Anita Ntem is a dynamic education professional with a deep-rooted passion for integrating mindfulness into her approach to addressing fundamental issues in education and beyond. Born in New York and proud of her Ghanaian heritage, Anita’s experiences in both the U.S. and Ghana have shaped her unique perspective. As a dedicated alumna of a charter school, where she was part of the second graduating class, she has come full circle by giving back to the communities that nurtured her. Currently, she serves as Deputy Chief of Staff at Democracy Prep Public Schools (DPPS) in New York.
Anita graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a master’s degree in Education Entrepreneurship in 2022, further enhancing her ability to innovate and lead in the education sector. In her role as Deputy Chief of Staff, Anita consults with the Chief Executive Officer and Chief of Staff on network programming, staff culture, and strategic planning. She also organizes executive retreats for senior leadership and professional development for staff. In her previous role as Special Advisor to the CEO, Anita pioneered the establishment of the founding Advisory Board, which boasts over 70% alumni participation, and launched the Equity Steering Committee to ensure the successful achievement of the five-year strategic plan metrics.
Anita’s journey at DPPS began as the Special Assistant to the Superintendent, where she organized school review evaluations for 22 schools across six regions and managed scheduling, travel, and community-wide events for the management office.
Her commitment to educational equity was evident during her time at Bryn Mawr College, where she served as a Student Consultant at the Teaching and Learning Institute. In this role, she collaborated with professors to implement equitable pedagogical practices and track classroom engagement trends. Beyond her work at the Institute, Anita demonstrated her leadership by mentoring DPPS alumni, organizing cultural tours, and managing budgets to foster a positive residential life.
Anita’s impact extends beyond the U.S. During her summer internship at Bryn Mawr, she led community-wide initiatives in Northern Ghana to uplift community issues, promoting positive cultural narratives around beauty standards and equity in education. Her work in Ghana underscores her commitment to creating inclusive and empowering environments in diverse settings.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Anita is a published author, contributing to works on pedagogical partnerships and educational development. Her publications include “Pedagogical Partnerships: A How-To Guide for Faculty, Students, and Academic Developers in Higher Education” and several articles in academic journals.
Anita’s dedication to education has been recognized with the McPherson Award for Excellence in 2018. She continues to leverage her extensive experience, mindfulness-driven approach, and unwavering commitment to driving positive change within educational systems, all while supporting and uplifting the communities that have significantly shaped her journey.