Ingrid Chung serves as principal at the Urban Assembly School for Applied Math & Science (AMS), a non-screened traditional public school serving students in grades 6-12 in the South Bronx. In addition to serving as principal, Ingrid teaches an AP Language & Composition course to seniors; serves as the lead facilitator for the school’s young men’s leadership program, Umoja, which works with traditionally defined “at-risk” boys; and coaches brand new teachers at AMS. She is a 2007 teaching fellow and is passionate about effective new teacher training and development programs as well as transformative intervention systems for at-risk students.
Audrey Connolly is the principal of Archimedes Academy, where she has proudly served for the past four years. Driven by a deep commitment to expanding opportunity for Bronx youth, she works to ensure her students are equipped for financially secure futures. Under her leadership, the school has introduced career-building programs including Google IT and Cybersecurity certifications, a hands-on drone technology course, expanded internship access, and a vibrant arts program. Audrey is passionate about bridging education with real-world skills to empower her students beyond the classroom. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her two daughters, hiking, camping, and canoeing.
Andria Cuello is the principal of Claremont International High School, where she focuses on supporting multilingual learners and expanding access to real-world learning opportunities. Andria is passionate about creating meaningful pathways for all students to grow, lead, and thrive. Throughout her years in New York City public schools, she has worked to build strong teams, foster inclusive school cultures, and strengthen postsecondary readiness. Andria’s goal is to ensure every student is seen, supported, and prepared for life beyond high school.
Meghan Drysdale just completed her eighth year of her principalship at the Academy of Innovative Technology High School (AoIT). Previously, she was assistant principal at AoIT for six years before transitioning to school leader. Additionally, she has been a proud member of the Franklin Lane Campus family for the past 18 years, as she was also an English Teacher at Cypress Hills Collegiate Prep prior to her transition into leadership just one floor up from AoIT. Ms. Drysdale holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Binghamton University and a master’s degree in Secondary English Education from Adelphi University. Furthermore, she is a graduate of the NYC DOE LEAP Program/Baruch College, where she obtained her SBL, and received an dvanced certificate/SDL from Bank Street Graduate School of Education.
Louis Garcia serves as the principal of a Career & Technical Education (CTE) school in Queens. Louis facilitates learning for teachers and students and believes that learning is an ongoing, lifelong process. Louis regards that the work of schools is to name the systemic inequalities that persist in many communities while empowering students & families to work towards a more equitable reality through rigorous education and community-centered practice. He previously served as principal in a traditional 9–12 school as well as in a small transfer school, which worked to help over-aged and under-credited students to earn high school diplomas while re-envisioning their lives beyond high school. Louis has earned master’s degrees in Teaching from Pace University and in Educational Leadership from Baruch College, and is a current doctoral student at CUNY Graduate Center.
Ben Grossman is the principal of the Bronx Academy for Software Engineering (BASE). Ben started his career in education as an English teacher at a transfer school in the South Bronx, which was a teacher-run school. While the team faced challenges addressing students’ diverse learning needs—as well as poverty and trauma—the team was able to come together to create powerful and meaningful opportunities for growth and development in the classroom. When the Common Core Learning Standards were released, Ben joined one of the Department of Education’s new network teams as an achievement coach, and after three years began work with a colleague to open the school that would eventually become Bronx Academy for Software Engineering. Ben is just finishing his 12th year as a principal, and is excited for the learning and challenges still to come.
Dr. Neil S. Harris is the principal of ATech High School. With over over 20 years of experience in the field, Dr. Harris holds NYS teaching certification in special education, social studies, early childhood, school administration, and school district leadership. He has served as teacher, coordinator, assistant principal, and now the founding principal of ATech High School, formerly known as Automotive High School. Dr. Harris earned a BS in World History/Religion from Cairn University, an MSED in Special Education from Long Island University (LIU), an MS in School Administration from Cambridge University, an MS in Theology from Virginia Union University, a CAGS in Early Childhood Education and a CAGS in School District Leadership from LIU, and a PhD in Educational Leadership from Concordia University of Chicago. He is a transformative leader who is passionate about empowering students of color and is the founder of the Urban Mosaic Center of Social Justice.
Patrice Henry is in her eighth year as principal of Business Technology Early College High High School (BTECH). Patrice is a passionate and dynamic instructional leader dedicated to building a thriving early college and career-focused CTE community. She leads with a strong commitment to equity, access, and excellence for all students. Through strategic coaching and feedback of instructional leaders, she empowers educators to deliver high-impact instruction. Ms. Henry is deeply invested in cultivating a 100-percent school where every student is known, supported, and set up for success. Her leadership centers on innovation, collaboration, and the belief that education is the great equalizer.
