Lakita is an experienced leader in education with a demonstrated history of impact in school leadership, leadership development, and education management. She leads the teams working in partnership with schools in Yakima, WA and Oakland, CA

Before joining Leading Educators, Lakita was the Senior Director at Leading Elephants where she provided support for leaders through individual and group executive coaching, the design and facilitation of adult learning experiences, and customized organizational consulting. She previously served as the Senior Director of Leadership Development for the Tennessee Department of Education in the Human Capital Division and redesigned the leadership academy for new principals and assistant principals. She also previously served as New Leaders’ Executive Director for the Midwest Region where she provided strategic direction and program development input to support districts in addressing leadership development needs. Lakita began her career teaching in Chicago Public Schools and went on to successfully execute the start of a new contract school in Chicago.

Lakita holds a Doctor of Education from Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College; two Master’s degrees, one in Curriculum & Instruction and the other in Administration & Supervision. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Florida A&M University. Lakita enjoys spending quality time with her family in Naperville, IL. She loves to travel and is a self-proclaimed foodie.

Monique is a Senior Director guiding Illustrative Math implementation alongside leaders in three LAUSD local districts. Monique worked in a similar capacity previously at LE to support partnerships in DC Public Schools, Atlanta Public Schools, and program design in our Louisiana region.

Before joining Leading Educators, Monique has worked for charter management and non-profit organizations as a teacher, school leader, and effectiveness coach.

Monique is a Teach For America alumna and has earned a B.A. from Temple University and a M.S. in Teaching and Early Childhood Leadership from Pace University and Bank Street College of Education. Monique lives in Washington, D.C. with her husband and three children. In between family dance parties, Monique loves indoor cycling and cooking new recipes.

George is a Director of Content - Math who designs professional learning experiences for instructional leaders in Los Angeles as they begin implementation of the Illustrative Math curriculum.

Prior to joining the LE staff, he worked at Teach for America training and supporting instructional coaches and corps members. During his 12 years in the classroom, he spent the majority of his time teaching 3rd and 4th grade, and he spent multiple years as a Director of Curriculum and Instruction supporting grades 3-8. LE has a special place in his heart, as he was also a member of LE’s 2012 Cohort.

George has a Masters in Elementary Education and BS in Psychology from Indiana University. He lives in New Orleans and is active in multiple Stonewall Sports leagues. He enjoys playing video games and walking his dog, Rex, on the bayou.

Ginny is an Instructional Leadership Coach partnering with schools within the LAUSD local districts to effectively implement their Math curriculum and give more equitable instruction for all their students.

Before joining Leading Educators, Ginny worked as the Special Education Manager for KIPP SoCal, supporting teachers to provide inclusive, strengths-based instruction for students in both general and special education settings. She started her career as a teacher at the University of Chicago Charter School serving students with various learning needs. She then worked as an Instructional Coach for the Academy of Urban School Leadership coaching and providing professional learning to teachers within the Chicago Public School district.

Ginny holds a Masters Degree in Childhood and Special Education from New York University. She currently lives in Long Beach, CA where she and her husband share their love of travel, sports, and food with their 2 daughters.

Kristina Rubio is passionate about creating spaces of belonging for students on every academic campus and serving the greater good in her communities. Blending her passion for education and connecting members of the community, she is responsible for programming, logistics, and data management for the Leading Educators team in Los Angeles and Cincinnati.

Previously, Kristina served the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles on behalf of the American Cancer Society via Relay for Life events where she empowered volunteers to engage with their communities to continue the fight against cancer. Additionally, she led the planning and execution of special events for the Stamp Student Union at the University of Maryland, College Park.

Kristina holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Tennessee and a Masters of Education in College Student Personnel Administration from James Madison University. She currently resides in Los Angeles where she can typically be found working on her yoga practice, trying to find the best breakfast burrito around, and planning which part of the world to explore next.