Our Team
LEADERSHIP TEAM
The founding school team leading Strive’s launch and daily work.
Eric Grannis
Executive Director
Eric Grannis, a leading expert on charter school law, has served on the boards of several schools, advised many others, and led a charter school incubator. Before founding his own law firm, Eric was an attorney at Debevoise & Plimpton and served as a legislative aide to Congressman Charles B. Rangel.
Eric has also taught at Isaac Newton, a public school in East Harlem, and is a graduate of Columbia College and Law School, where he was a law review editor, and is the co-author of A+ Parenting (HarperCollins, 2023).
Shaniqua Sonnee
Principal
Shaniqua Sonnee serves as Founding Principal at Strive Charter School, bringing more than a decade of experience in early childhood and elementary education. Previously Director of Enrichment at Hunter College Elementary School, she led academic and enrichment programs, developed teachers, and strengthened family partnerships. Her experience also includes instructional coaching and summer school leadership. Shaniqua holds degrees from Bank Street College of Education and Lehman College and is pursuing a doctorate in Educational Leadership, Administration, and Policy at Fordham University.
Andrea M. Coleman
Assistant Principal/Science Department Chair
Andrea M. Coleman serves as Founding Assistant Principal and Science Department Chair at Strive Charter School. An educator, scientist, and curriculum leader, she supports instructional excellence and leads the development of hands-on, inquiry-driven science education. Previously, Andrea taught science enrichment at Hunter College Elementary School and conducted animal behavior research at Bucknell University. She holds a Master of Science in Animal Behavior from Bucknell University and a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Cornell University.
Adama Noba
Dean of Students and Family Engagement
Adama Noba serves as Dean of Students and Family Engagement at Strive Charter School, supporting students, families, and programs that promote student success and strong school-community relationships. She brings extensive experience in K-12 after-school, enrichment, and summer programming, with expertise in operations, strategic planning, and team leadership. Throughout her career, Adama has built strong community partnerships and developed innovative, student-centered initiatives. She is committed to creating inclusive, mission-driven environments that empower students, families, and educators.
Ariana Lopez, Ph.D.
Chief Operating Officer
Ariana Lopez, Ph.D., serves as Chief Operating Officer at Strive Charter School, bringing extensive experience in school operations and organizational leadership. She previously served as Chief Operating Officer at Great Oaks Legacy Charter School and held leadership roles at Success Academy, Ascend, and Brooklyn Lab. Ariana is also an Assistant Professor of Justice Studies and an operations consultant. She holds degrees from Northeastern University, John Jay College, and William Paterson University and is pursuing a second doctorate at Nova Southeastern University.
Imani Perez, Ph.D.
Instructional Consultant
Imani Perez, Ph.D., serves as Instructional Consultant at Strive Charter School, bringing over 20 years in early childhood, elementary, and special education. She began teaching at Amy's Preschool and Playgroup and Brooklyn Charter School before moving into leadership as assistant principal at Success Academy and special education preschool director at the State University of New York Downstate. A Doctoral Lecturer at CUNY-Hunter College, Imani holds a Ph.D. in Literacy from St. John's University and degrees from Brooklyn College, Teachers College-Columbia University, and Agnes Scott College.
German Cerrate
Director of Technology & Systems
German Cerrate serves as Director of Technology and Systems at Strive Charter School, where he leads the development and management of the school’s core technology systems. He brings a solutions-oriented and detail-focused approach, working closely with leadership to support smooth, efficient, and reliable school operations. German graduated from SUNY Oswego with a degree in Computer Science and is committed to building systems that create a strong experience for both staff and families.
Myasia Ennis
Enrichment Program Director
As the Enrichment Program Director at Strive Charter School, Myasia Ennis oversees weekday afterschool and weekend programming that gives students opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, and discover their talents. She coordinates enrichment activities, supports program staff, and works with families and school leadership to ensure each program is safe, engaging, and meaningful for students.
Jeffrey Nagel
Board Chair
Jeffrey Nagel is an Operating Partner at AEA Investors, advising portfolio companies on growth, operations, and leadership. He previously served as CEO of NBTY Inc., a Carlyle Group portfolio company, and as a Corporate Officer at General Electric, where he led multiple global business units. Jeff also chairs Cursive, a tech-enabled packaging startup, and has served on the boards of Numotion, Redwood Logistics, SCIO Automation, and TricorBraun. He earned both his B.S. and M.B.A. from Carnegie Mellon.
RJ Price
Board Treasurer
RJ Price is Co-Founder of Seven Springs Partners, where he acquires and builds small and mid-sized services businesses with long-term potential. He previously led investments at Allen & Company and worked at Shumway Capital, TPG, and Greenhill & Co. His experience spans public and private equity, entrepreneurship, and company building. RJ earned a B.A. in Economics from Yale University and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.
Peter Schwartz
Vice-Chair of Board
Peter Schwartz is Chief Legal and Risk Officer at the College Board, where he oversees the legal, test security, accommodations, accessibility, and information security compliance functions. He previously held senior legal roles at Antheus Capital, Kaplan Test Prep, and MacAndrews & Forbes Holdings. Peter began his career at Ropes & Gray after clerking on the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts. He earned his B.A. from Brown and J.D. from Columbia Law School.
Sonia C. Park
Board Member
Sonia C. Park is Executive Director of the Diverse Charter Schools Coalition, a national network of more than 200 schools advancing intentional diversity and equity. She has served as Senior Policy Advisor at the U.S. Department of Education, Executive Director of Manhattan Charter Schools, and led the Charter Accountability office for New York City. Sonia earned her B.A. from Drew University and her M.S. in Education Policy from Johns Hopkins University (May 2026).
Iris Chen
Board Member
Iris Chen led the New York launch of Wildflower Schools, a network of teacher-led Montessori schools. She previously served as CEO of the I Have A Dream Foundation and as Executive Director of The Fund for Public Schools. Iris has also held senior roles at Teach For America, including NYC Executive Director and National Program Director. She began her career as a teacher in Brooklyn and consultant at McKinsey & Company and holds degrees from Yale University, Harvard Law, and Harvard Business School.
Faune Brooks
Board Secretary
Faune Brooks is Senior Vice President and Counsel at BNY Mellon, advising on privacy, data governance, and cybersecurity. She previously served as Senior Legal Counsel and Data Protection Officer at Success Academy Charter Schools, where she developed a network-wide privacy program and managed compliance for federal grants. Earlier, she practiced at Debevoise & Plimpton and Dentons, focusing on litigation and civil rights. Faune earned her J.D. from Yale Law School and her B.A. from New York University.
Sheila Lopez
Board Member
Sheila Lopez is Head of Board Engagement and Individual Giving at Braven, a national nonprofit helping first-generation and low-income students secure strong first jobs, where she previously served as General Counsel, Head of NYC Partnerships, and Executive Director of Braven New Jersey. Earlier, she practiced law at Davis Polk & Wardwell and worked for the New York City Council and Success Academy. Sheila earned degrees from Harvard College and Law School.