Women of Color Education Collaborative
Supporting Women of Color to Advance and Thrive
The WOCEC Solution
Cohort Member
WOCEC fosters safe and supportive spaces for members to connect, share best practices, and address challenges through a cohort approach.
Executive Coaching
WOCEC provides its members up to eight hours per month of executive coaching from women of color former superintendents tailored to their specific needs.
Career Planning
WOCEC offers its members resources and supports for focused career planning and advancement, including assistance with resume preparation, job searches, and interview preparation.
Self-Care and Wellness
WOCEC prioritizes members’ self-care and wellness through programming that fosters the practice of mindfulness, stress management, healthy eating, and physical fitness for achieving work-life balance.
The applications to join the 2024-25 cohort will be available on January 8, 2024
“The level of intellectual and social emotional support is beyond what I have experienced in a professional learning community. The WOCEC community honors, respects, and re-fills the well of your soul and intellect.”
“This coaching has been transformational for me and allowed me to grow as a leader and as an individual.”
Our Footprint
Our Members
Our Leadership
Stephanie Wood-Garnett, Ed.D.
ISA President | Advisory Board Member
Stephanie Wood-Garnett became president of ISA on July 25, 2017, following the retirement of Gerry House. Formerly, Stephanie was the vice president of policy to practice (P2P) at the Alliance for Excellent Education.Her portfolio included deeper learning, college- and career-ready academic standards, assessment, science of learning, and diversity and equity initiatives. Stephanie is an accomplished educator with extensive experience in leading complex P–20 education reform initiatives at the local, state, and national levels.
Her previous roles include serving as the assistant commissioner of teacher and leader effectiveness for the New York State Education Department where she led Race to the Top initiatives aimed at transforming teacher and leader preparation programs and strengthening P–20 collaboration, serving as a district central office leader in Washington state, and directing the Center for Comprehensive School Reform and Improvement funded by the U.S. Department of Education.
Stephanie Wood-Garnett, Ed.D.
ISA President | Advisory Board Member
Stephanie Wood-Garnett became president of ISA on July 25, 2017, following the retirement of Gerry House. Formerly, Stephanie was the vice president of policy to practice (P2P) at the Alliance for Excellent Education.Her portfolio included deeper learning, college- and career-ready academic standards, assessment, science of learning, and diversity and equity initiatives. Stephanie is an accomplished educator with extensive experience in leading complex P–20 education reform initiatives at the local, state, and national levels.
Her previous roles include serving as the assistant commissioner of teacher and leader effectiveness for the New York State Education Department where she led Race to the Top initiatives aimed at transforming teacher and leader preparation programs and strengthening P–20 collaboration, serving as a district central office leader in Washington state, and directing the Center for Comprehensive School Reform and Improvement funded by the U.S. Department of Education.
ISA President | Advisory Board Member Email Stephanie
Fenot Aklog, Ed.D.
Director for Monitoring, Evaluation and Research
Fenot Aklog is ISA’s Director for Monitoring, Evaluation and Research (MER). In this role, Dr. Aklog provides strategic and technical guidance for the internal monitoring and evaluation of and research on ISA initiatives. In collaboration with the ETS research liaison to ISA, she develops MER processes and tools, conducts data collection, analysis, and reporting on the implementation and outcomes of ISA initiatives, facilitates ISA data use for organizational learning and decision-making, and disseminates ISA learnings and accomplishments.
Dr. Aklog brings two decades of experience in the monitoring, evaluation, and research of school reform initiatives both in the US and internationally. Prior to joining ISA, she was the Director of Research and Development at the National Center for Restructuring Education Schools and Teaching (NCREST), at Teachers College Columbia University–a long-term strategic partner of ISA’s. In this role she provided technical support to clients in implementation research, monitoring and evaluation design, data collection and data use. Dr. Aklog also expanded NCREST’s portfolio internationally, co-founding its international division (ICREST), securing funding for and serving as PI/co-PI on several international projects, including multi-year, national school reform projects that provided operational and research assistance to the ministries of education of Mongolia and the Kyrgyz Republic. Dr. Aklog also served as an adjunct associate professor in the International and Transcultural Studies Department at Teacher College Columbia University, where she taught graduate-level courses in education research and evaluation methods. She holds an Ed.D. from Teacher College, Columbia University, an Ed.M. from Harvard University, and a BA from Brandeis University.
