Our Team

We believe leadership sets the tone—what we embody at the top is exactly what we strive to see in our schools. Our team reflects a rich diversity of identity, political perspective, gender, and ideas, giving us a unique and authentic voice in this work. Every member is deeply committed to the mission of self-determination and parent choice, living these values every day through their dedication and efforts.

JAY ARTIS-WRIGHT

Executive Director

Jay Artis-Wright is a visionary leader, serving as the Executive Director of the Freedom Coalition for Charter Schools (FCCS). FCCS stands as a beacon for Black and Brown charter school leaders, and under Jay’s guidance, it advocates tirelessly for the enhancement and establishment of high-quality educational choices for students from these communities.

With a rich tapestry of over two decades of experience spanning public policy, education, advocacy, and community mobilization, Jay embodies the essence of a strategic thinker. She played an instrumental role in laying the foundation of FCCS during its formative stages.

Jay’s professional journey is as diverse as it is impactful. From nurturing and mentoring educators, to spearheading pivotal policy initiatives, to crafting influential outreach strategies for education-related legal battles, she has been a force for positive change. Her expertise extends to training advocates in the arts of organization and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).

Jay’s track record is studded with policy triumphs that have propelled charter schools forward and paved the way for women to explore positions on local school boards. She possesses an innate ability to navigate the intricate legislative landscape, steering it toward resounding victories, and she’s a maestro in the art of coalition building. Her influence reaches across the nation, with her footprint gracing key states like California, New Jersey, and Texas. Jay Artis-Wright is a true luminary in the field, dedicated to shaping a brighter future for Black and Brown students.

Our Team

Natasha Robinson

Director of Projects

David Morgan

Regional Director of Advocacy and Legislative Affairs

Erika DeLaRosa

Manager of Strategic Partnerships

Diane Tarapata

Executive Assistant

FCCS Board Members

Cris
Cris Gulacy-Worrel
DAIANA-LAMBRECHT
Daiana Lambrecht
Staff-headshot-Jan2022
David P. Hardy
Emory
Emory Edwards
2024_Kevin_Alin_Headshot
Kevin Allin
BMF Retreat 2022 (6 of 98)
Rev. Janelle Wood
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Taylor Shead

DR. HOWARD FULLER

FCCS Founder

Dr. Howard Fuller is a civil rights activist, education reform advocate, and academic. He is best known for the community organizing work he did in Durham, North Carolina as an employee of Operation Breakthrough, and as a co-founder of the Malcolm X Liberation University in 1969. In the 1970s, Fuller adopted the name Owusu Sadaukai, organized several national African Liberation Day celebrations, and was one of the foremost advocates of Pan-Africanism in the United States. Decades later, Fuller rose again to national prominence as one of the leading advocates for school vouchers. He served as the superintendent of Milwaukee Public Schools from 1991 to 1995 and is currently a distinguished professor of education, and founder/director of the Institute for the Transformation of Learning at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

DR. STEVE PERRY

FCCS Co-Founder

As Head of Capital Preparatory Schools with locations in Bridgeport CT Capital Prep Harbor & Harlem NY Capital Prep Harlem; His goal is to ensure that his students receive a high-quality education from K- 12 and into college by ensuring that our educators receive the proper professional development training and support system needed in our schools for a successful academic environment. This commitment to excellence in education led Capital Preparatory School to what U.S. News and World Report have cited as one of the top schools in the country, Sending 100% of its predominantly low-income, minority, first-generation high school graduates to four-year colleges every year since inception in 2006. Subsequently, this success led him to open other Capital Preparatory Schools in 2012 with the objective to open charter schools that will provide as many low-income students/families with an educational experience that I consider a right, not just an opportunity.

Perry is also a CNN, MSNBC & Essence Education Contributor. Host of Hit TV Show “Save My Son”. Dr. Steve Perry’s heart pumps passion and produces positive change. Featured in CNN’s Black in America series, Dr. Perry is the most talked about innovative educator on the scene today. Perry is the founder and principal of what U.S. News and World Report has cited as one of the top schools in the country, Capital Preparatory Magnet School in Hartford, Connecticut.