The Broad Center Announces 2026-27 Cohort of the Master's in Public Education Management
The 28 outstanding, mid-career education leaders hail from large urban school systems across the United States.
The Broad Center at the Yale School of Management (TBC at SOM) has announced the 28 outstanding emerging leaders that will make up the 2026-27 cohort of the Master's in Public Education Management.
The Master's, one of TBC at SOM's signature leadership programs, is designed for early- to mid-career school system leaders with extraordinary leadership potential who wish to increase their impact in key K-12 systems. Master's students work in urban public school systems across the country, including school districts, public charter organizations, and state education agencies.
Throughout the tuition-free, 14-month program, Master's students will engage with one another, SOM faculty, and leading practitioners in the field to build their leadership approach and skills, understand the dynamics of equity in their organizations, and build a network of fellow education leaders. Students also complete an independent study capstone project that applies what they learn in the classroom to a current issue or challenge in their school systems. By continuing to work full-time while they complete the program, students are able to directly apply their learning to the school systems in which they work, with the goal of providing an immediate benefit to the schools and students they serve. The 2026-27 cohort will graduate in summer 2027 with a Master's in Management Studies from Yale SOM.
Meet the 2026-27 Master's Cohort
Biographies provided by students.
Bonnie Bacon
Deputy Director of Office of Research, Analysis and Reporting, Office of the State Superintendent of Education, District of Columbia
As deputy director, Bonnie leads the continuous improvement processes to meet strategic priorities and goals for the office responsible for student and school data reporting in the District of Columbia. Her work equips decisionmakers with high-quality, data-informed insights in our education system. Before joining OSSE's data team, she led state-level ESEA grants management with OSSE's federal programs team and managed public grants for the KIPP DC charter network. Bonnie began her career in education teaching fourth grade after completing a Master's in Education in a program focused on teaching in urban schools.
Andrew Clay
Regional Director of School Operations, KIPP NYC Public Schools
As Regional Director of Operations at KIPP NYC Public Schools, Andrew Clay partners with school leaders to improve student outcomes by strengthening the systems that support teaching, learning, and belonging. Prior to his current role, Andrew served as a founding teacher, school-based director of operations, and principal. He began his career as a seventh-grade ELA teacher in Covington, Kentucky.
Michael Diaz
Associate Chief of Academics, Achievement First Public Charter Schools
Michael Diaz is a proud father, husband, and educator. He is the son of a Colombian immigrant mother and an Afro-Puerto Rican father. He has spent his professional career in traditional public and public charter schools working to build the schools he wanted for himself growing up and that should be available to all children. He is now the Associate Chief of Academics at Achievement First Public Charter Schools where he leads the vision and implementation for the academic program for all content areas for 41 schools and 15,000 students, across NY, CT, and RI.
Hannah Hall
Deputy Chief of Human Resources, Boston Public Schools
As the Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer at Boston Public Schools, Hannah Hall leads the district’s staffing, recruitment, and data analytics efforts to ensure school leaders have the talent and support required to drive student success. Since first joining the district in 2015, she has held progressively senior roles—including Director of Staffing and Human Capital Manager—and also served as the Assistant Director for Human Resources at Needham Public Schools. Hannah began her career as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant at Pamukkale University in Denizli, Turkey.
Akeia King
Managing Director of Human Resources, YES Prep Public Schools, Houston
Akeia King is a human capital leader committed to strengthening school systems through strategic talent management and organizational leadership. She serves as the Managing Director of Human Resources for YES Prep Public Schools, where she leads initiatives focused on talent strategy and organizational development. Akeia is passionate about advancing equity by developing leaders and systems that ensure every student has access to an excellent education.
Katelyn McGrath
Senior Director of K-12 Mathematics, Mastery Charter Schools
Katelyn McGrath is the Senior Director of Mathematics at Mastery Schools, where she leads K-12 strategic mathematics initiatives, including instruction and professional development, that have driven measurable improvements in student outcomes across 23 schools in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Previously, she served as Director and Assistant Director of Elementary Mathematics at Mastery Schools. Katelyn began her career as a fourth and fifth grade math and science teacher in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Antwan L. Perry
Manager, Policy, Howard County Public School System
Antwan serves as the Manger of Policy for the Howard County Public School System in Howard County, MD. In his role, Antwan works with the Board of Education, Superintendent, and school system leadership in the development and adoption of system-wide policies. Prior to this role, Antwan was the Sr. Policy Analyst for Higher Education with the National Education Association.
Shandra Reed
Director of Special Education - Elementary, YES Prep Public Schools, Houston
As the Director of Special Education - Elementary at YES Prep Public Schools in Houston, Shandra leads the strategy and implementation of special education programming across all elementary campuses. She partners with campus leadership teams and cross-functional departments to strengthen instructional quality, develop special education leaders, and build systems that improve outcomes for students with disabilities while expanding access and opportunity for all students across the district. Shandra began her career as a special education teacher serving students in multiple specialized settings and later advanced into leadership as a Special Education Chair and Special Education Manager.
