Our school leadership
Meet our team
Chief Executive Officer
Gregory G. Shannon
Gregory G. Shannon is a lifetime educator; having served thirty years as a classroom teacher, lead trainer, Principal, Deputy Chief, Assistant Superintendent, Regional Superintendent, Chief Schools Officer and Superintendent of Schools.
Mr. Shannon received his elementary and secondary schooling in the School District of Philadelphia. That school experience, coupled with his firm family values, inspired him to become an educator. After graduating from West Chester University with a Bachelor of Science in Business and working for a short time in corporate business, Mr. Shannon began working with the School District of Philadelphia as a Lead Trainer and Facilitator with the original Student Assistance Program.
Mr. Shannon pursued his Master’s Degree in Education at Cheyney University and was invited to become a part of Lehigh University’s Educational Leadership Principal Intern program and before completing the entire training; he was contacted to become the Principal of Benjamin Franklin Elementary School in November 1999. He led a school that had a history of challenges with climate, academic and staffing, along with low student morale and parental involvement. In his five and a half years as Principal, he established a successful instructional program for primary and middle grades that exceeded PSSA averages, statistically improved teaching and learning opportunities for students and teachers, and developed an organizational design that aligns with school safety and climate standards.
While at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School, he received the Keystone Award for Academic Excellence for school years 2003-2004 and 2004-2005 and led the school in attaining Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) four consecutive years exceeding state test score averages. During his time at Benjamin Franklin he also served as an advisor to appointed principals for leadership development; served as a Mentor Principal for the School District of Philadelphia/Lehigh University School of Educational Leadership; and was a Host Principal for Indiana University of Pennsylvania Intern Students.
In 2005, after serving as a Principal, his success moved him to the School District’s Central Office as the Assistant Superintendent of the Office of Transition and Alternative Education where he created and implemented efficient and seamless operations of all five divisions of the department to meet targeted goals and District objectives and implemented protocols and procedures for adherence to School District of Philadelphia policies for attendance, safety, discipline, truancy and re-entry/placement of students that are utilized today.
In January of 2006, Gregory Shannon was selected by the Chief Academic Officer, to become the Regional Superintendent of the CEO Region, becoming the youngest Regional Superintendent in recent School District history. This specialized Region represented a pilot region of twelve schools that were part of the Turn Around Specialist Program that was a collaboration between the School District of Philadelphia and the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business/Curry School of Education partnership. This is a national model of leadership in education aimed to move the twelve identified schools out of corrective action within two years. Mr. Shannon was the lead liaison for the model and was responsible for the key performance indicators for all twelve schools and provided oversight and key support as the “Shepherd” to the twelve Principals now called Turn Around Specialists. The program concluded with 78% of the schools making AYP and the remainder making significant progress and academic gains. At the end of the two-year program, Mr. Shannon and the Turn Around Specialist Principals were awarded a certificate that has nationally recognized them as Turn Around Specialists in the field of education.
In July of 2007, the CEO Region was merged with the Restructured Schools Region to become the largest region in the School District of Philadelphia with 52 schools and 40,000 students. Mr. Shannon became the Regional Superintendent and assumed responsibility and leadership of this challenging region. Mr. Shannon placed his energy and extensive experience and talents to use and has used his visionary leadership skills to supervise and manage this region.
Mr. Shannon is a visionary and results-driven Regional and School Leader who has achieved continuous professional growth with the School District of Philadelphia and has a proven track record of transforming underachieving schools to one that has exceeded local and state PSSA test score averages.
In July 2008, Mr. Shannon served as the Regional Superintendent of the East Region where he serviced 25 schools and 20 thousand students in a K-12 alignment.
In May 2013, Gregory Shannon was appointed as the Superintendent for the Chester Upland School District. He along with his dynamic leadership team have already begun implementing important steps in creating a school district where students will receive an excellent education in a safe, nurturing and academically oriented environment. The Child We Raise will lead the village…is the mantra that Mr. Shannon has envisioned and put in place for the Chester Upland School District.
Mr. Shannon possesses extensive leadership experience including: mentoring through expertise aspiring school principals in The School District of Philadelphia’s Leadership Academy; facilitating workshops for The School District of Philadelphia’s Content Institute, training school staff for the Philadelphia Education Fund Middle Grades Matter Conference, serving as Lead trainer for The School District of Philadelphia’s Student Assistance Program, serving as a panelist for The School District of Philadelphia’s Assistant Principal’s Academy, and serving as a panelist for The School District of Philadelphia’s Counselors’ Retreat for CSAP. Most recently, Greg attended Harvard University where he participated in the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s, Leadership Institute for Superintendents.
Mr. Shannon is a leader’s leader with the ability to mentor administrative and school based staff to achieve their full potential and the meet the school district’s mission. He is committed to serving the students and parents of Harambee Institute of Science and Technology Charter School and will continue to put excellence in academics first.
