As we close out our celebration of National Principals Month, we continue to honor the extraordinary leaders who bring the YES Prep mission to life every day. Throughout October, we’ve shared stories from across our campuses—each one reflecting the passion, resilience, and vision that define our principals. In this final installment, we highlight leaders who embody what it means to guide with purpose, creating schools where students feel known, supported, and inspired to achieve their fullest potential.
Join us in celebrating...
Selina Hall-Swope-Brays Oaks Secondary
Principal Selina Hall-Swope leads with a deep commitment to equity, ensuring that every student is seen, valued, and supported to reach their full potential. She is a steadfast advocate for individualized learning plans that meet students where they are and help them grow beyond expectations. At Brays Oaks Secondary, Selina fosters a culture where student voice and leadership thrive, empowering young people to take ownership of their learning and their future. Her student-centered approach reminds us all that when every child’s strengths are recognized, every child can succeed.
Cintia Arenas-Gulfton Secondary
Principal Cintia Arenas leads with the community at the heart of her work. A proud member of the Gulfton neighborhood, she has earned the deep trust of students and families who know she will advocate for their needs both inside and outside the classroom. Under her leadership, Gulfton has become a place where collaboration, belonging, and academic growth flourish. Cintia’s commitment to empowering her leadership team and creating safe, affirming spaces for students, especially those celebrating their cultural identities, has strengthened the entire school community.
Lauren Lightfoot-Southside Secondary
Principal Lauren Lightfoot leads with passion, vision, and an unapologetic belief that every student deserves the best. She sets a high bar for excellence, one rooted in love, purpose, and possibility, and works tirelessly to ensure every student’s story is one of opportunity. Known for her collaborative spirit, Lauren partners with leaders both on campus and across YES Prep to strengthen instruction and bring her bold vision for Southside Secondary to life. Her conviction and commitment inspire those around her to lead courageously and always keep students at the center.
Erin Sadler-Southwest Secondary
Principal Erin Sadler is an innovative leader who champions every child’s success by partnering closely with families and creating spaces where all students can thrive. She approaches her work with openness, courage, and a willingness to rethink systems that stand in the way of student growth. Erin’s leadership reflects a deep belief in the power of collaboration and creativity to transform education. Her commitment to ensuring every child’s needs are met makes her a true advocate for equitable learning at Southwest Secondary.
Natalie Garcia-West Secondary
As a proud Latina leader and first-year principal, she has quickly made her mark at West Secondary by building a culture rooted in achievement, growth, and celebration. Principal Natalie Garcia leads with vision, heart, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her commitment to making West the premier school of choice for the Alief community is evident in every connection she builds with students and families. Her leadership embodies determination, authenticity, and a deep belief in what’s possible for every child and family she serves.
Kenya Pinkard-Fifth Ward Secondary
Principal Kenya Pinkard leads with determination and vision, always focused on expanding what’s possible for her students. She meets them where they are while pushing them to see their own potential and pursue opportunities beyond what they imagined. A thoughtful and driven leader, Kenya approaches every decision with students at the center, ensuring that course offerings, instruction, and campus culture align with her belief in their limitless capacity. Her leadership inspires both staff and students to dream big and strive for excellence every day.
Adrienne Brown-Hobby Secondary
Authentic, joyful, and courageous, Principal Adrienne Brown brings a rare blend of heart and strategy to Hobby Secondary. She approaches every challenge with purpose, analyzing data, celebrating success, and seeking new ways to make each student’s experience even stronger. Known for her resilience and deep love of learning, she leads with a vision to make Hobby Secondary the premier choice in the Greater Hobby area. Her leadership empowers both students and educators to grow, achieve, and lead with confidence and pride.
Zi Ussery-Northline Secondary
At Northline Secondary, Principal Zicuria Ussery has built a vibrant community defined by excellence, joy, and belonging. She sets a high bar for academic rigor while ensuring every student feels seen, supported, and connected to their school. Her leadership is both visionary and practical, executing the YES Prep model with precision while innovating to meet her students’ unique needs. Whether walking the halls or engaging with teachers and families, Principal Ussery radiates encouragement and purpose, creating a culture where excellence is shared and every student thrives.
Justin West-Northwest Secondary
Authentic, compassionate, and grounded in connection, Principal Justin West leads Northwest Secondary with heart and purpose. His clear, caring communication style fosters unity among students, staff, and families creating a community where every voice is heard and every need is met. Last year, he successfully guided the merger of two student bodies and staffs, resulting in the school’s strongest academic performance to date. Recently honored with the Virani Distinguished School Leader Award, Mr. West continues to exemplify what it means to lead with integrity, dedication, and deep love for his school community.
Emily Ryans-Southeast Secondary
Principal Emily Ryans leads with a blend of fierce responsibility and heartfelt grace, setting a tone of excellence that resonates across the Southeast Secondary community. Her thoughtful, results-driven leadership has propelled the campus to become one of YES Prep’s highest-performing schools. Now serving as a lead principal, Ms. Ryans extends her influence by mentoring and supporting other school leaders with the same care she shows her own team. The culture she has built—defined by high expectations, optimism, and collaboration—reflects her belief that great outcomes begin with strong relationships and shared ownership of success.
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National Principals Month may be coming to an end, but our gratitude for these leaders continues year-round. Their impact reaches far beyond the walls of their schools, shaping the future of our students and strengthening the communities we serve. To all our YES Prep principals—thank you for leading with courage, compassion, and conviction. Because of you, our students are equipped not just for college, but for lives of opportunity and purpose.