An erroneous outcry around critical race theory created more red tape for 2020 BES Fellow Akeem Brown, complicating the opening of Essence Preparatory, a school designed to celebrate the Black and brown communities who partnered with Brown to co-create it.

Antoinette took part in the 2020 BES Fellowship to found and lead Little Water Prep, a K-5 public charter school opening fall 2022 in Poughkeepsie, NY. 

How can leaders attract, hire, and retain mission-aligned, excellent educators in the current environment, while there are shortages of teachers, and while many educators are struggling with much of the same grief and stress as our students?

Sarah is taking part in the BES Fellowship to found and lead Sankofa Montessori, a proposed K-6 school in Atlanta, GA. This marks the first time that a BES Fellow has proposed a school based on the Montessori model.

Dawn Hicks is a Senior Director of the BES Fellowship. Throughout her career, she has coached and grown professionals, led strategy, and improved organizational culture.

Jonta Morris is committed to preparing leaders to create pathways for children to lead lives of choice and opportunity. In her role as Senior Director of the BES Fellowship, she provides an impactful Fellowship program to support leaders to transform education in their communities.