Leading with purpose, Former Deputy Superintendent of the Newark Board of Education, Nicole T. Johnson is a transformative leader and visionary educator with over 25 years of service. Throughout her career, Nicole has held key leadership positions including Master Teacher, Supervisor of Curriculum, and Principal. Known for her relentless commitment to equity, as Deputy Superintendent, she orchestrated a major district reorganization and led the district’s design and implementation of its influential ten-year strategic plan, "The Next Decade: 2020-2030," prioritizing equity, access, and student success. Her tenure as Principal was marked by groundbreaking achievements, including the opening of a new school building, doubling enrollment, and securing numerous grants and national partnerships. Celebrated as one of Newark’s Living Legends in Education, Nicole is now a sought-after national consultant and adjunct professor at Montclair State University, specializing in strategic planning, educational equity, and collaborative leadership. In these roles, she remains dedicated to shaping the future of education, continuously advancing high-quality educational opportunities for all students.