April Leong

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT APRIL LEONG

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, April Leong started her career in District 79 as an English teacher and family group advisor. As a young mother raised in poverty, April was determined not only to create a better life for her two sons and always believed what was good for her boys was good for everyone else’s children. During her teaching career at High School Redirection, April was awarded the Allan Houston My Teacher is My Hero Award. While at High School Redirection, April was responsible for creating many innovative programs in youth development and community service. April Leong was an integral member of the team that brought the nationally recognized Alternative H.S. Initiative, Diploma Plus to NYC. As an Assistant Principal, April successfully transformed two underperforming suspension sites and received awards of recognition for outstanding leadership from her staff, Principal, and Superintendent. Finally, with a bachelor\'s degree from Baruch and master\'s degrees from both College of St Rose and Brooklyn College, she conceived, developed, and opened her own alternative high school and is now the founding principal of Liberation Diploma Plus High School, where she continues to be a strong student advocate, educator, family and community supporter, and fearless leader. Ms. Leong’s work at Liberation has been recognized numerous times by her Assemblyman, Councilman, and State Senator. The Times Magazine, Washington Monthly, and Albany news published and televised stories about Ms. Leong’s work with her students. Ms. Leong is a proud Cahn Alum, and because of her selfless acts to fight to keep her building open and help her school community recover from Sandy, she received the Daily News Hometown Hero Award in 2013. It is a combination of all of her passion, hard work, sacrifices, and relentless efforts to help her students achieve success in the face of adversity that has earned Ms. Leong the prestigious Sloan Public Service Award of 2014 and the 2016 NY State Senate’s Women of Distinction Award. Ms. Leong has secured multi-million dollar grants to serve her school community. Ms. Leong earned a Doctorate in Educational Leadership to continue leveraging and cultivating best practices in community-centered leadership.