The Bridge Builder: Nadia Lopez

Often unrecognized for their accomplishments, women of color in educational leadership positions are change agents whose practices must be analyzed in order to transform education at all levels. Dr. Nadia Lopez is the founding principal of Mott Hall Bridges Academy (MHBA) Middle School in Brownsville, New York City—one of the poorest congressional districts in the United States. Due to Dr. Lopez’s leadership, MHBA has a 98% graduation rate and students gain admittance to some of the most academically competitive high schools in New York City. This article examines the leadership role and work of Dr. Lopez, and how she operationalized Lipman-Blumen’s Connective Leadership model to overcome poverty, low academic expectations, and racial stereotypes. As evidenced by the data, Dr. Lopez presents as a connective leader by monitoring and reacting to situational cues while determining the appropriate combinations of behaviors/achieving styles to address unique sets of circumstances.