Brenda Cora, a proud Noble Street College Prep alumna and dedicated staff member, stepped into the role of chief executive officer of Noble Schools this month. With 18 years of service in various positions—from teaching at Rowe-Clark Math & Science Academy to becoming principal and then chief schools officer—Cora is deeply committed to giving back to the community that shaped her.

In a recent conversation, she shared her journey and vision for Noble:

Q: Tell us a little bit about your journey at Noble

A: As a member of Noble’s first graduating class, I chose Noble for its academic focus, knowing education was my path to a better life. After majoring in economics and gender & women’s studies at Grinnell College, I was invited by my former teacher to help open Rowe-Clark. Initially hesitant, I was moved by the gratitude of students and families, realizing I wanted to contribute to an organization that had done so much for me. What started as a one-year commitment has blossomed into 18 years of growth and service.

Cora with her advisees when she was principal at Rowe-Clark.

Q: What lessons/experiences from your time as a principal do you carry into your new role as CEO?

A: I’ve learned that people genuinely want to excel. It’s essential to recognize and leverage individual strengths in our work. We must also commit to supporting those who struggle, guiding them to build the skills necessary for success. Everyone desires to be part of a winning team, making it vital to invest in our community—students, staff, families, and partners. By fostering an environment of clarity, support, and accountability, we empower everyone to contribute to our collective success. I’ve also come to understand the importance of committing to equity and continuous improvement, ensuring that every student receives the support needed to achieve their greatest aspirations.

Q: How do your personal experiences as a student at Noble influence the way you lead?

A: My experiences as a student at Noble profoundly shape my approach to leadership. Having walked the same halls and faced similar challenges, I understand the importance of creating an environment where every student feels loved and held accountable to high expectations. Noble’s caring adults made a lasting impact on me, helping me navigate challenges. I aim to ensure all students receive the same level of support and belief in their potential.

Q: What motivates you most about stepping into this role, especially as an alum of Noble?

A: I believe in our mission. As a Noble alum, I’ve witnessed our growth and recognize both the challenges we’ve faced and those that remain. Strong leadership is essential to advocate for our staff and students, who deserve so much more.

Q: What excites you most about the potential of Noble Schools in the years to come?

A: We have the opportunity to shape a brighter future for Chicago’s children. While we do a lot of great work at Noble, there are areas where we need to think outside the box and innovate to tackle our greatest challenges. We must leverage the experiences of individuals both within and outside of Noble to respond to our needs in a strategic and intentional way, ultimately leading to better experiences and outcomes for students and staff. I’m excited to roll up my sleeves and do this work alongside my Noble family.

What lessons from your life outside of work—such as your family or faith—do you bring into your leadership?

My humble beginnings taught me the value of support and mentorship, inspiring my commitment to serve others and uplift those striving for betterment. Building deep, meaningful relationships motivates my work at Noble.

Q: If you could speak to the students graduating this year, what words of encouragement or hope would you share?

A: Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Trust in yourselves and your community. Your journey is just beginning—stay determined and resilient, and strive to uplift others along the way.