I really love to make things better. I've been highly involved in bettering my work places: Gymnastics clubs, summer camps, alternative pre-k programs, middle schools, and finally... my current newcomer high school. I see problems but I also see solutions and I want to work together to improve things.

The system of education is incredibly frustrating and the hoops and bureaucratic nonsense we need to jump through in order to help any student is nauseating. I feel so strongly about helping students but constantly feel frustrated by the inability to actually get to the helping part. I believe that knowing the ins and outs of leadership and the law of the state, city, and Department of Education, will empower me to help students quickly... or at least faster than they are being helped now.

The defining moment for me was needing to increase my salary to make a living wage. However, I have always thought about leading. I want to be the good one after being at the help of so many "bad ones." I want to include all voices in decision-making. I want to ensure the most vulnerable are empowered to share their voices and that their voices are heard.

Leadership is harder than we think it is. My wife has been principal and I've seen the difficulties she's faced and the issues she's been blamed for (everything). Despite this, I want to lead because if it has to be someone, it might as well be me.

Having taught in both charter and public schools, I have gained firsthand insight into the varying academic and administrative structures. Seeing the disparities in student experiences and the ways leadership impacts learning environments has reinforced my desire to be part of the decision-making process that drives positive change.

This journey has led me to reflect deeply on the challenges of implementing meaningful change. I often consider whether I would be able to make necessary improvements without resistance, but I remain committed to advocating for what’s best for students and educators alike.

There wasn’t one specific moment, but rather an ongoing realization that I want to be actively involved in shaping educational policies and practices. My goal is to help ensure that all students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for success beyond the classroom.

What sparked your passion for Educational Leadership?

I was drawn to this program because of my interest in supporting a sustainable leadership model in my current setting, an alternative high school in Brooklyn.

What sparked your passion for Educational Leadership?
🚀 What challenges have shaped your path?

My first year of teaching was the 2019-2020 school year, and having to navigate the switch to remote in my first year was challenging but I learned a lot about what accessibility looks like under different contexts.
🔄 How has this journey changed your view on leadership?

I understand leadership in a different way. Leadership is collaborative, and is as much
🌟 Was there a defining moment that shifted your direction?

There have been many different moments in my career that have expanded my understanding of what good leadership looks like in a community school context. -Alis

These experiences, combined with my passion for coaching and supporting fellow teachers, were key reasons I decided to pursue a career in administration. I was also greatly encouraged by my own administrators, who helped me recognize the potential of this path and supported me in making the decision.

My journey hasn’t been without its challenges. There are aspects of the job that I absolutely love, and there are others I could do without. However, I’ve learned that it’s impossible to please everyone. The key is to do your best, lead with knowledge, and add a bit of heart. I’ve come to realize that even small actions can make a big difference in a school community.

Through this experience, my appreciation for leadership has grown immensely. I now understand just how difficult—and thankless—the role can be. The moment I truly realized that I enjoy this work was when I saw the projects I was involved in start to make a noticeable, positive difference in the school. That’s when it all clicked for me.

The defining moment for me was 2 years ago, after moderating the 5th grade Spelling Bee for the first time, while the auditorium was bustling with claps and cheers, my assistant principal walked over to me and whispered in my ear, "You NEED to be an AP." I smiled ear to ear. It just felt right.

My passion for Educational Leadership comes from several places.  My first motivation comes from working with leaders who are disconnected from the inner-city students, high need communities of color, and what it takes to bridge the achievement gap for these students.  My second motivation comes from the motivation to help impact the lives of students and provide students of all performance levels and economic backgrounds the tools needed to succeed in their post-secondary pursuits.  In the school community and curriculum, a focus on technology, personal finance, the foundational knowledge and soft skills needed to graduate college,. enter the work force, and independent living will be an emphasis of the schools mission, vision, and culture.