Philadelphia, PA—Esperanza Academy Charter School has announced the appointment of Dr. Evelyn Nuñez as its new Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Nuñez will serve as the school’s Superintendent and join the senior leadership team at Esperanza, the school’s founding and managing organization. This decision comes after a comprehensive search that reviewed over 250 candidates.
Dr. Nuñez brings extensive experience in public education to her new role. A native of the Kensington community, she began her career as a bilingual teacher at Ferguson Elementary School. Over her 30-year career, she has held various leadership roles, most recently as the Associate Superintendent for Elementary Schools at the School District of Philadelphia, overseeing 167 schools.
Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Philadelphia from the age of three, Dr. Nuñez is a product of the School District of Philadelphia. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Chestnut Hill College, becoming the first in her family to do so. She later obtained a Master’s degree and an Educational Doctorate in K-12 Educational Leadership. Throughout her career, Dr. Nuñez has served as a Bilingual Teacher, School Director, Principal, Chief Academic Officer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, and Chief of Schools.
A PIONEER IN BILINGUAL EDUCATION
Dr. Nuñez is committed to closing the achievement gap and enhancing educational opportunities through community partnerships. She has been a pioneer in bilingual education programs aimed at fostering biculturalism and improving student success. Her belief that one’s zip code should not determine their destiny aligns with Esperanza’s mission of building an opportunity community in Hunting Park, where everyone can thrive.
In her new role, Dr. Nuñez will leverage various programs and services offered by Esperanza to support the Hispanic community and the families the school serves. These services include housing, benefits access, workforce development, immigration legal services, the performing arts, and violence prevention.
“Dr. Nuñez has served students and families of the School District of Philadelphia for 19 years,” said Tony B. Watlington, Sr., Ed.D. “She has played a key role in the district’s post-COVID recovery in math and reading performance. Esperanza is fortunate to have her as its new leader.”
Ángel Ortíz, Chair of Esperanza Academy’s Board, led the Transition and Search Committee and expressed his enthusiasm for Dr. Nuñez’s appointment: “Her valuable experience from both the public and charter school sectors, coupled with her deep understanding of our community’s needs, will significantly impact our community.”
Rev. Luis Cortés, Founder, President, and CEO of Esperanza, added, “Esperanza’s commitment to providing quality education to children and youth spans nearly two decades. We are confident that Dr. Nuñez will uphold the school’s excellence and innovation for our children.”
Dr. Nuñez expressed her excitement about joining Esperanza: “I am deeply honored and thrilled to be part of the incredible work happening at Esperanza in the ‘barrio’. I have long admired the organization’s commitment to serving our community, and I am eager to contribute to its continued success.”
Established in 1986, Esperanza serves to support the Hispanic communities of Philadelphia and strengthen those within them. It has grown into a $92 million organization with over 650 employees, serving approximately 25,000 people annually through education, community and economic development, the arts, and social change programs. Esperanza is building an “opportunity community” in Hunting Park, promoting prosperity and robust community life.