Nathan Larsen is the principal of Lyons Community School. Nathan is a dedicated and experienced New York City educator who, for the past 18 years, has been a passionate advocate for students, families, and teachers. Throughout his career, Nathan has nurtured schools and classrooms where complex thinking grows through meaningful, authentic experiences. His time at Fannie Lou Hamer Freedom High School and Lyons Community School has affirmed what he knows to be true: students learn best when they engage deeply and collaboratively with real-world issues that connect to their lives and interests. Nathan has built strong partnerships with community-based and youth development organizations—including Children’s Aid, Rocking the Boat, Beam Center, the Educational Video Center, and the Center for Urban Pedagogy—to amplify students’ voices in and beyond the classroom. He began teaching in 2006 and holds master’s degrees from Columbia University, Mercy College, and Bank Street Graduate School of Education. Outside of school, Nathan enjoys exploring New York City’s parks, museums, and outdoor celebrations with his wife and two teenage children.
Paula Lev is the principal at the High School for Law and Public Service located in District 6, Washington Heights. This is the same district where she started her career in education as a paraprofessional, then transitioned to a teaching role where she taught math and science to students with disabilities. Like many of her students, she arrived in the United States in high school with no knowledge of English. She is a proud product of New York City Public School bilingual programs. Her personal experience and desire to serve in a community she represents have motivated her to equip herself to lead. She has worked as an assistant principal for special education, director of SESIS training, and for the past five years as a principal. In her role as a principal, she has restructured the school to ensure that students receive their mandated bilingual and special education services. Additionally, she has established partnerships with different Department of Education Offices, local consultants, and community-based organizations to expand access to Advanced Placement (AP) courses, social-emotional activities, clubs, and internships. Most recently, the school received the AP Honor Roll Bronze Badge and the AP Access Award from the College Board for providing students of color and those from low-income households with multiple opportunities to enroll in AP courses. Beginning in June 2025, students will graduate with the Seal of Civics and the Biliteracy Seal. She is dedicated to creating an inclusive community where all students can flourish.
Nick Marinacci is the principal of Murray Hill Academy. Nick joined Teach for America after graduating from the College of William & Mary and has been in the field ever since. He has been a teacher in the Bronx and in Washington, DC. He became a principal through the New Leaders for New Schools program and founded the Bronx Writing Academy. He then moved into youth justice education, becoming an executive principal and later deputy superintendent of New York City’s alternative schools district. Nick served students in person every day from day one of the COVID-19 pandemic, and realized he wanted to get back to the school level. He served as the principal of a charter school before being appointed as the principal of Murray Hill Academy.
Nirmala Nanes is the principal of The High School for Enterprise, Business and Technology, which provides opportunities for students to earn CTE credentials in Computer Networking, Pre-Engineering and Robotics, and Hospitality and Tourism, a FRNYC Cybersecurity Program and an IB Diploma Program. Nirmala started her career teaching science in Manhattan and Brooklyn before serving as an assistant principal of science in Staten Island. In a return to Brooklyn, she served as the instructional specialist for science and CTE in Brooklyn North High Schools district.
Dr. James Nicotri is the principal of the Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics (MCSM), a prestigious STEM-focused high school in New York City. Under his leadership, the school has cultivated a reputation for academic excellence, preparing students for success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Dr. Nicotri is committed to fostering a supportive culture leveraging critical thinking and problem-solving skills, ensuring students are equipped to tackle real-world challenges. His dedication to education is reflected in the school’s innovative teaching methods and collaborative learning environment. Through his guidance, MCSM continues to inspire future leaders and innovators in the STEM fields.
Samantha Pritchard is the principal of Forsyth Satellite Academy. Samantha started her career almost 20 years ago as a New York City Teaching Fellow, sharing her love of science with middle and high school students. Ms. Pritchard earned her BS in Human Development from Cornell University, MS in Science Education from CUNY City College, and her EdM in Organizational Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University. She is now the principal at Forsyth Satellite Academy, a transfer, Consortium, arts, and community high school. She is passionate about student success, equity, and building a supportive educational environment. In her spare time, Sam can be found at her CrossFit gym, listening to a podcast, or searching for the best donuts around!
Marques Rich is the principal of Westchester Square Academy, a small high school in the Bronx focused on preparing students for college and career success. He began his journey at the school as its founding science teacher, later serving as the Science Instructional Lead for Bronx High Schools (Districts 7-12) and assistant principal of administration in District 12, before returning to lead Westchester Square Academy as principal. Principal Rich’s professional achievements include fellowships with STEM-Ed Innovators through the Jhumki Basu Foundation, Math for America (Early Career and Master Teacher Emeritus), and the Wallace Fellowship with the New York City Department of Education. He has also contributed to key city-wide initiatives, including the Learning Partners Program, AP for All, and the Bronx Transformational Leadership Collaborative with the New Teacher Center. With a belief that all students deserve an education that develops both their academic and socio-emotional skills, Principal Rich works to ensure every student graduates with a clear post-secondary plan that leads to economic security and sustainability. He fosters a vibrant school culture through collaboration with families, teachers, and community organizations, creating an environment where rigorous academics and extensive extracurricular opportunities help students thrive in their development into productive members of a global society.
