Vice President, Strategy and Operations
Camino Nuevo Charter Academy
A first-generation American and Teach For America alum, Natasha believes deeply in the transformative power of an excellent education. She brings over a decade of leadership experience, including founding and leading Resolute Academy in the Watts community of South Los Angeles. Natasha holds a Master of Arts and Administrative Services Credential from Loyola Marymount University. In her role, she builds the systems and structures that allow teachers and leaders to do their best work for students and families. Outside of work, she loves adventuring with her husband and daughter, Billie.
Strong relationships with charter school authorizers are critical to a school's long-term success an…Strong relationships with charter school authorizers are critical to a school's long-term success and sustainability, yet many leaders find themselves navigating unclear expectations, communication breakdowns, and high-stakes accountability conversations. This session will provide practical, experience-based strategies for building and maintaining productive partnerships with authorizers.
Participants will explore best practices for proactive communication, including establishing clear channels, framing data and outcomes effectively, and maintaining transparency without overexposure. The session will also focus on direct engagement with staff and board members, including how to prepare for meetings, anticipate authorizer priorities, and position a charter school as both compliant and mission-driven.
In addition, the presenters will address how to navigate challenging situations, including corrective action plans, renewal concerns, leadership transitions, and political dynamics within districts. Participants will learn approaches to advocacy that are professional, strategic, and grounded in student outcomes without escalating conflict or damaging long-term relationships.
This session is designed for schools working with authorizers where capacity is limited, and relationships carry heightened importance. Participants will leave with concrete tools, communication frameworks, and real-world examples they can immediately apply to strengthen trust, reduce friction, and advocate effectively for their school communities.