Alim Uddin
Managing Director of Strategy, Ascend Public Charter Schools
Alim Uddin is the Managing Director of Strategy at Ascend Public Charter Schools, where he leads cross-functional efforts to align priorities, strengthen organizational systems, and improve student outcomes across 17 schools. With a background spanning teaching, school leadership, and network strategy, he brings a systems-level approach to educational leadership. Through the Yale Broad program, he aims to further expand his ability to lead transformative, equity-driven change.
Robert N. Wallace, Jr.
Chief of Staff, Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS)
Dr. Robert Wallace serves as the Chief of Staff for Nashville Public Schools, leveraging over a decade of experience in education and organizational strategy. Since joining the district in 2013 as a teacher, he has held numerous roles, including Executive Officer of Resource Strategy, where he led district-wide efforts to optimize resources and advance academic outcomes. Prior to serving as Chief of Staff, Dr. Wallace was the Chief Operating Officer for PENCIL and a Senior Advisor for Education with Metropolitan Government of Nashville. He is committed to the district's unwavering commitment to Every Student Known.
Marissa Burwell
Senior Director of School Culture, Mastery Charter Schools
With two decades of dedicated service in public education, Marissa Burwell has transitioned from the classroom to executive leadership. Having served as a teacher, Dean of Students, and Assistant Principal, she now holds the role of Senior Director of School Culture at Mastery Charter Schools. Marissa is committed to elevating the student experience for more than 14,000 learners across Philadelphia and Camden.
Meagan Coggins
Director, Middle Grades Curriculum and Instruction, Cleveland Metropolitan School District
As the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Middle Grades at Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD), Meagan leads curriculum implementation, professional learning, and middle school academic supports to ensure student success in grades 4-8. Prior to her current role, Meagan served as the Manager of School Quality with CMSD. Meagan began her career in the classroom as a fifth grade ELA teacher and is passionate about building equitable systems that support all students.
Erin Diaz
Vice President, Scholar Culture, Belonging, and Equity, Alliance College-Ready Public Schools
Erin Diaz is the Vice President, Scholar Culture, Belonging, and Equity at Alliance College-Ready Public Schools in Los Angeles, where she leads a multi-year, network-wide culture strategy advancing college-ready and joyful learning for all scholars. She oversees integrated teams spanning scholar services, community schools, mental health, and equitable culture, driving data-informed improvements in attendance, behavior, and scholar experience across 25 schools. Prior to Alliance, Erin served as a founding middle school principal at Equitas Academy and Senior Service Director at City Year Los Angeles, after beginning her career as a teacher with KIPP and TFA.
Kenya Harmon
Managing Director of Extended Learning and Enrichment, KIPP DC Public Schools
As the Managing Director of Extended Learning at KIPP DC Public Schools, Kenya Harmon ensures that leaders and educators have the human, fiscal, and curricular resources necessary to provide high-quality extended learning experiences. Her leadership is informed by her previous tenure as a KIPP DC Head of Schools and Principal, where she developed a deep commitment to bridging the gap between high-level strategy and student impact. She remains dedicated to fostering holistic growth for both the students and the educators she serves.
Magnolia Landa Posas
Director, Student Voice & Leadership, Denver Public Schools
As the Director of Student Voice and Leadership for DPS, Magnolia Landa Posas ensures that students have programmatic and strategic opportunities grounded in identity & leadership development, civic engagement and critical consciousness to drive student learning & agency. Her role oversees strategic initiatives, continuous improvement, partner cultivation and programmatic innovation. More importantly, she is an advocate for authentic youth-adult partnerships in practice and in policy.
Nina Minogue
Chief Operating Officer, Democracy Prep Public Schools
As the Chief Operating Officer of Democracy Prep Public Schools, Nina ensures high quality learning environments through the oversight of all operational functions across Democracy Prep's schools located throughout New York City. Over her 17 years in education including 10+ years at Democracy Prep, Nina has held a variety of operations and leadership roles including helping to found and grow Democracy Prep Endurance High School as the Founding Assistant Principal.
Towana Pierre-Floyd
Managing Director of School Principals, KIPP New Orleans Schools
Towana Pierre-Floyd is the Managing Director of High Schools for KIPP New Orleans Schools, where she supports instructional strategy, leadership development, and academic outcomes across the region’s high schools. A former principal of Frederick Douglass High School, she led the school to an A rating on the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, reflecting her commitment to equity, excellence, and expanding opportunities for New Orleans students.
Colleen Stewart
Director, K-12 Enrichment, Achievement First Public Charter Schools
Colleen Stewart is the Director of K-12 Enrichment at Achievement First Charter Schools, where she leads the development and implementation of curriculum and professional learning for arts, athletics, and world language educators across 40 schools. Her work focuses on strengthening enrichment instruction and expanding access to high-quality arts and athletics education for all students. Colleen began her career as a music teacher and later served as a founding elementary school principal at Success Academy Charter Schools.