Fenot Aklog, Ed.D.
Director for Monitoring, Evaluation and Research
Fenot Aklog is ISA’s Director for Monitoring, Evaluation and Research (MER). In this role, Dr. Aklog provides strategic and technical guidance for the internal monitoring and evaluation of and research on ISA initiatives. In collaboration with the ETS research liaison to ISA, she develops MER processes and tools, conducts data collection, analysis, and reporting on the implementation and outcomes of ISA initiatives, facilitates ISA data use for organizational learning and decision-making, and disseminates ISA learnings and accomplishments.
Dr. Aklog brings two decades of experience in the monitoring, evaluation, and research of school reform initiatives both in the US and internationally. Prior to joining ISA, she was the Director of Research and Development at the National Center for Restructuring Education Schools and Teaching (NCREST), at Teachers College Columbia University–a long-term strategic partner of ISA’s. In this role she provided technical support to clients in implementation research, monitoring and evaluation design, data collection and data use. Dr. Aklog also expanded NCREST’s portfolio internationally, co-founding its international division (ICREST), securing funding for and serving as PI/co-PI on several international projects, including multi-year, national school reform projects that provided operational and research assistance to the ministries of education of Mongolia and the Kyrgyz Republic. Dr. Aklog also served as an adjunct associate professor in the International and Transcultural Studies Department at Teacher College Columbia University, where she taught graduate-level courses in education research and evaluation methods. She holds an Ed.D. from Teacher College, Columbia University, an Ed.M. from Harvard University, and a BA from Brandeis University.
Director for Monitoring, Evaluation and Research Email Fenot
Our Executive Coaches
Meria Carstarphen, Ed.D.
Superintendent in Residence
Dr. Meria Carstarphen has more than 20 years of transformational leadership and executive management experience in education, with a track record of dramatically improving student and organizational outcomes. Nationally recognized as a successful and experienced public education leader skilled at managing billion-dollar organizations efficiently and effectively, her collective impact spans more than 800,000 students, 20,000 employees, and hundreds of schools. Over her career, she has served as teacher and administrator, and, in the role of superintendent, led major metropolitan American public school districts including Atlanta, Georgia; Austin, Texas; and Saint Paul, Minnesota. Most recently, she joined Gallup as a senior scientist, their first ever in education. Her current work is focused on solving global illiteracy by integrating human and artificially intelligent learning systems to teach the science of reading.Meria Carstarphen, Ed.D.
Superintendent in Residence
Dr. Meria Carstarphen has more than 20 years of transformational leadership and executive management experience in education, with a track record of dramatically improving student and organizational outcomes.
Nationally recognized as a successful and experienced public education leader skilled at managing billion-dollar organizations efficiently and effectively, her collective impact spans more than 800,000 students, 20,000 employees, and hundreds of schools.
Over her career, she has served as teacher and administrator, and, in the role of superintendent, led major metropolitan American public school districts including Atlanta, Georgia; Austin, Texas; and Saint Paul, Minnesota. Most recently, she joined Gallup as a senior scientist, their first ever in education.
Her current work is focused on solving global illiteracy by integrating human and artificially intelligent learning systems to teach the science of reading.
Superintendent in Residence
Brenda Cassellius, Ed.D.
Superintendent in Residence
Dr. Brenda Cassellius has spent three decades as an educator devoted to helping all children succeed and thrive.
Most recently as the superintendent of Boston Public Schools, she led the district successfully through a global pandemic, secured $110 million in new annual funding, and passed an historic admissions policy, increasing diversity and opportunity for students across Boston.
Prior to her work in Boston, she served as the commissioner of education in Minnesota, where she worked to enact comprehensive education reforms that resulted in a remarkable list of accomplishments, including historic new funding for schools, all-day kindergarten, state-funded preschool, and the highest high school graduation rates on record.
Dr. Cassellius is best known for her unrelenting advocacy and commitment to ensuring all children receive an equitable and excellent education.
Brenda Cassellius, Ed.D.
Superintendent in Residence
Dr. Brenda Cassellius has spent three decades as an educator devoted to helping all children succeed and thrive.
