Dr. Cheryl Watson-Harris, known as a Champion for Children and head cheerleader for all in education, has spent the majority of her 30 year career in leadership. She was appointed as the youngest principal in the history of Boston Public Schools. A connector by nature, her motto is “teamwork makes the dream work” as she successfully built school and district level teams as the First Deputy Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education, Network Superintendent in Boston Public Schools and Superintendent of Dekalb County School District- the third largest district in GA. Her leadership has resulted in increase staff engagement and increases in students achievement. Serving at the helm of two districts during the COVID-19 pandemic she sees value in creating conditions for staff to maintain joy and optimism Her passions lie with creating community school partnerships, leadership development, and data driven improvement as districts move “onward and upwards.”