BES Fellowship Testimonial 2024 BES Fellow China Cardriche-Clements (Atlanta, GA)

For nearly 25 years, BES Fellows have been designing, founding, and leading K-12 public schools that reflect and respond to community needs. In a span of four or five years, BES provides them with training and post-authorization support to ensure their schools start strong and sustain excellence over time. 

In addition to BES partnering with local and national partners who give additional support, our coaches help to guide Fellows in school design, governance, finance, operations, and more. 

China Cardriche-Clements is a 2024 BES Fellow in the Community Co-Design Track. Also supported by RedefinED Atlanta, she is the Proposed Founder & Executive Director of Power Public Schools in Atlanta, GA. Take a look below at what she had to say about her journey so far in the BES Fellowship. 

---

Joining the BES Fellowship

“It all started with a dream — a dream of building a school that didn’t just prepare students to survive the world as it is, but to shape the world as it could be. I dreamed of a learning environment rooted in purpose, innovation, and community, where students who are often underestimated would be seen, challenged, and empowered to lead.

As that dream grew, I realized I couldn’t bring it to life alone. The challenge wasn’t just starting a school — it was building something sustainable, values-aligned, and deeply responsive to the community it serves. I needed a partner that understood both the weight of that responsibility and the courage it takes to pursue it.

BES was that partner. BES believed in the dream early, pushed me to refine it with clarity and rigor, and provided the space, tools, and encouragement to turn vision into action. More than anything, BES helped me see that this dream wasn’t just possible — it was necessary.”

Key Learnings in School Leadership

“BES helped me slow down and lead from purpose, not urgency. I entered the fellowship with a strong sense of what I wanted to build, but BES pushed me to go deeper into why — and to let that purpose drive every decision, from planning to partnerships.

One of the most meaningful shifts was learning how to plan with intention and integrity. BES reinforced that thoughtful, values-aligned planning is not a barrier to innovation — it’s what makes innovation sustainable. I learned how to zoom out, build with the long view in mind, and ensure that every structure we put in place actually serves students and families, not just the system.

Perhaps most importantly, BES grounded me in the power of community co-creation. Rather than building for a community, I learned how to build with them — to listen deeply, invite shared ownership, and treat community voice as an asset, not a checkbox. That shift has fundamentally shaped how I lead and how this school is coming to life.”

Support from BES

“The support I received from BES was deeply personal, intentional, and transformational. BES didn’t just provide a program — it provided people who truly walked alongside me at every stage of the journey.

Danalyn, my community co-design coach, was foundational to my experience. Danalyn helped me root the vision of the school in the lived experiences, voices, and aspirations of the community. Through Danalyn’s guidance, I learned how to slow down, listen deeply, and design with community rather than for them. Danalyn consistently pushed me to honor community wisdom, build authentic trust, and ensure that every decision reflected shared ownership. Time and time again, Danalyn showed up with care, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to community-centered leadership.

Eric, my finance coach, brought structure and confidence to an area that can often feel overwhelming for founders. Eric helped me think strategically about sustainability, alignment, and long-term financial health. With Eric’s support, I gained a clearer understanding of how to build a budget and financial plan that actually serves the mission — not just the spreadsheet. Eric showed up as a steady, thoughtful partner who made the numbers feel purposeful and empowering.

Erline, my governance coach, helped me grow into the role of founder-leader with discipline and foresight. Erline pushed me to think critically about governance structures, board development, and accountability in ways that protect the vision beyond myself. Through Erline’s coaching, I learned how strong governance creates freedom, stability, and longevity for the work. Erline’s guidance was both grounding and affirming, especially during moments that required tough decisions and long-term thinking.

Together, Danalyn, Eric, and Erline exemplified what makes BES special — staff who show up not just as experts, but as partners who deeply care about the leader and the mission. Their support made the journey feel possible, sustainable, and deeply aligned with my purpose.”

Proudest Moments

“My proudest moment as a school founder came during the charter petition submission process. What was originally mapped out as a six-month process was compressed into just six weeks, and we still executed everything with excellence.

In that moment, I figured out how to take the school founding process and radically accelerate it by building eight different AI agents that supported board recruitment, fundraising, planning, and more. Those tools transformed how I worked and led, allowing me to streamline complex systems, strengthen decision-making, and stay deeply focused on purpose rather than overwhelm.

It was not just about speed. It was about proving that with the right vision and tools, school founders can build smarter, move faster, and protect the mission while doing exceptional work.”

Empowering the Next Cohort of School Founders

“If you are considering BES, my advice is simple. Say yes, and come with courage. This journey will ask you to dream boldly, plan intentionally, and confront parts of leadership that are both empowering and uncomfortable.

BES will not give you all the answers, and that is the gift. It will help you ask better questions, lead with purpose, and build something that can outlast you. I wish someone had told me sooner that clarity comes through action, not perfection, and that you do not have to shrink your vision to make it achievable.

If you are willing to trust the process, stay rooted in your why, and do the work with integrity, BES can help turn conviction into capacity and vision into impact.”

Gratitude

“I am incredibly grateful for BES and the people who made the experience what it was. What will stay with me most is how BES held space for both bold vision and deep humanity. I never felt rushed, minimized, or asked to dilute my purpose.

The coaching, relationships, and moments of reflection helped me grow not just as a school founder, but as a leader grounded in clarity, courage, and community. This experience will continue to shape how I build, lead, and serve long after the fellowship ends. I am forever grateful!”

Learn more about the BES Fellowship at bes.org/fellowship.