When local, underrepresented leaders are empowered to design bold, student-centered school models, they don’t just imagine change; they lead it. Propel fellows reflect the communities they wish to serve and through the fellowship, are equipped with the tools, coaching, and support to build schools that deliver exceptional outcomes for students. As a result, more students of color and learners who have been historically underserved gain access to high-quality education, and communities build lasting capacity for excellent, equity-driven schools.
The need to ensure school leaders are equipped to succeed is critical. Opportunity 180 is thrilled to welcome the Propel fellowship’s largest cohort to date, with eight fellows incubating at high-performing partner schools in preparation to design and launch their own high-quality public charter school. Fellows will have extensive exposure to leadership roles at their incubation site, and the opportunity to observe a school leaders’ ability to set a powerful vision for student achievement, motivate others to follow that vision, and execute towards that vision. Now in its fifth cohort, Propel’s alumni are impacting families and communities, with two opening schools in Southern Nevada for the 2025-26 school year: Shambrion Treadwell of Do & Be Arts Academy of Excellence and Mike Taack of Western Youth Leadership Engagement and Empowerment Middle School, and one alumnus going into her third school year: Julie Carver of Southern Nevada Trades High School.
“The Propel fellowship gives school leaders the opportunity to prepare for this exciting pathway of entrepreneurship and school leadership,” said Tam Shear, CEO of Opportunity 180. “We are excited to welcome our largest cohort of fellows as they take this pivotal next step towards creating high-quality learning environments that meet the needs of communities and families they plan to serve – propelling us towards our North Star of every kid graduating from high school college and career-ready, prepared to live the life they dream.”
Propel fellows have three pathways from which to choose: Fresh Start, for leaders who have begun school modeling and are ready to take the next step towards launching a new school, focusing on developing a charter application for approval; Expansion, for individuals with a strong leadership background interested in supporting the expansion or replication of an existing high-quality school model; and Assistant Principal, for rising leaders preparing to take the next step in school leadership.
Please welcome the 2025-26 cohort!
Assistant Principal Pathway
Brianna Skinner, an educator and instructional strategist passionate about educational equity, will enter her second year of the Propel program as an assistant principal at Equipo Academy.
Irisi Miranda, an educator and longtime school advocate committed to fostering inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments, will incubate at Sage Collegiate Public Charter School.
Antione King, an educator, instructional coach, and administrator well-versed in developing and implementing new initiatives and promoting safe learning environments, will begin their Assistant Principal program at Democracy Prep at the Agassi Campus.
Jessica Cimino, a Design to EdRupt alumnus, educator, and champion of teacher-leaders, will begin her Assistant Principal pathway with the opening of Western Youth Leadership Engagement and Empowerment Middle School.
Angela Colbert, a Design to EdRupt alumnus, 16+ year school leader and educator with significant experience in human resources and recruitment, will incubate at Vegas Vista Academy as she enters her second year of the Assistant Principal pathway.
Expansion Pathway:
Eric Simpkins, a Design to EdRupt alumnus and former educator, assistant principal, and instructional coach, begins his incubation experience at Legal Prep Charter School as they continue expansion efforts in Nevada.
Yaimara Wheaton, an educator, principal, and former director of expansion, will incubate at Citizens of the World Charter School in preparation for their expansion efforts into Southern Nevada.
Fresh Start Pathway:
David Sabey, an educator, instructional coach, and Design to EdRupt alumnus, will embark on the “Fresh Start” track as he continues in the planning and launch process for Ignis Academy, which focuses on preparing students to participate in our democratic and pluralistic society.
As these dynamic leaders begin their journeys, they carry with them the power to reimagine what’s possible in public education. Their work will shape schools where every student is seen, supported, and set up to thrive. We can’t wait to see what they build and the futures they’ll help unlock.
Learn more about the Propel fellowship here or by contacting Opportunity 180’s Senior Director of School Launch, CeCe Rice.
