Meet Shawn Benjamin, Co-Exec Director at Invictus
With a new school year underway at Invictus Academy of Richmond, we are continuing to evolve as a school in new and meaningful ways. We recently added a new staff member to our team -- a committed leader in education who has a demonstrated ability to make decisions based upon the priorities of student learning. As our Co-Executive Director, Shawn Benjamin believes that a strong education can change the trajectory of a student’s life. She maintains that it is a school’s responsibility to create a supportive environment with high standards for all of its students.
Because our model is built upon creating strong relationships within our school community, we decided to ask Shawn a few questions to help you get to know her. See below for the interview with our newest staff member at Invictus.
What inspired you to work in education?
At a young age, I realized I was drawn to supporting young people to discover their strengths and potential. This passion led me to serving in many different types of leadership roles, from working at a Therapeutic Nursery School to leading 30 day mountaineering trips with high school and college students. When I graduated from college, my goal was to start a wilderness therapeutic high school, aiming to help young people who were struggling in a traditional high school thrive in an alternate setting. I set off to graduate school to pursue this goal. Through my coursework in graduate school, I learned about the role of a principal, the impact they could have, and I have been drawn to the mission and purpose of increasing educational opportunities for all students ever since.
How does working at Invictus match your personal or professional goals and values?
Invictus matches my personal and professional values in two main ways. First, I firmly believe that a strong education can change the life trajectory of a student and that schools have the responsibility to create this environment for all of its students. I believe that schools can and should be healthy, safe, and supportive environments for all students and support all students on their path towards a college degree and a vision for their future.
Secondly, I believe in the power of a team to work together towards the same end goal. I am inspired by Invictus’ focus on high expectations both inside and outside of the classroom and its mission to support students on their path to applying to and entering into college.
When you were in school, who was the person that helped or inspired you the most?
The educator who had the most profound impact on me was a college professor named Ms. Sneed. She taught a course called Legal issues Facing Urban Education in the Post Brown v. Board of Education Era. Professor Sneed inspired me to be on the professional path I am on today. In this class, we read Supreme Court cases that focused on the decisions that superintendents and principals made in schools on behalf of many marginalized populations. We analyzed the decisions that these school leaders made and how, unfortunately, many of their decisions were informed by personal bias and systemic racism and maintained the status quo in education. Professor Sneed made me think critically about my role as a school leader and how my decisions can and should have a positive impact on the students, families, and communities we serve. This class inspired me to become a school leader and to make sure I represent all the voices of the students we serve.
What are you looking forward to the most in your new role?
Prior to joining Invictus, I served as a principal at LPS Richmond. In this role, I loved working on a team that created a strong educational environment for students to thrive and be prepared to enter into and graduate from college. By stepping into the Executive Director role at Invictus, I am excited to hold the Invictus mission and vision of preparing 100% of its students to thrive in the colleges of their choice, solve relevant problems, and communicate with confidence. I am excited to develop and grow the Invictus team to reach its ambitious, mission-aligned goals. And finally, I am excited to support the growth and development of Invictus as it transitions into a full 7-12 school over the next few years and establishes itself firmly in the WCCUSD community as a top tier educational option for all families in WCCUSD.
What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I am a runner, cyclist, and yogini. I am also a new dog owner and spend much of my time training my puppy and taking him on trail runs.
When I have extended time off, my absolute favorite thing to do is to travel to far off places where I can be immersed in foreign cultures, to learn about other people and cultures, and get as much out of my comfort zone as possible.
Invictus Family
We create and maintain a culture of inclusion at Invictus. All are welcome here and treated like family. As a safe, small and free school, we are open to all students regardless of income level, previous academic performance, and/or special needs. There is no tuition, entrance exam, or other admissions requirements. We set incredibly high standards and help every student reach and exceed their goals.
Join Us Anytime
At Invictus, we have a rolling admissions policy and welcome students year round. Call us at 510-994-0888, take our virtual tour or visit our admissions page here.
Begin your student’s journey with Invictus today. Enrolling Now for Grades 7-10.
Information available on grades 11 & 12 for interested families.
ABOUT INVICTUS
Invictus Academy of Richmond prepares 100% of students in grades 7-12 to thrive in the colleges of their choice, solve relevant problems, and communicate with confidence. Founded in 2018 with a dedication to uplifting students in the Richmond, CA community, Invictus earned recognition in 2020 for its students making some of the strongest academic growth in the country during the pandemic, as measured by NWEA MAP data in the BES Network. Start your student’s journey with our excellent teachers, systems of emotional and academic learning, peer tutoring, and parent partnership by visiting us at www.invictusofrichmond.org