Welcoming a new member of our team

We are so pleased to welcome Brianna Kennedy as our new Director Programs. In this role, Brianna will help our young and growing organization develop and implement strategies that accelerate the transformation of Durham Public Schools for success and equity for every student.

Brianna is an advocate for high-quality public education - especially for those who are most vulnerable and often marginalized. Her experiences in and out of the classroom have shaped her ideals and she seeks ways to remain informed of best practices to work with young people. 

A native of Savannah, Ga, Brianna came to North Carolina as an undergraduate at North Carolina Central University. She began teaching in Charlotte, NC and went on to pursue her Master’s of Education Policy from the University of Pennsylvania. After teaching another year in Boston, Ma, she relocated to Durham with her husband to put down roots and began teaching at Neal Middle School.

Leaving the classroom after six years was a difficult decision and for Brianna, it gave her the opportunity to pursue work in state education policy. While researching and analyzing federal and state policies, she realized her heart’s work belongs to the students of Durham.