Erica Beal

About Erica Beal

Motivated by a deep-rooted passion for learning and a belief in education\'s transformative power, Erica Beal has dedicated over 15 years to shaping educational landscapes. With a Bachelor\'s from Georgetown University and a Master\'s in Educational Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University, she possesses the knowledge and drive to effect positive change.Erica\'s leadership journey began at KIPP DC, where, as Vice Principal, she steered initiatives fostering academic excellence. Later, as Senior Program Director at School Leader Lab, she facilitated transformative leadership cohorts, empowering educators with essential skills.Leading School Leader Lab now as Executive Director, Erica orchestrated strategic planning and new partnerships, securing significant funding and expanding its reach. Her collaborative spirit saw her join forces with Urban Teachers, Teach for America, TNTP, and the District of Columbia Public Schools, creating impactful cohorts across multiple levels of school leadership. This dedication garnered her recognition as a Nonprofit Leader of the Year through the Greater Washington Community Foundation.Erica\'s philosophy emphasizes collaboration and human-centered leadership as key drivers of educational excellence. Her relentless dedication fuels her efforts to empower educators, foster transformative leadership, and create inclusive learning environments. She advocates for policies prioritizing educational equity and ensuring access to quality education for all.Looking ahead, Erica seeks to deepen her impact. This involves leveraging innovative approaches, fostering inclusive environments, and advocating for equitable policies. Her vision is a culture of excellence where every student thrives and reaches their full potential, shaping a brighter future for generations to come.

Experience

1. Executive Director

   School Leader Lab

   Jan 2022 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   Named a 2023 Nonprofit Leader of the Year by the Greater Washington Community Foundation; awarded the David Bradt Scholarship to attend Harvard Business School\'s Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Leadership on campus course- Raised $4.5M in philanthropic contributions in two years, 60% of which was in unrestricted contributions- Conducted a comprehensive organizational assessment and developed a five-year strategic plan that aligns with School Leader Lab’s mission and values, resulting in increased clarity and focus- Increased overall cohort participation by 15%; secured funding to launch a new cohort with executive-level leaders in schools - Established partnerships with Teach for America, TNTP, New Schools for New Orleans, and other external partners, including funders, community organizations, and government agencies

Education

• Relay Graduate School of Education

  National Principals Academy, Principal Preparation

  2016 — 2017

• Teachers College, Columbia University

  Master of Education - MEd, Educational Leadership and Administration, General

  2016 — 2017

• Georgetown University

  BA, English

  2006 — 2010

Skills

• Public Speaking
• Team Development
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Microsoft Powerpoint
• Instructional Coaching