Chief of Specialized Services and Innovation
Dr. Deleah Archer
Dr. Deleah Archer, a native Philadelphian, understands the power of being visible in her community and lives to support those in need. She found her passion for teaching shortly after graduating high school and pursued her love of knowledge by attending local universities and completed her studies in the fields of Elementary Education, Special Education, Educational Leadership and Higher Education.
Passionate about the quality of educational services for today’s youth, Dr. Archer primarily worked with at-risk students and students with disabilities at the elementary and secondary level. Her professional experience includes serving as teacher, assistant athletic director, special education coordinator, principal and university professor. She’s created curriculum programs and professional development for local districts in the areas of special education, co-teaching and cultural diversity.
In addition to her educational experience, Dr. Archer has shared her knowledge in a case study, "What Next?: Educational Innovation and Philadelphia's School of the Future" published through Harvard Press and taught graduate level courses in Special Education at Lincoln University.
She is a dedicated leader that has an unwavering commitment to supporting organizations, as she strives to be their helping hand.
Dr. Archer holds a bachelor's degree from Drexel University, master's degrees in elementary education, special education and educational leadership from Arcadia University, and a doctorate in higher education focusing on transition services for students with specific learning disabilities from Immaculata University.
Chief Financial Officer
Michelle Thornton
Michelle Thornton has over twenty years of experience in tax, accounting, and business management services. She has developed and successfully implemented a fiscal turnaround model to support growth and sustainability for educational organizations. Michelle earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and a Master of Science in Accounting from Drexel University.
Compliance Officer
Danielle Bryant
Danielle D Bryant, Philadelphia native, has been in education since 2009. She has worked as an Elementary School Teacher and Network Liaison for various Assistant Superintendents within The School District of Philadelphia. While there, she successfully implemented policies and procedures to support the students throughout the city and her community. Danielle completed her studies in Elementary Education from Saint Joseph’s University, where she is currently enrolled in the Educational Leadership Program. This program prepares aspiring school administrators and supervisors of curriculum to become transformative leaders in PK-12 settings. Danielle will complete this program in January 2023.
Chief Academic Officer
Nakia Brown
Nakia Brown, M.Ed. is a servant leader educator with more than 23 years of experience teaching and cultivating the minds of children in the city of Philadelphia. A graduate of Temple University, Ms. Brown holds a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership.
She is a proven leader with expertise in African-American-centered pedagogy, curriculum and instruction, servant leadership, restorative practices, and teacher development. Her knowledge in these areas has led her to work as a Literacy Coach for the Center for Black Educator Development, Middle School Coordinator with Sankofa Freedom Academy, Instructional Leader at Imhotep Charter School, and Academic Advisor with Philadelphia Freedom Schools. Although she is dedicated to her work as a forever teacher, and school leader, her most accomplished job is that of a mother. Nakia has one daughter Ryan, an education major and Keystone honors scholar. Her long-term goal is to open a school with her daughter and continue to educate the future leaders and teachers of the African world.
Chief of Operations and Administration
David A. Rosario
David A. Rosario, M.Ed., a proud son of Philadelphia, stands as a symbol of the rich tapestry of African American and Puerto Rican heritage. His 28-year career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to education, leadership, and community empowerment, blending his cultural pride with professional excellence.
A product of Philadelphia's Central High School, David distinguished himself early on as a member of the 245th Class. His academic journey led him to West Chester University, where he excelled both in the classroom and on the field, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communications while shining as a dual-sport athlete with scholarships in Football and Basketball.
David's pursuit of educational mastery continued at Lincoln University, where he earned multiple Master's degrees in Educational Leadership, Early Childhood Education, and Special Education. His academic prowess is further highlighted by his memberships in The Kappa Delta Pi International Educational Honor Society and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, underscoring his dedication to academic and service excellence.
Before his illustrious career in education, David ventured into the world of real estate, achieving success as an entrepreneur. His tenure in this field was marked by strategic insight, innovative problem-solving, and a deep understanding of market dynamics, skills that he later seamlessly integrated into his educational endeavors.
In his role as the Director of Operations/Assistant Principal at Harambee, David skillfully merges his entrepreneurial spirit with his educational expertise. He oversees critical operational areas, ensuring the seamless functioning of systems that support student achievement and well-being.
David's journey is a vibrant fusion of his African American and Puerto Rican roots, imbuing him with a unique perspective that enriches his approach to leadership and community engagement. His ability to navigate and excel in diverse fields is a reflection of his adaptability and broad worldview.
Passionate about fostering inclusive and equitable educational environments, David is not just an educator or an entrepreneur; he is a visionary leader. His dynamic approach, coupled with his rich cultural heritage, makes him an invaluable asset to Harambee and an inspiring role model for students, families, and the broader community. His story is one of cultural pride, professional excellence, and a deep-seated commitment to shaping the future, one student at a time.
