Driving Transformative Change in Education and Equity
Dr. Mellodie L. Brown is a nationally recognized education leader, systems innovator, and advocate for equity. With over two decades of experience, her impact spans school transformation, leadership development, and community-centered initiatives that deliver measurable results.
Where Impact Meets Action
From the classroom to the community, Dr. Mellodie L. Brown leads equity-centered change that drives real outcomes.
Leadership in Action: Key Roles & Organizational Impact
School Systems Leader, Chicago Public Schools
Led one of Chicago’s top-rated public schools through data-driven transformation, advancing student achievement and equity.
Equity-Centered Leadership Consultant
Advised school leaders, district staff, and nonprofits on building equitable systems and inclusive leadership pipelines.
District-Level Instructional Coach & Teacher Leader
Supported cross-school instructional growth and developed teacher capacity in underserved communities.
Strategic Advisor for Civic Partnerships
Collaborated with UChicago, MOYA, and SocialWorks to implement student-centered initiatives rooted in community engagement.
Grant Writer & Strategic Funding Consultant
Authored and secured over $1.5M in grants across school systems and nonprofit partnerships to fund innovative programming and equity initiatives.
How Dr. Mellodie L. Brown Led a Failing School to Level 1+ Status
In 2011, Dr. Mellodie L. Brown became principal of Sherman School of Excellence—one of the first schools in Chicago to undergo a full transformation through the Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL). With a focus on consistency, data-driven instruction, and a culture of high expectations, Dr. Brown led Sherman from the bottom 15% of CPS schools to the top 20%.
By 2016, Sherman had earned the district’s highest possible rating: Level 1+, with math growth scores in the 99th percentile and over half of students meeting or exceeding grade-level expectations. Under Dr. Brown’s leadership, Sherman became a model for urban school transformation—and a story of hope and possibility for thousands of Chicago students.