Two Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools principals -- Patrice McCauley of Wilson STEM Academy (left) and Tammillye Ward of Whitewater Middle -- are among the 34 educators selected for the 2026 National Aspiring District Leaders Fellowship by the Women of Color Education Collaborative, in partnership with the National Center for the Elimination of Educational Disparities at Morgan State University.

The cohort represents women leaders from districts across the country who are prepared to extend their impact beyond school buildings and into district-level systems. Each fellow brings a record of instructional leadership, community-centered practice and a demonstrated commitment to advancing educational equity at scale.

The fellowship supports high-performing principals and school leaders as they transition into central office roles through rigorous professional learning, executive coaching, applied district-based experiences and participation in a powerful national network.