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Regional News

Jessica Cunningham Akoto has risen through leadership positions at KIPP public charter schools 16 years after working as a teacher in KIPP’s KEY Academy in Washington, D.C. As CEO of KIPP Philadelphia, she leads three elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school with a total of more than 2,400 students. Running several schools during the Covid-19 crisis has been both “anxiety-inducing” and rewarding for Cunningham Akoto. She finds motivation in creating paths to success for children, and her greatest achievement is seeing academic gains as a high school principal.

What motivates you?

I am motivated by children and the inequities they face in education and beyond. I am also motivated by besting myself. I am motivated by our students and families to create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students to pursue the paths they choose so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.

What is it like leading a group of schools during a pandemic?

These past few months have been challenging, scary, anxiety-inducing, but also rewarding. Despite our best efforts, we know that the repercussions of this pandemic will continue well into the future. Our core commitment is to provide the necessary resources to ensure our students and alumni continue to be successful. As well as continue to support our staff, students, and families with resources to help them emotionally, physically, and mentally.

What has been your greatest challenge and achievement so far?

My greatest challenge has been navigating systems, structures, and people who work against me and my purpose, because I am Black and a woman. My greatest achievement is being a successful high school principal. I led a team that was able to achieve school culture and academic gains, while having a lot of fun.

How can the Philadelphia business community help heal racial divisions?

Support Black-led business and nonprofits, and invest more deeply in those organizations. Philadelphia businesses can help heal racial divisions by scrutinizing their own practices and committing to anti-racism and actually doing the work to become an anti-racism organization.

How does your background influence your leadership?

I am my background. My community, culture, upbringing, family and ancestors have contributed to who I am and how I see the world. All of those things make me a stronger person and leader. My roots as a classroom teacher in a Black and underserved neighborhood, in the same neighborhood my mom taught, has shaped who I am today.