Sophia Stephney has worked in urban education for over 15 years, serving as a high school English teacher, school principal, and executive director in New Bedford, Brockton, and Boston. Her career is deeply rooted in a commitment to equity, academic excellence, and culturally responsive pedagogy. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University and a Master of Education from American International College. In 2016, Ms. Stephney joined the founding team at New Heights Charter School, where she led the development of multiple dual-enrollment pathways in Massachusetts’ first wall-to-wall early college model, allowing hundreds of students to earn associate degrees in high school. She has presented nationally at NS4ed and College Board’s A Dream Deferred, sharing strategies to foster a sense of belonging and implement intentional supports for all learners. Ms. Stephney has also partnered with organizations like the Boston Celtics and Point32 Health to promote wellness and has hosted community events to connect families with essential resources. She has led student trips to Washington, D.C., and the Dominican Republic, offering hands-on cultural and service learning experiences that bring education to life. Guided by the belief that every student can grow with the right support, she is proud to lead a school family united by a shared vision of success. Outside of the classroom, she is a proud mother of two teenage daughters and enjoys reading, traveling, and watching basketball.