Most recently as the superintendent of Boston Public Schools, she led the district successfully through a global pandemic, secured $110 million in new annual funding, and passed an historic admissions policy, increasing diversity and opportunity for students across Boston.
Prior to her work in Boston, she served as the commissioner of education in Minnesota, where she worked to enact comprehensive education reforms that resulted in a remarkable list of accomplishments, including historic new funding for schools, all-day kindergarten, state-funded preschool, and the highest high school graduation rates on record.
Dr. Cassellius is best known for her unrelenting advocacy and commitment to ensuring all children receive an equitable and excellent education.
Superintendent in Residence
Dr. Talisa Dixon
Superintendent in Residence
A veteran educator and longtime champion of equitable opportunities and student voice, Dr. Talisa Dixon retired as the superintendent and chief executive officer (CEO) of Columbus City Schools (OH) in 2023. Her 25-year (and counting) career in public education began in Akron Public Schools (OH), where she served as a social studies teacher and then as an assistant principal. But she is no stranger to Columbus. CCS Leader on the Rise Dr. Dixon spent 9 years as an administrator in Columbus City Schools from 2001–2010. She served 3 years as an assistant principal at Brookhaven High School and then 6 years combined as the principal at Brookhaven and at Columbus Alternative High School. She began her tenure as the superintendent/CEO in March 2019 after 5 years of leading the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District in northeast Ohio. Dr. Dixon successfully led CCS through the global COVID-19 pandemic, making shifts from remote to hybrid to full in-person learning while implementing creative strategies to meet the needs of students and their families.
Talisa Dixon, Ed.D.
Superintendent in Residence
A veteran educator and longtime champion of equitable opportunities and student voice, Dr. Talisa Dixon retired as the superintendent and chief executive officer (CEO) of Columbus City Schools (OH) in 2023. Her 25-year (and counting) career in public education began in Akron Public Schools (OH), where she served as a social studies teacher and then as an assistant principal. But she is no stranger to Columbus. CCS Leader on the Rise Dr. Dixon spent 9 years as an administrator in Columbus City Schools from 2001–2010. She served 3 years as an assistant principal at Brookhaven High School and then 6 years combined as the principal at Brookhaven and at Columbus Alternative High School. She began her tenure as the superintendent/CEO in March 2019 after 5 years of leading the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District in northeast Ohio. Dr. Dixon successfully led CCS through the global COVID-19 pandemic, making shifts from remote to hybrid to full in-person learning while implementing creative strategies to meet the needs of students and their families.Superintendent in Residence
Constance Evelyn, Ed.D.
Superintendent in Residence
For more than three decades, Dr. Constance Evelyn has represented the interests of public education at the local, state, and national levels.
Her transformative executive leadership, which is focused on promoting equitable educational experiences and outcomes for all children, undergirds her reputation both in New York State and nationally. Her roles as a teacher, principal and superintendent promoted targeted support for educators and led to closing opportunity gaps and dramatic increases in student achievement.
Dr. Evelyn was twice appointed by Governor Cuomo to represent the voice of New York State superintendents on the Smart School Commission and the Common Core Learning Standards Task Force. Dr. Evelyn was also called upon to provide testimony to the Board of Regents in New York State regarding the importance of diversifying educator talent.
In 2019, Dr. Evelyn was awarded the Harriet Tubman National Freedom Award for her ceaseless dedication to equity and excellence. She is the co-author of Evaluating the Superintendent: The Process of Collaborative Compromises and Critical Considerations.
Constance Evelyn, Ed.D.
Superintendent in Residence
For more than three decades, Dr. Constance Evelyn has represented the interests of public education at the local, state, and national levels.
Her transformative executive leadership, which is focused on promoting equitable educational experiences and outcomes for all children, undergirds her reputation both in New York State and nationally. Her roles as a teacher, principal and superintendent promoted targeted support for educators and led to closing opportunity gaps and dramatic increases in student achievement.
Dr. Evelyn was twice appointed by Governor Cuomo to represent the voice of New York State superintendents on the Smart School Commission and the Common Core Learning Standards Task Force. Dr. Evelyn was also called upon to provide testimony to the Board of Regents in New York State regarding the importance of diversifying educator talent.
