WOCEC Announces 2026 National Aspiring District Leaders Fellowship Cohort
The Women of Color Education Collaborative (WOCEC), in partnership with the National Center for the Elimination of Educational Disparities (NCEED) at Morgan State University, is proud to announce the educators selected for the 2026 National Aspiring District Leaders Fellowship.
This accomplished cohort represents women leaders from districts across the country who are prepared to extend their impact beyond school buildings and into district-level systems. Each fellow brings a record of instructional leadership, community-centered practice, and a demonstrated commitment to advancing educational equity at scale.
“These women represent the future of district leadership,” said Dr. Stephanie Wood-Garnett, WOCEC president. “Their collective experience, scholarly preparation, and moral clarity reflect exactly what school systems need right now—leaders who understand that equity-driven transformation is both urgent and achievable.”
The National Aspiring District Leaders Fellowship supports high-performing principals and school leaders as they transition into central office roles through rigorous professional learning, executive coaching, applied district-based experiences, and participation in a powerful national network. Delivered in partnership with NCEED, the fellowship aligns closely with its Teachers and School Leaders Pillar, which prioritizes the advancement of leaders who improve student outcomes while strengthening school communities.
“District leadership shapes opportunity for entire generations of students,” said Dr. Meria Carstarphen, director of NCEED. “This cohort reflects our shared belief that investing in women of color leaders is essential to eliminating disparities and building stronger, more just education systems.”
The WOCEC congratulates the following 34 fellows and looks forward to supporting their continued leadership growth throughout the fellowship year.
- Danielle Adams, Principal, Baltimore City Public Schools (MD)
- Tessa Alleyne, Ed.D., Principal, New York City Public Schools, District 17 (NY)
- Carolyn Allston, Ed.D., Principal, Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191 (MN)
- Diedra Barnett, Principal, Charles County Public Schools (MD)
- Medria Blue, Ed.D, Principal, New Haven Public Schools (CT)
- Catessa Cain, Principal, Talbot County Public Schools (MD)
- Rebecca A. Campbell, Assistant Principal, Half Hollow Hills Central School District (NY)
- Joy Dorsey-Whiting, Ed.D., Principal, Hackensack Public Schools (NJ)
- Danyelle Edwards, Principal, Cherry Hill Public Schools (NJ)
- Kristie Edwards, Principal, District of Columbia Public Schools (DC)
- Genique Flournoy-Hamilton, Principal, Newark Board of Education (NJ)
- Martine Francois-DePass, Assistant Principal, Longwood Central School District (NY)
- Terri Fuller, Principal, District of Columbia Public Schools (DC)
- Mallory Gayle, Ed.D., Assistant Principal, Baltimore City Public Schools (MD)
- Coletta Graham, Principal, Chesterfield Township School District (NJ)
- Ariel Hayes, Ed.D., Principal, Cleveland Metropolitan School District (OH)
- Crystal January, Principal, Atlanta Public Schools (GA)
- Chantelle Lewis, Ed.D., Principal, Lorain City Schools (OH)
- Patrice McCauley, Principal, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (NC)
- Shartara Miller, Principal, Breakthrough Public Schools (OH)
- Terri Mitchell, Principal, Newark Board of Education (NJ)
- Tosha Oliver, Principal, Fayette County Public Schools (KY)
- Shanif Pearl, Principal, Charles County Public Schools (MD)
- Allison Persad, Ed.D., Principal, New York City Public Schools, District 30 (NY)
- Juana N. Piña Saldivar, Ed.D., Principal, Kingsville Independent School District (TX)
- Cicely Ryan, Principal, Albuquerque Public Schools (NM)
- Tangie Scales, Ed.D., Principal, Charles County Public Schools (MD)
- Colleen Seivright-Crawford, Ed.D., Principal, Mount Vernon City School District (NY)
- Jasmine G. Shepherd, Ed.D., Principal, Valley Stream 13 School District (NY)
- Aaliyah VanLeer, Principal, Breakthrough Public Charter Schools (OH)
- Michelle Waldrop, Principal, Albuquerque Public Schools (NM)
- Tammillye Ward, Principal, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (NC)
- Tamesha Webb, Superintendent Doctoral Resident, Uniondale Union Free School District (NY)
- Orlena Whatley, Ed.D., Principal, Charles County Public Schools (MD)
From the New York Times: Black Women Turn to One Another as Career Paths Suddenly Recede
In this recent article in the New York Times, Black women professionals have experienced a sharp decline in employment over the past year, with unemployment rising more than for other demographic groups, even among those with college degrees, amid broader hiring slowdowns and layoffs tied to cuts in federal jobs and the retreat of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. As traditional pathways into mid-career roles have narrowed, many Black women are finding that their professional networks and past credentials are no longer enough to secure new opportunities. In response, some have formed peer-support networks for résumé help, encouragement, and mutual aid while navigating a job market that feels quieter and less welcoming than it did in recent years.
Upcoming Opportunity: Career Coaching 1, February 25, 7:00-8:30 pm ET
The WOCEC is hosting a session called Career Coaching I, designed for women in K–12 education who are ready to take the next step in their professional journeys. Whether you are exploring new roles, considering a transition, or simply want to strengthen your professional presence, this interactive workshop will cover practical strategies for conducting an effective job search, crafting compelling résumés and cover letters, and building a clear, authentic personal brand. Grounded in the realities of the education sector and facilitated with an understanding of women’s career pathways, the session will provide actionable tools, confidence-building insights, and space for reflection and connection with peers navigating similar career decisions. Sign up here.