Brenda Cora

Chief Schools Officer

About – Brenda Cora

As Chief Schools Officer, Brenda Cora is tasked with working alongside multiple stakeholders to ensure that Noble fulfills its mission, where all students have equitable and positive school experiences that equip them to succeed on the path of their choice, leading to 75% of alumni completing college. Brenda began her career in East Garfield Park/West Humboldt Park at Noble’s Rowe-Clark Math & Science Academy, where she eventually served as principal for six years. As principal, Brenda managed her leadership team and utilized continuous-improvement frameworks based on cultural responsiveness to engage in data-based problem solving and decision making. During her tenure, she was able to improve student retention and academic growth significantly and pushed Rowe-Clark’s CPS School Quality Rating to a Level 1. In 2017-2018, under Brenda’s leadership, Rowe-Clark achieved citywide recognition for attaining the 10th highest overall SAT growth and the 3rd highest for African-American students in CPS. Brenda is a proud alum of Noble Street College Prep’s founding class, where she graduated at the top of her class and went on to earn a B.A. in economics with a concentration in gender and women’s studies at Grinnell College. Family is extremely important to Brenda, so spending time with her 11-year old daughter, two older siblings, and parents give her great fulfillment.

Why do you work at Noble?

My personal experiences and deep engagement with my community have reinforced my belief that many institutions in this country are not designed to serve individuals who look like me. This persistent injustice is something I carry with me every day. My choice to work at Noble is profoundly personal; I am committed to being part of an institution that embodies reflective practices and policies. I want to contribute to an organization that actively strives to avoid being another institution that lets down families like mine. Noble is that place.

Who was your favorite teacher while growing up?

My favorite teacher was Desmond Jones. Mr. Jones taught me science and math at the original Noble campus, and I will always remember how he created an environment where taking risks was encouraged. No matter the setbacks I faced, I felt comfortable, welcomed, and safe in his classroom. He designed engaging lessons that made complex concepts accessible and drew clear connections to my life. He also inspired me to be more active as a student by inviting me to join his softball and basketball teams. Most importantly, Mr. Jones is my favorite because of his unwavering belief in my potential and success. He encouraged me daily to embrace my individuality rather than define myself by the numbers society deemed important. His care and support continue to make him a significant role model in my life today.

Favorite thing about Noble or favorite Noble moment?

My favorite aspect of Noble is our advisory system. In my experience, advisory provided a space that enhanced my sense of belonging as a high schooler and fostered stronger relationships with both my peers and teachers.

What do you/your department do at Noble?

As a Chief Schools Officer (CSO), I work to ensure that the six Noble campuses I partner with are operating in service to Noble’s vision. In addition to directly managing six principals, I am a part of an Education Team whose goal is to better serve Noble students on their journeys to choice-filled lives through the improvement of principal/campus staff experiences. The campuses I support are:

Butler College Prep
Chicago Bulls College Prep
Johnson College Prep
Pritzker College Prep
Rowe-Clark Math and Science Academy
The Noble Academy

Start at Noble?

2007

Hometown:

Chicago

Education:

Grinnell College ( B.A. in Economics)