In 2019, Dr. Evelyn was awarded the Harriet Tubman National Freedom Award for her ceaseless dedication to equity and excellence. She is the co-author of Evaluating the Superintendent: The Process of Collaborative Compromises and Critical Considerations.
Superintendent in Residence
Lorna Lewis, Ed.D.
Superintendent in Residence
Dr. Lorna Lewis has been a pioneer over her nearly 40-year career as an educator. In June 2018 she became the first woman of color to preside over the New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYCOSS), which represents more than 800 top education leaders statewide. She currently serves as the superintendent of Malverne Union School District (UFSD), after having served as the superintendent of Plainview-Old Bethpage CSD and East Williston UFSD. She has also served as an adjunct professor at Hofstra University and an invited lecturer for Adelphi University and Fordham University. In 2019 the NAACP recognized her with a Legacy Award and has been recognized for her incredible accomplishments as a leader in education by the Anti-Defamation League of New York and New Jersey, The Korean Parents Association of Long Island, St John’s University Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, Long Island Black Educators Association, National Coalition of 100 Black Women – Suffolk County Chapter and Erase Racism.Lorna Lewis, Ed.D.
Superintendent in Residence
Dr. Lorna Lewis has been a pioneer over her nearly 40-year career as an educator. In June 2018 she became the first woman of color to preside over the New York State Council of School Superintendents (NYCOSS), which represents more than 800 top education leaders statewide.
She currently serves as the superintendent of Malverne Union School District (UFSD), after having served as the superintendent of Plainview-Old Bethpage CSD and East Williston UFSD. She has also served as an adjunct professor at Hofstra University and an invited lecturer for Adelphi University and Fordham University.
In 2019 the NAACP recognized her with a Legacy Award and has been recognized for her incredible accomplishments as a leader in education by the Anti-Defamation League of New York and New Jersey, The Korean Parents Association of Long Island, St John’s University Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, Long Island Black Educators Association, National Coalition of 100 Black Women – Suffolk County Chapter and Erase Racism.
Superintendent in Residence
Denise M Lowe, Ed.D.
Superintendent in Residence
A determined advocate for children and education; a progressive and courageous woman inspired to make a difference and bring about change. These are just a few buzz words circulating amongst the media and civic leaders to describe Dr. Denise M. Lowe, former Superintendent and Chief School Administrator of the Asbury Park School District.
With more than 42 years of experience as a teacher assistant principal, assistant superintendent, English Department Chair, and Associate for the New York State Education Department Office of School Improvement and former State Monitor. Dr. Lowe is the Managing Director of All Children Can Learn, LLC, an educational consulting firm based on the tenets of Dr. Ronald Edmonds Effective Schools research.
Dr. Lowe serves on the Howell Township Board of Education and her memberships include the National Alliance of Black School Educators, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and Associate Jewel of Suffolk County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
Denise M Lowe, Ed.D.
Superintendent in Residence
A determined advocate for children and education; a progressive and courageous woman inspired to make a difference and bring about change. These are just a few buzz words circulating amongst the media and civic leaders to describe Dr. Denise M. Lowe, former Superintendent and Chief School Administrator of the Asbury Park School District.
With more than 42 years of experience as a teacher assistant principal, assistant superintendent, English Department Chair, and Associate for the New York State Education Department Office of School Improvement and former State Monitor. Dr. Lowe is the Managing Director of All Children Can Learn, LLC, an educational consulting firm based on the tenets of Dr. Ronald Edmonds Effective Schools research.
Dr. Lowe serves on the Howell Township Board of Education and her memberships include the National Alliance of Black School Educators, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and Associate Jewel of Suffolk County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
Superintendent in Residence
Cheryl Logan, Ed.D.
Superintendent in Residence
Dr. Cheryl Logan, the 2022 McGraw Prize in Education winner, is currently the inaugural director of the Center for Educational Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania, Graduate School of Education. For 5 years, until June 2023, Logan was the superintendent of the Omaha Public Schools, a system serving 53,000 students. She has previously held leadership roles in the school district of Philadelphia as chief academic officer and assistant superintendent. While in Prince George’s County and Howard County Public Schools, Maryland, she served as a principal at the elementary and high school levels as well as a foreign language and English as a second language (ESL) instructor. She holds a bachelor of science degree from the University of Maryland, a master of education degree from Johns Hopkins University, and a doctorate of education degree from the University of Pennsylvania.Cheryl Logan, Ed.D.
