KIPP NYC Executive and Leadership Team

Alicia Johnson, the Chief Executive Officer at KIPP NYC, directs the overarching strategic vision for the entire network of public charter schools. Johnson oversees the alignment of academic goals with community needs across the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. By fostering partnerships with families and local stakeholders, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that every student receives personalized support from elementary through high school. This leadership role involves managing complex organizational growth while maintaining high standards for educational excellence. Alicia Johnson drives the mission to equip children with skills necessary for success in college and beyond. Through constant evaluation of school performance metrics, the Chief Executive Officer maintains accountability for student outcomes. Ultimately, Johnson secures the future of the organization by championing a culture of high expectations and continuous improvement, ensuring that the network remains a leader in urban education.

Aric Dershem, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Information Officer at KIPP NYC, architects the technological infrastructure and operational frameworks that sustain the school network. Dershem manages the digital transformation of classrooms, ensuring that students and teachers possess the tools required for modern academic success. Overseeing the integration of data systems, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Information Officer provides the analytics necessary to track student progress across the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. Aric Dershem directs the physical and digital logistics that allow schools to operate effectively on a daily basis. By optimizing resource allocation, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Information Officer ensures that financial and technical assets align with the core mission of educational excellence. This dual-function role requires balancing immediate operational needs with long-term technological scalability. Through rigorous oversight of infrastructure, Dershem guarantees that the organization maintains a stable environment for learning and growth.

Paola Leon, the Founder & Co-President, Stand Up Speak Out at KIPP NYC, leads community advocacy and student empowerment initiatives that extend the reach of the school network. Leon architects programs that encourage students to engage with their communities and advocate for educational equity. Overseeing the development of student-led initiatives, the Founder & Co-President, Stand Up Speak Out ensures that the voices of families and children remain central to the organizational mission. Paola Leon drives the strategy for external partnerships that provide students with opportunities beyond the classroom. By fostering a culture of civic responsibility, the Founder & Co-President, Stand Up Speak Out helps students make a positive impact in their neighborhoods. This role involves coordinating with community leaders to address systemic barriers to success. Through dedicated advocacy, Leon strengthens the connection between the school network and the broader public, ensuring that the commitment to educational excellence remains a community-wide priority.

Yashima AziLove, the Chief of Staff at KIPP NYC, manages the internal operations and executive communications that keep the leadership team synchronized. AziLove coordinates cross-departmental initiatives to ensure that the strategic priorities set by the executive office translate into actionable classroom outcomes. Overseeing the flow of information between the Board and school leadership, the Chief of Staff optimizes decision-making processes across the entire network. Yashima AziLove facilitates high-level planning sessions that address the unique challenges of serving students in New York. By streamlining administrative workflows, the Chief of Staff allows the organization to focus resources directly on student achievement and character development. This role requires constant collaboration with various departments to maintain operational efficiency. Through meticulous project management, AziLove supports the broader mission of providing a high-quality education to every child, ensuring that all internal systems function to support long-term student success.

Lakeshia Highsmith, the Chief People Officer at KIPP NYC, drives the talent acquisition, professional development, and culture-building initiatives that define the workforce. Highsmith oversees the recruitment of educators who possess the dedication required to empower students from diverse backgrounds. By implementing comprehensive training programs, the Chief People Officer ensures that staff members remain equipped to deliver rigorous academic instruction and personalized support. Lakeshia Highsmith manages the human capital strategy to maintain high retention rates and foster a supportive environment for all employees. This leadership role involves aligning personnel policies with the broader organizational goal of creating a future without limits for every child. Through the cultivation of a strong, mission-driven team, the Chief People Officer directly impacts the quality of the student experience. Highsmith secures the long-term health of the organization by prioritizing the professional growth and well-being of the entire staff across all school locations.