Shantelle Wright-Cunningham is a certified K–12 Administrator in Washington, DC, with over 25 years of experience in education. She holds a B.S. in Biology from Bowie State University, a B.S. in Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland, and an M.S.A. in Educational Administration from Trinity Washington University.

Shantelle began her career as a high school science teacher in Maryland, where she quickly developed a deep passion for working with students and supporting fellow educators. In 2005, she joined Maya Angelou Public Charter School in Washington, DC, where she taught science and served as the Master Teacher for the BUILD Entrepreneurship Program. Since then, she has held several instructional and leadership roles within the Maya Angelou Schools network, including Instructional Coach, Network Instructional Specialist, and Assistant Principal of Instruction.

Currently, Shantelle serves as Principal of Maya Angelou Public Charter High School, where she leads with empathy, purpose, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every student and staff member. Inspired by one of her favorite quotes by Dr. Maya Angelou—“If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” She approaches leadership with a proactive mindset and reflective spirit.

Although she didn’t initially plan to become an educator, Shantelle found her calling in the work. She is driven by the joy of connecting with students and families, supporting teacher growth, and creating spaces where students feel proud of their progress. She believes that all children want to learn and deserve access to a high-quality education, regardless of background or circumstances. Her leadership is rooted in equity, high expectations, individualized support, and strong family partnerships, all in service of helping every learner reach their full potential