Jemia Cunningham-Elder is an inspiring CEO committed to advancing educational equity and fostering transformative leadership. With a proven track record of successful leadership, she navigates the complexities of education policy, funding, and practice with vision and ability. A decade ago Jemia attended the National Charter School Conference as a participant and is proud to return as a panelist. Born and raised in Chicago, Jemia became passionate about education during college when she was exposed to slave narratives and other influential texts such as the autobiographies of Frederick Douglas and Malcolm X. Learning about the power of education, especially in the Black community, inspired her to dedicate her career to making positive change through supporting the education of others. Jemia joined Americorps after college and was placed as a tutor at Phoenix Charter Academy (PCA) in Chelsea, MA. Her experience at PCA shaped her belief in charter schools as a key lever in changing educational outcomes for students. Jemia was appointed to the position of CEO of North Lawndale College Prep in September 2022. At North Lawndale College Prep Charter Network (NLCP) in Chicago, Jemia has made a profound impact. Jemia created a culture of data-driven decision-making and performance accountability, leading to a 5% increase in state reporting data and improved academic performance. Jemia also rebranded the organization to celebrate 25 years and initiated and invested in high-impact programs such as Peace Warriors, a nationally recognized violence-interruption program, that supported the school’s mission and enhanced the organization’s visibility in the media. With a Master's Degree in Executive Leadership and Organizational Development from Boston College and a Bachelor's Degree in Communications from Lake Forest College, Jemia brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her leadership roles. She also serves on several boards and committees, furthering her commitment to community engagement and advocacy. She holds a Nonprofit Management certification from the Institute for Nonprofit Practice/Boston University and has completed coaching programs focused on leadership and teamwork. Jemia Cunningham-Elder’s career is marked by transformative leadership, a commitment to educational equity, and a relentless drive to create positive change in communities. Her strategic vision, coupled with her ability to navigate complex challenges, makes her a standout leader in the field of education and community development.

Vanessa Garza expertly translates student potential into success of self and beyond. With her data-driven leadership, teachers elevate their classroom instruction to ensure student mastery with a holistic approach. Ms. Garza was born and raised in Los Angeles and proud of earning her Masters in Education from UCLA while serving as a middle school teacher in LAUSD. Ms. Garza earned her bachelor degree from Tulane University and her administrative credential at the Charter School Leadership Academy at Loyola Marymount University.

Gary Larson is founder and CEO of Larson Communications, a mission-driven communications firm that for nearly two decades has helped the charter school movement's leading schools and organizations win their toughest battles and political fights. Before founding the firm, he served as the first head of communications for the California Charter Schools Association. He writes from inside the fight.

• Gemar Mills is the Chief Academic Officer of College Achieve Public Schools (CAPS) and the Executive Director of CAPS Paterson. Born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey, Mills earned a B.S. degree in math education from Montclair State University, and began teaching math at East Side High School in Newark, New Jersey. While working full-time, he earned a Master’s of Educational Leadership at American Intercontinental University and later a doctoral degree in administration, policy, and curriculum from Seton Hall University.