Ms. Bennett is a woman driven by her passion to see children and communities – often scarred by the effects of poverty and oppression — not just surviving, but thriving. She earned her undergraduate degree at Dillard University, received her Master’s degree in Education Administration and Policy from Howard University, and recently completed the Urban Superintendents Academy through AASA. Ms. Bennett has served in education for over 12 years, most recently as Principal of one of the few successful high school turnarounds in the city of Philadelphia. As a leader in education, Ms. Bennett has developed a unique set of skills and has a proven track record of strong adult management that leads to strong student outcomes. Under her leadership, student attendance increased more than twenty percent and state test scores doubled, as did the number of students scoring a twenty-one or higher on the ACT exam. These results are due not only to Ms. Bennett’s ability to develop teachers, but her keen ability to analyze data and make data-driven decisions.
Born to descendants of the Bay Island of Roatan, Honduras, and a native of New Orleans herself, Ms. Bennett developed a deep love of culture and a resilient spirit. Whether it is through her role as an Executive Director, Principal, Adjunct Professor, or Speaker, she is committed to changing the narrative for people of color in America by closing the Opportunity Gap. Daily, she works to educate not only the youth, but aspiring teachers and leaders. Ms. Bennett gleaned a wealth of knowledge during her time in Philadelphia, and while she loves the students and families in North Philadelphia, she knows her leadership also has a transformative and profound impact on the students at CAPS Central.