Experience
From a humble background on the west side of Chicago, Nancy Hanks' journey to becoming a Harvard graduate is a powerful testament to determination and resilience. Her life story shines as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that one's circumstances do not define their future. Over the past 20 years, Nancy has built an impressive career in education, impacting countless lives through her roles as a teacher, principal, and systems leader.
As a principal in Chicago, Nancy spearheaded a transformative journey that led to significant growth and success. One of her most notable achievements was the successful addition of 90 minutes to the school day—a complex move that enhanced literacy and math outcomes while creating a more well-rounded experience for students and staff. Her strategic planning, effective communication, and strong leadership were instrumental in this process. In her role as Chief of Schools for Elementary in the Madison Metropolitan School District, Nancy's leadership was pivotal in achieving remarkable gains across all elementary schools. Her strategic initiatives resulted in a ten-point increase in literacy and mathematics overall, with 17 schools achieving at least ten-point gains in literacy within five years, and five schools making over 20-point gains. She also spearheaded the development of the district's school support system, providing targeted support to principals and their teams to execute their strategies effectively.
As a Senior Partner at The Management Center, Nancy dedicates herself to supporting progressive senior leaders in school districts, CMOs, and non-profit organizations nationwide. She focuses on coaching and training leaders to establish effective management practices and systems, addressing complex work while grappling with critical issues of race and equity in their organizations and personal leadership practices.
Nancy's approach, grounded in hard work and resiliency balanced with humor and humility, brings a unique perspective to her work. She continuously demonstrates that all students and adults can cultivate their unique gifts and talents to achieve high levels of success. Nancy holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Southern Illinois University and a Master’s Degree in School Leadership from Harvard Graduate School of Education. She is also a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, with these personal relationships deeply shaping her understanding of empathy and connection in her professional life. Nancy's journey and accomplishments embody the spirit of Black female leadership, making her a compelling figure in the field of education and beyond.