Shaka Rawls

Experience

1. School Principal

   Leo Catholic High School

   Jul 2016 — Present · Chicago, IL, US

   I am a proud Leo man, Class of ’93, and now Principal of Leo Catholic High School, where I get to lead one of the most inspiring groups of young men you will ever meet. We are a small school doing big things on the South Side of Chicago: restoring communities, building futures, and occasionally showing up on America’s Got Talent (yes, that was us in the finals, ask me about it).With over 20 years in urban education, I have served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal, and I earned a PhD in Educational Policy Studies from UIC (I use it to write strongly worded emails and passionate grant proposals). I believe deeply in education as a tool for justice and have dedicated my life to making sure young Black and Brown boys are not just seen, but celebrated.My leadership style? Vision driven, student first, and fueled by coffee, gospel music, and a village of people who care. I run toward hard problems, build coalitions across sectors, and never pass up an opportunity to brag about my choir or our robotics team.Let’s connect, especially if you believe in transforming education, investing in youth, or want to help us keep doing the impossible with a budget made of duct tape and dreams.