Superintendent in Residence
Dr. Cheryl Logan, the 2022 McGraw Prize in Education winner, is currently the inaugural director of the Center for Educational Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania, Graduate School of Education. For 5 years, until June 2023, Logan was the superintendent of the Omaha Public Schools, a system serving 53,000 students. She has previously held leadership roles in the school district of Philadelphia as chief academic officer and assistant superintendent. While in Prince George’s County and Howard County Public Schools, Maryland, she served as a principal at the elementary and high school levels as well as a foreign language and English as a second language (ESL) instructor. She holds a bachelor of science degree from the University of Maryland, a master of education degree from Johns Hopkins University, and a doctorate of education degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
Superintendent in Residence
Cynthia Paris
Superintendent in Residence
Cynthia Paris is a transformational leader. Her career in education spans more than 25 years, much of it focused on working with bilingual students and turning around underperforming schools. She spent 4+ years in Lawrence Public Schools (MA), as the superintendent, following her nomination by the Lawrence Alliance for Education and appointment by the state commissioner of elementary and secondary education. Prior to that, she worked in Newton Public Schools (MA), where she was the assistant superintendent of elementary education. She worked in Boston Public Schools for 17 years, serving as a bilingual speech-language pathologist before becoming a principal, leading her second school to turn around its status. Ms. Paris holds a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Massachusetts at Boston, was an academy fellow at the Lynch Leadership Academy at Boston College in 2012, and served as a teaching fellow at the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s School Leadership Program in 2013–2014.
Cynthia Paris
Superintendent in Residence
Cynthia Paris is a transformational leader. Her career in education spans more than 25 years, much of it focused on working with bilingual students and turning around underperforming schools. She spent 4+ years in Lawrence Public Schools (MA), as the superintendent, following her nomination by the Lawrence Alliance for Education and appointment by the state commissioner of elementary and secondary education. Prior to that, she worked in Newton Public Schools (MA), where she was the assistant superintendent of elementary education. She worked in Boston Public Schools for 17 years, serving as a bilingual speech-language pathologist before becoming a principal, leading her second school to turn around its status. Ms. Paris holds a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Massachusetts at Boston, was an academy fellow at the Lynch Leadership Academy at Boston College in 2012, and served as a teaching fellow at the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s School Leadership Program in 2013–2014.
Superintendent in Residence
Dr. Alicia Thompson
Superintendent in Residence
Dr. Alicia Thompson has served as the superintendent of the Wichita Public Schools (KS) for 6 years. Her 25-year career in Kansas’ largest school district began as a teacher at Ingalls Elementary, now Spaght Magnet Elementary. She transitioned into a building leader and then a district administrator prior to her appointment as Wichita’s superintendent in spring 2017.
She obtained her postsecondary education from Langston University and Newman University, and ultimately received her doctorate of educational leadership from Wichita State University.
In her role as superintendent, she serves on the Wichita Regional Chamber Board of Directors, the United Way of the Plains Board of Directors, and the Greater Wichita Partnership and Business Education Alliance. She also serves on the WSU School of Education Leadership Advisory Board and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and The Links, Inc. Dr. Thompson has been honored with the Wichita Business Journal’s Leadership in Diversity Award and the NAACP Education Award, to name a few.
Alicia Thompson, Ed.D.
Superintendent in Residence
Dr. Alicia Thompson has served as the superintendent of the Wichita Public Schools (KS) for 6 years. Her 25-year career in Kansas’ largest school district began as a teacher at Ingalls Elementary, now Spaght Magnet Elementary. She transitioned into a building leader and then a district administrator prior to her appointment as Wichita’s superintendent in spring 2017.
She obtained her postsecondary education from Langston University and Newman University, and ultimately received her doctorate of educational leadership from Wichita State University.
In her role as superintendent, she serves on the Wichita Regional Chamber Board of Directors, the United Way of the Plains Board of Directors, and the Greater Wichita Partnership and Business Education Alliance. She also serves on the WSU School of Education Leadership Advisory Board and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and The Links, Inc. Dr. Thompson has been honored with the Wichita Business Journal’s Leadership in Diversity Award and the NAACP Education Award, to name a few.
Superintendent in Residence
