earned his BA degree from Bethune-Cookman University, his MBA degree from Clayton State University, his EdS degree at Indiana State University, and his PhD degree from University at Buffalo.

Steve Popper

Chief Academic Officer, Democracy Prep Public Schools

Steve Popper is the Chief Academic Officer of the multi-state, high-performing charter school network, Democracy Prep Public Schools. As CAO, Steve sets the academic vision and policies at the network's schools in New York, Nevada, and Texas, in service of excellent academic outcomes. Steve believes deeply that all students from historically underserved communities should get a world-class educational experience, and that excellent instruction, coaching, and student supports are critical to reaching that goal.

Hoa Tu

Queens North High School Superintendent, New York City Department of Education

Dr. Hoa Tu is the Queens North High School Superintendent in New York City. As superintendent, she oversees 27 high schools, serving 36,000 students and families. Hoa is dedicated to cultivating student-centered teachers and school leaders through experiential professional learning and coaching.

Alan Cheng

High School Superintendent, New York City Department of Education

Alan Cheng is the superintendent of 50 NYC high schools—his district includes schools in the Consortium, Internationals, and NYC Outward Bound networks. Before this, he was the district deputy superintendent and high school principal. He has been instrumental in bringing innovation, student agency, and a focus on future workforce to schools and communities. Prior to moving to New York City, he was an Education Policy Fellow for the US Senate Education Subcommittee. Alan has a doctorate in Adult Development and Education Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Joan Dabrowski

Chief Academic Officer, Baltimore City Public Schools

As the Chief Academic Officer for the Baltimore City Public Schools, Joan Dabrowski strategically leads the development, implementation, and evaluation of all PreK-12 academic programs and initiatives. She is keenly interested in developing and supporting educators as she aspires to bring transformative, academic improvement to scale in service of students and families who live in historically underrepresented communities.

Maggie Gurley

Chief of Staff, District of Columbia Public Schools

With a focus on utilizing talent as a lever for equity, Maggie Gurley serves as the Chief of Staff for DC Public Schools. With over 20 years dedicated to serving Washington, DC's students and families, Maggie's journey includes roles as a distinguished teacher, nominated for the Sue Lehmann National Award for Excellence in Teaching, evaluator, board member, and leader in central services. She guides the strategic vision of the organization, oversees intergovernmental affairs, and drives the transformation of equity-centered human capital practices. Maggie is deeply committed to ensuring every student feels loved, challenged, and prepared.

Madeline Negrón

Superintendent, New Haven Public Schools

Dr. Madeline Negrón is the superintendent of the New Haven Public Schools, the second largest district in Connecticut serving over 19,000 students. Dr. Negrón has displayed an unwavering commitment to supporting underrepresented students in CT urban districts for almost 30 years. Dr. Negrón strives for social justice. She's an equity champion committed to addressing and fostering diversity, equity and inclusion while significantly impacting her community. Her personal experience as a multilingual learner has resulted in her life's passion for equity and excellence in schools.

Mark Ramirez

Associate Superintendent, Dallas Independent School District

Dr. Mark Ramirez is an Associate Superintendent in the Dallas Independent School District, overseeing 43 campuses and 32,000 students in Texas's second-largest school district. With a 25-year career in public education, he has emerged as a dynamic leader dedicated to increasing student outcomes, providing a rigorous, high-quality curriculum, and ensuring all students have access to equitable educational opportunities.

Keeanna Warren

Chief Executive Officer, Purdue Polytechnic High Schools

Dr. Keeanna Warren is a visionary leader dedicated to advancing educational equity through innovation. With experience ranging from classroom teacher to school system leader, she now serves as the CEO of Purdue Polytechnic High Schools (PPHS), overseeing administration, educational programs, financial management, and strategic direction while prioritizing authentic community engagement and relationship building. Keeanna's passion for research and data underscores her commitment to informed decision-making and continuous improvement, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds to collaborate toward a shared goal.