The mission of Invictus Leadership Academy Charter School is to provide an exceptional TK-8 education that supports every child in fulfilling their full academic potential.
At this critical time when an estimated 5 million jobs will be eliminated within the next five years through artificial intelligence and automation (Jobs Report, 2017), only those equipped with a skill set to solve novel problems and utilize technology will be able to successfully compete in our increasingly global job market. Therefore, Invictus Leadership Academy holds the vision to develop students that will be self-motivated, lifelong lovers of learning, college and career-ready, and 21st Century Leaders with uncommon academic achievement.
Mr. Dragon, our board President,is a former Chief Deputy to a Los Angeles School Board President. Mr. Dragon is a current board member of Strive, an inner-city after-school academy serving the Watts community for the last 15 years, and a Fortune 100 corporate recruiter (20 years) directly or indirectly related to student academic and job-readiness skills of youth, operation and fiscal policy experience. Mr. Dragon also ran for LA School Board in 1999, worked for the then President of LA School Board, Genethia Hayes. Mr. Dragon is a native of New York, though Los Angeles has been his home for over twenty years. He is also a military veteran and went to college at the Sorbonne in Paris, France.
Ms. Sison-Derbigny, our Board Secretary has more than 17 years of experience in healthcare management, operations, billing, staff development, and budget management. Eleanor is a Clinic Administrator for multiple health care sites and oversees and manages clinic operations and staffing to ensure quality patient care. She manages departmental budgets by monitoring productivity, revenue, and expenses. She is an innovative leader that collaboratively knows how to build teams that improve financial returns and customer satisfaction simultaneously. She also has a Lean Six Sigma certification, an educational background in Information Technology and Business Administration, a Master’s in Business Administration, and is pursuing a Doctoral Degree in Data Analytics.
Mrs. Chien is a professional with seven years of experience working in fundraising/development field, three of those years were focused on the management of federally funded programs and grants for a healthcare organization. As a grant manager, she is responsible for managing post-award activities for various departments/programs’ grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts from external funding sources (e.g., federal agencies, state agencies, private companies, and foundations). Ms. Chien has earned a bachelor’s degree in English from San Diego State University, and a master’s degree in Fine Arts from San Diego State University.
Dr. Yvette Mayhorn-Harps is a native of “The Golden State,” California. She has distinguished herself as an effective, successful leader/educator who is collaborative and personable. Dr. Harps attended and graduated from California State University, Dominquez Hills with a B.A., California State University Long Beach with an MA, and three teaching credentials with supplementary authorizations. She also graduated from Pepperdine University with a doctorate degree in Institutional Management.
Dr. Harps has served in multiple school districts throughout California as an award-winning principal and district office administrator. She has received awards from federal and state officials, county, city councils, and congressional awards. D.r Harps has served on the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing Writing Design Teams for CBEST and CSET Examination for prospective teacher candidates. Dr. Harps’ love to facilitate the growth of teachers, makes a positive effect on student learning and achievement.
Ms. Lydia Friend is a long standing advocate of education and an urban change agent within the community. As a powerhouse of an advocate from our targeted community and fellow educator, Invictus is excited to have her join our board
Ms. Trinidad has 20 plus years of experience in organizational advancement, communications, community relations, and advocacy in the nonprofit sector. She brings expertise in managing in-house staff and consultants and collaborating with internal project teams and external partners. She also has a vast knowledge of HRSA requirements, and the expectations of maintaining funding.
Ms. Trinidad serves on the board of Amigos de Chocola as Treasurer; this organization helps children in a small town in Guatemala complete their education. She also is participating in a one-year leadership course called The Art of Soulful Leadership – The Human Being Store – We Lead You to Success.
Ms. Trinidad did her undergraduate work at California State University, Long Beach, majoring in Social Work. She has also served as Director of Development for Eisner Pediatric & Family Medical Center and Chief Development Officer at T.H.E. Health and Wellness Centers.
As a fourth-generation resident of our targeted community with more than 20 years of experience improving student outcomes in urban Californian communities, Dr. “D” is commited to improving student learning outcomes. She is a former chemist turned educator that has served families as an Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, Director of School and Student Accountability, Site Administrator, and Math Teacher. She is extensively experienced in raising student achievement in classrooms, schools, and districts; increasing one school 50 points (API) in a single year. She is a master teacher, has successfully led teams, and launched many successful educational innovations (including English Learner reforms, district-wide discipline reforms, Restorative Justice, and TK-8 STEAM project-based learning.)
Students on track for College
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Qualify for Free Lunch
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English Language Learners
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Parents want their child college ready
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