The Leaders of NLCP
CEO: Jemia Cunningham-Elder
Born and raised in Chicago, Ms. Cunningham-Elder became passionate about education during college when she was exposed to slave narratives and other influential texts such as the autobiographies of Frederick Douglas and Malcolm X. Learning about the power of education, especially in the Black community, inspired her to dedicate her career to making positive change through supporting the education of others.
She began her time at NLCP as the Director of External Affairs and was appointed to the position of CEO in September 2022. She is a graduate of Lake Forest College and holds a master’s degree in Leadership and Organizational Development from Boston College and a certificate in Nonprofit Management.
Chief of Staff: Marie Sainvilus-Miles
Ms. Sainvilus-Miles has been a staff member at NLCP for many years and has served in a variety of roles from dean to interim principal to athletic director.
Before working at NLCP, she spent many years working in the Chicago Public School District.
Senior Director of Operations and Strategy: Dr. Genessa Brown
With over 20 years of experience in education and community health—ten of those as a frontline educator—Dr. Genessa Brown is energized by her passion for youth and community empowerment. Since 2011, Dr. Brown has lived and worked in North Lawndale, immersing herself in community spaces and initiatives. Her professional journey has taken her into leadership opportunities where she strives to build cross-sector partnerships benefiting the North Lawndale community.
Dr. Brown earned her Bachelor of Science in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2002, Master in Educational Administration from Illinois Benedictine University in 2007, and her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from National Louis University in 2014.
Senior Director of Academics: Adam Sparks
Mr. Sparks, a first-generation college graduate, is dedicated to creating sustainable institutions of learning that are accessible, inclusive, and equitable. With a strong emphasis on the instructional core, his career has been centered on developing and implementing systems and processes to ensure high-impact instructional programs. Previously, Mr. Sparks served as a principal for eight years in Chicago charter schools.
Mr. Sparks holds an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership and an M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning Leadership from Liberty University, and he graduated with a B.A. in Elementary Education Studies from Berea College. He is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Liberty University, with his dissertation focused on identifying effective post-COVID interventions for struggling students.
Our Principals
Christiana Campus Principal: Kyera Bradley
Kyera D. Bradley began her educational career at the Noble Network of Charter Schools (Johnson College Prep) as a 9th grade Biology instructor. There she earned numerous awards for student academic growth, breaking historic in interim assessment data as well as being published in The Atlantic as a thriving teacher in urban education. A Chicago native, Kyera attended Providence St. Mel High School then went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Howard University. Because of her love for learning, she returned to Chicago and earned her Master of Arts in Education from the Relay Graduate School of Education (Founding Class).
Her vision is to create transformational impact through coaching leaders (in traditionally disenfranchised schools) to drive academic achievement for all scholars by leveraging efficacy, relationships, high expectations, instructional coaching, rigorous instruction, data systems, and shared accountability. Being with North Lawndale College Prep for four years, Kyera is committed to ensuring that scholars either “find a way or make one”.
Collins Campus Principal: Dr. Roshaun Bowens
Dr. Bowens brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to educational excellence. With a background in school leadership and a proven track record of driving student achievement and fostering positive school cultures, Dr. Bowens is uniquely equipped to lead our community toward continued growth and success.
Throughout his career, Dr. Bowens has demonstrated a strong dedication to creating equitable learning environments and supporting both students and staff in reaching their full potential. His leadership style is collaborative and inclusive, and he is passionate about building strong relationships with all members of the school community.
As a public charter school, NLCP is tuition-free – there is no admittance fee or entrance exam to enroll at our schools. We are open to all students regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status or disability status, and are an equal opportunity employer.