Rebecca Ullrich
Assistant Superintendent, Early Childhood Access, Enrollment, and Policy, Virginia Department of Education
Rebecca Ullrich is the Assistant Superintendent of Early Childhood Access, Enrollment, and Policy at the Virginia Department of Education, where she leads agency efforts to maximize access to high-quality, publicly-funded early childhood education opportunities for Virginia's littlest learners. Prior to joining VDOE, Becca worked as a researcher and policy analyst for two national advocacy organizations in Washington, DC.
Michael Richard Cheatham
Acting Deputy Chancellor for Finance, Administration, and Human Resources, New York City Public Schools
Michael Cheatham serves as Acting Deputy Chancellor for Finance, Administration, and Human Resources for New York City Public Schools, overseeing systemwide fiscal, operational, and workforce strategy across the nation’s largest public school system. He leads finance, human resources, and procurement modernization efforts to ensure resources are deployed efficiently, transparently, and in direct support of student outcomes.
Annette de la Llana Merilos
Associate Director of Academics 5-8 Literacy/Multilingual Learners, KIPP Public Schools Northern California
Annette de la Llana Merilos serves as Associate Director of Academics for 5-8 Literacy and Multilingual Learners at KIPP Northern California, where she leads system-wide efforts to strengthen literacy instruction and ensure equitable access to grade-level learning. She began her career as a classroom teacher in DC Public Schools and later served as an assistant principal and interim co-head of school. As a first-generation Filipina immigrant, Annette brings personal insight into the power of language and belonging and approaches leadership as stewardship in service of students and families.
Jaz Grant
Regional Superintendent of Instruction, Uncommon Schools
Jaz Grant is a Regional Superintendent of Instruction with Uncommon Schools in New York City, where he manages a portfolio of elementary and middle schools and supports 23 schools across the region. Prior to his current role, he served as principal of Excellence Boys Charter School of Bedford Stuyvesant, where he began his career as a third grade teacher and Teach For America corps member. He now partners with school leaders to strengthen teaching and learning and drive student achievement across schools.
Jinelle Hooker
ED Office of Strategic Partnerships & Fund Development, Hartford Public Schools
As the ED of Strategic Partnerships & Fund Development for HPS she leads cross-sector collaboration, resource development, and the alignment of partnerships to district priorities that advance student success and equity.
Before joining HPS, Jinelle served as the Assistant ED for Queen Ann Nzinga center where she planned and implemented services for youth in the Greater New Britain Areas. She was also the Director of Programs for Our Piece of the Pie (OPP), a leading youth development organization in CT. There, she spearheaded the expansion of OPP’s services into Eastern CT.
Jenna Marcus
Head of Schools, KIPP New Jersey
As the Head of Schools for KIPP Newark's elementary schools, Jenna drives student achievement, school culture, and staff retention through principal development. Jenna also serves as a professional development facilitator for KIPP nationally. Prior to her role as Head of Schools, Jenna proudly served as a Principal and kindergarten teacher in Newark.
Alyssa Montaño Story
Director of Literacy, KIPP Colorado Schools
As Director of Literacy at KIPP Colorado, Alyssa Montaño Story collaborates with teachers and leaders to improve literacy outcomes and expand access to rigorous, grade-level instruction. She began her career as an English teacher in South Korea and later served as a middle school Assistant Principal in Denver, where she led instructional improvements that resulted in student outcomes surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Alyssa believes literacy is essential to educational justice and is committed to ensuring all students receive the instruction and opportunities they deserve.
Jon Quintanilla
Executive Director of Data, Office of Student Pathways, New York City Public Schools
As the Executive Director of Data for Student Pathways at the New York City Department of Education, Jon Quintanilla leads data and reporting infrastructure that supports large-scale initiatives to expand college and career pathways for students across the nation’s largest school district. Prior to this role, he led postsecondary strategy and research efforts at the NYC Department of Education and managed data and technology strategy for charter school networks in New York City. Jon began his career as a fifth-grade teacher with Teach For America in the Houston Independent School District.
Aaron Thompson
General Counsel, Denver Public Schools
Aaron Thompson serves as General Counsel for Denver Public Schools, advising the Board of Education and Superintendent on a wide range of school law matters. He provides strategic counsel on governance, policy development, labor and employment, contracts and procurement, compliance, and litigation risk. His work focuses on practical, solutions-oriented guidance that supports strong district operations and student-centered outcomes.
Trey Vernaci
Chief Operating Officer, RePublic Schools
Trey Vernaci is the Chief Operating Officer of RePublic Schools, where he leads operations across a network of charter schools serving scholars and families in Mississippi and Tennessee. Prior to becoming COO, Trey served in multiple school and regional operations roles, played a key role in launching multiple schools, and founded the Mississippi Charter School Operations Leader Residency to develop future operations leaders in the state. He began his career in public education in the Deep South and remains committed to expanding high-quality public school options across the region.
