Meet Our 2023 NLI Fellows

Marcos Murillo

Regional Superintendent Middle Schools, Hillsborough County Public Schools


Dr. Marion Smith Jr .

Chief Academic Officer, St. Louis Public Schools


Dr. Wardell Hunter

Director of Leadership Development, Atlanta Public Schools


Dr. James Hill

Assistant Superintendent Human Resources, Boulder Valley School District


Corey Williams

Director of High Schools, Memphis Shelby County Schools


Courtney Curtis

Middle School Principal, Fresno Unified School District


Marquis Harris

Assistant Director of Culture & Belonging, Olathe Public Schools


Dr. Marco Nava

Leadership Development, LAUSD District


Dr. Arturo Rodriguez

ENL Director, Indianapolis Public Schools


Dr. Ayo Akinmoladun

Lead Principal, Mastery Charter Schools


Kareem Thomas

Principal Leadership Coach, The School District of Philadelphia


Alexander Santoyo

Regional Administrative Director, Miami Dade County Schools


Donell Underdue, Jr.

Assistant Superintendent for District Transformation & Strategic Initiatives, Cumberland County Schools


Dr. Josue L. Cuevas

Associate Superintendent of Information Technology Services, Waukegan Community Unit District # 60


Dr. Donald Fennoy,
Superintendent in Residence

Former Superintendent, School District of Palm Beach County Schools, FL


Dr. Paul Cruz,
Superintendent in Residence

Co-Director, Cooperative Superintendency Program (CSP), Professor of Practice, University of Texas


About The National Leadership Institute


The National Leadership Institute is a 1-year, intensive, experiential, executive leadership fellowship. This cohort-based institute leverages in-person and virtual modalities that are highly engaging, interactive, and application-driven.

Guiding Principles


* Increased awareness of self, one’s leadership identity, and how this identity shows up in their leadership

* A deeper understanding of your organization and the skills and dispositions needed to navigate its complexities as a leader of color

* Curate a space where leaders can be their authentic selves and focus on growth and healing