Sarah Scrogin is the founding principal of East Bronx Academy for the Future, a New York City Public School serving students in grades 6 – 12. Sarah grew up in Worcester, Massachusetts is a graduate of Harvard College and Teachers College, Columbia University. In 2004, she worked with a team of educators, parents, students, and the non-profit, Teaching Matters, Inc., to found East Bronx Academy for the Future as part of the Bill and Melinda Gates 20th Century High Schools. Since then, Sarah has continued to serve as principal, working in partnership with New Visions for Public Schools and Phipps Neighborhoods to increase opportunities for students, families, and alumni. Among Sarah’s proudest accomplishments are seeing the successes of her alumni, many of whom are now working as teachers, counselors, and other staff members at the school. Sarah’s goal is to retire with a 100 percent alumni staff. In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time with her children, reading, and walking with her husband and their rescue dog in Central Park.
Florlilinda Sol Cruz is the principal of Women’s Academy of Excellence (WAE), a girls public high school in the Bronx focused on academic excellence, sisterhood, and leadership. Dr. Sol Cruz began her career in the Philippines as a math professor at the University of the Visayas, and a school administrator in a public secondary school before migrating. After migrating to the US, she joined WAE as a math teacher and advanced to teacher leader, assistant principal, and now principal. Under her leadership, and the retired principal Dr. Crocker, WAE has achieved the highest number of CRMYA apprentices for the last three years. Dr. Sol Cruz continues to champion student voice, college and career readiness, and culturally responsive practices to prepare young women for a bold, boundless future as she steps into the FRNYC initiative.
Dr. Christopher R. Smith is a bold and visionary educational leader with over 20 years of experience, currently serving as principal of The Eagle Academy for Young Men III in Southeast Queens. Since 2021, he has led a powerful transformation—achieving a 97.8% graduation rate for three consecutive years, growing enrollment from 320 to 550 scholars, expanding parent empowerment initiatives, and securing $4 million in capital investments for cutting-edge media, e-sports, and STEM labs set to launch within the year. His leadership was instrumental in removing the school from New York State’s CSI list of underperforming schools and positioning it as a thriving Future Ready NYC institution in partnership with CUNY York College. Driven by a 10-year strategic plan centered on restorative practices, global competitiveness, and community engagement, Dr. Smith is redefining educational excellence for young men of color. As an adjunct professor at Touro College, he also prepares future educators to lead with cultural responsiveness, equity, and innovation.
Susanna Tenny has been the proud principal of Landmark High School since 2019. A member of the NY Performance Standards Consortium, Landmark is known for its project-based curriculum, strong student voice, and deep commitment to knowing every student well. Under her leadership, the school has expanded academic offerings and community partnerships while staying grounded in its core values. Before this role, Susanna was the founding assistant principal of HERO High School and taught math and English as a new language. She also worked at the district level as a coach and in central offices supporting accountability and budgeting. Susanna looks forward to working with FutureReady to grow Landmark’s career-connected learning, helping students build real-world skills and envision their path beyond high school.
Javier Trejo has over 20 years of experience in education and currently serves as the principal of the High School for Health Careers and Sciences in northern Manhattan. For 12 years, he has cultivated a collaborative culture, aiming to strengthen the community among staff, students, and parents. Trejo prioritizes families by addressing their basic needs through legal, social, and food services, as well as family therapy, greatly benefiting the community. Previously, he was an assistant principal, inspiring students and positively impacting teachers. He also worked as an instructional support specialist for English Language Learners, developing ELL programs and training staff in differentiated instruction. Trejo is a licensed educator with experience as a hall director at the State University of New York at New Paltz and engaged in public safety discussions as an assistant chair of Community Board 12. Early in his career, he held various educational roles.
Dr. Katwona Warren is the principal of Rockaway Park High School on the Beach Channel Campus, bringing decades of experience and dedication to education. Over her career, she has served as a principal, assistant principal, and teacher, shaping the academic journeys of countless students. Her leadership extends beyond the classroom, having worked at both the district and central levels to drive meaningful educational initiatives. As she enters her 28th year in the field, Dr. Warren remains deeply committed to student success, ensuring they receive a strong academic foundation. A lifelong learner herself, she inspires students to chase their dreams with confidence, just as she has throughout her career.
