CEO Sheria McRae Honored for Equity Work
Sheria McRae honored by Princeton YWCA “Tribute to Women Awards”
Members of the FA community celebrated FA CEO Sheria McRae, a 2023 YWCA Princeton Tribute to Women Award honoree on March 31. Mrs. McRae is a graduate of Howard University & Montclair State University, and a @Teach for America–New Jersey alum.
Sheria gave a rousing speech encouraging all attendees to continue their own purpose-driven work, and consider learning more about how FA is working to redefine possible in public education.
"While I am proud to be here tonight with these distinguished honorees, I will go back into our schools next week, and continue to do the work," she said. "The work that makes a difference in children’s lives." Read Sheria's full remarks:
Thank you for recognizing and celebrating my accomplishments – so far. But take note, I am not done.
As a Trentonian, I see that, all too often, societal expectations for our children remain low. The media, employers and policymakers continue to underestimate the talents, ambition and purpose of children in urban communities.
Children that look like me.
I am still striving, determined and focused, to show our children they are valued and create an environment that enables our scholars to lean into who they have been created to be.
This award celebrates efforts to promote equity, eliminate racism and empower women.
So while I am proud to be here tonight with these distinguished honorees, I will go back into our schools next week, and continue to do the work.
The work that makes a difference in children’s lives. The work that fulfills my purpose – my WHY – to sow seeds of opportunity and access so that others find their purpose.
At Foundation Academies, we know the WHY is what matters. Your why gets you up on a cold dark morning. Your why stops you from giving up. Your why is what everyone sees– even if they can’t quite put their finger on it.
Your why inspires others.
Tonight, the room is full of inspiration. I want to congratulate all the honorees. We are doing amazing work. I appreciate this honor and hope that together, we continue to build on our accomplishments. Because the work is not done.
Thank you.
Posted: March 24, 2023
Foundation Academies is proud to announce that Chief Executive Officer Sheria McRae will be among those honored by the YWCA Princeton Tribute to Women Award on March 31 at the Hyatt Regency in Princeton.
Established in 1984, the Tribute to Women Awards celebrate women who are working to support marginalized communities, are dedicated to advocacy efforts, or are trailblazers themselves.
"This is a well deserved honor," said FA Board President Kimme Carlos, who received the YWCA honor in 2020. "Long before she became our CEO, Sheria McRae was working to expand opportunities and empower others. She is a role model who leads by example and inspires all those around her to do the same...
"Sheria is a dynamic, out-of-the-box thinker and visionary and her commitment to equity and justice extends beyond the classroom to the wider community."
Mrs. McRae grew up in Trenton, where she lives with her husband and two daughters. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Howard University in Washington, DC, a Master of Arts in School Counseling from Montclair State University, and a Certificate of Advanced Studies in Administration and Supervision from National Louis University.
Her education career began as a corps member with Teach for America in Newark, NJ. She joined FA in 2010 as a middle school English teacher, and later served as Dean of Instruction before being named Middle School principal in 2013.
In 2017, Mrs. McRae became Foundation Academies’ Chief Academic Officer, guiding instruction for about 1,000 scholars in kindergarten through 12th Grade. In July 2022, she became CEO of Foundation Academies, the only K-12 charter school in Trenton.
As a Trentonian, Mrs. McRae noted that, all too often, societal expectations for our children remain low. "The media, employers and policymakers continue to underestimate the talents, ambition and purpose of children in urban communities -- children who look like me."
And while deeply honored by recognition of her efforts to promote equity, eliminate racism and empower women, she declared the work is not done.
"I am still striving, determined and focused, to show our children they are valued, and to create an environment that enables our scholars to lean into who they have been created to be," Mrs. McRae said.
Mrs. McRae recently dedicated the award to all the “phenomenal women” at FA. Watch her video here.
The 2023 Tribute to Women Honorees are:
- Lynne Azarchi, Executive Director, Kidsbridge
- Rebecca Boswell, Ph.D, Supervising Psychologist, Penn Medicine Princeton Center for Eating Disorders
- Retired Justice Jaynee LaVecchia, Partner, McCarter and English
- Madeline Lightman, Community Volunteer, Breast Cancer Resource Center & HomeFront
- Mitch Livingston, President, NJM Insurance Group (Male Ally Award)
- Sheria McRae, CEO, Foundation Academies
- Marissa Muoio, Ed.D., Head of Upper School, Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart
- Carlo Vitale, Owner, Vitale Inspection Services & President of Happy Smile Foundation (Male Ally Award)
