Sherelle Hessell-Gordon

Founder, Nina M. McDonald Academy

"The question is not whether we can afford to invest in every child; it is whether we can afford not to." - Marian Wright Edelman

Spanning over 15 years of dedication and experience, Sherelle Hessell-Gordon's passion for education began during a Teacher Cadet program at her high school in College Park, GA. Forming her experience as a leader and educator in non-traditional settings including writing social justice/civic engagement curriculum for a rural school in Florida and teaching in urban communities all over the world, Sherelle has always coupled teaching and advocacy in her professional work.

Sherelle holds a BS in Psychology with minors in Sociology and English while having a MS in Family and Child Sciences with a concentration in Urban Education. Sherelle is currently the CEO of RootWorks, Inc. a consulting firm specializing in executive leadership, cultural competency, and organizational development. As a part of the 2010 GSS Cohort, Sherelle is currently pursuing her MBA with a concentration in School Leadership in and effort to prepare to open in August 2012 the Nina M McDonald Academy; a social justice and civic engagement themed high school.

In her free time, Sherelle enjoys spending time with her family, singing and gardening. She is grateful to have the opportunity to create an environment for learning and advocacy while contributing to the minds of young people.