Council of Ambassadors

Council of Ambassadors

The MCEL Council of Ambassadors is a national network of accomplished leaders who serve as strategic advisors and advocates for MCEL’s mission. Representing a diverse cross-section of K–12 systems, higher education, and partner organizations, Ambassadors bring critical perspective, lived experience, and field-based insight to inform and strengthen MCEL’s work.

More than an advisory group, the Council is a force for amplification and impact—elevating the voices of our leaders, expanding MCEL’s national footprint, and helping to build and sustain strong leadership pipelines. Through their engagement, Ambassadors help ensure that MCEL’s work continues to grow in reach, relevance, and results.

Interested in partnering with or learning more about the MCEL Council of Ambassadors? Connect with us to learn how this powerful network is helping shape the future of leadership (contact@mcelleaders.org).

W. Bilal Muhammed - El Shabazz

Muhammed – El Shabazz

Executive Director/Founding Principal

Dimitry Anselme

Dimitry Anselme

Anselme

Chief Program Officer

Presley Charles

Presley Charles

Muhammed – El Shabazz

Principal

Kareem Thomas

Muhammed – El Shabazz

Leadership Coach

Aaron Massey

Muhammed – El Shabazz

Managing Director, Leadership Development

Oscar Dupuy

Anselme

Director of Student Outreach

Ron Rapatalo

Muhammed – El Shabazz

Associate Partner

Corey Williams

Muhammed – El Shabazz

Chief Schools officer

Damian Pacheco

Muhammed – El Shabazz

Executive Director of School Support and Operations

Darryl Williams

Anselme

Interim Chair of the Dept of Teacher Ed and PD, and Program Director of the Educational Administration and Supervision Program

Winfred Porter

Muhammed – El Shabazz

Principal

Josué Covarrubias

Muhammed – El Shabazz

Principal

Antwayne Sanders

Muhammed – El Shabazz

Executive Officer for Elementary Education

Kelvin Moore

Anselme

Deputy chief of schools

Lazell Williams

Muhammed – El Shabazz

High School Principal

Dion Copeland

Anselme

Assistant Principal

Erick Alfonso

Muhammed – El Shabazz

Superintendent of Schools

Who Has The Principal's Back?

If principals are expected to lead improvement, the system must lead with them. Principals grow through intentional support—where skilled supervisors balance coaching and accountability and the central office moves in alignment with school needs. Coherence, not compliance, is what strengthens leadership and improves schools, every day!

Our Keynote Speaker

Dr. Eddie Glaude Jr.

National Convening 2025  | Dec. 12-14, 2025