Speakers
Melissa Aviles-Ramos, Chancellor
Melissa Aviles Ramos is Chancellor of New York City Public Schools, the largest school system in the nation. She was formerly the Deputy Chancellor of Family and Community Engagement and External Affairs, as well as the Chief of Staff to former Chancellor David C. Banks. In those roles, she oversaw innovative family engagement programs such as NYC Literacy Hubs and our Family Literacy Ambassadors; she also launched and led Project Open Arms, our unprecedented effort to welcome, enroll, and support 45,000-plus of our newest New Yorkers.
As the leader of NYCPS, Chancellor Aviles-Ramos will ensure consistent and thorough implementation of key initiatives, from NYC Reads and NYC Solves to reimagined Student Pathways. She believes deeply that our schools must provide every student with a solid foundation in reading and math, while preparing them for well-paying jobs.
Additionally, Chancellor Aviles-Ramos plans to prioritize physical safety and emotional wellness, enhanced professional development for teachers, and in-depth family and community engagement.
Chancellor Aviles-Ramos is a native New Yorker, a Latina, and a proud NYCPS parent.
Dr. Danika Rux, Deputy Chancellor
As Deputy Chancellor of School Leadership, Dr. Danika Rux oversees the work of Community District Superintendents and High School Superintendents, which in turn provide schools with coordinated strategic support, resources, and guidance. She also oversees the Department’s student wellness and school climate work. Danika Rux is an instructional leader with over 27 years of experience in the areas of speech pathology, literacy instruction, special education, school leadership, district leadership, and systems level educational administration. Most recently, Danika served as Chief of School Support. Prior, Danika served as Executive Superintendent, Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, Field Support Liaison and Principal. Danika holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Sage College, Albany, NY. She earned her M.S. Ed. and B.S. from Long Island University and Advanced Certificates from Baruch College, Mercer University, Georgia State University.
Dr. Shadae Harris
Dr. Shadae Harris, previously the Chief Engagement Officer at Richmond Public Schools, earned national recognition for her significant contribution to reducing chronic absenteeism by nearly 20% during her tenure. Previously, Dr. Harris served as an elementary school principal, and she began her career as a 4th grade teacher. She holds a Master’s degree in Learning and Teaching as well as a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, both from Harvard University. Currently, Dr. Harris leads Groundwork Consulting, where she assists school districts and organizations nationwide in developing robust engagement systems that place families at the center. Additionally, she is a distinguished Professor in Residence at Virginia State University and a founding faculty member of the VSU Engagement Institute. As keynote speaker, Dr. Harris will share what we know, given the extensive research on family engagement, about the powerful impact of effective family–school partnerships on students, parents, teachers, and schools. She will summarize the research and articulate the essential conditions for successful engagement, as identified in Karen Mapp’s Dual Capacity-Building Framework for Family-School Partnerships.