Inspirational Black Men and Women of The C-Suite: Patricia Brantley Of Friendship Public Charter School Network On The Five Things You Need To Succeed As A C-Suite Executive
Understand the Goal: Know the organization’s goals and how you fit into them. This ensures you’re aligned and contributing effectively.
I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Patricia A. Brantley.
Patricia A. Brantley, the CEO of Friendship Public Charter School, is an education reformer, charter school advocate and supporter of the right of all children to receive a high-quality education. She oversees all operations at Friendship, has secured more $95 million in public and private funding, instituted management policies that ensure cohesion among the 12 campuses, and established the Friendship Teaching Institute as a model of professional development. She is noted for spearheading the takeover of the first multicampus charter management group in the District of Columbia, which stopped the displacement of hundreds of children and ensured they could remain in their school of choice.
Prior to joining Friendship, Ms. Brantley served in corporate and nonprofit leadership positions, including as founder of the Partnership for Academic Achievement; chief development officer and adviser to Dr. Dorothy Irene Height at the National Council of Negro Women; executive director of the Dance Institute of Washington; and national marketing manager for the Black Family Reunion Celebration.
Ms. Brantley is a graduate of Princeton University and a board member of the D.C. Association of Chartered Public Schools.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
My journey into education began with my early work in civil and women’s rights, where I had the privilege of working with the legendary Dr. Dorothy Height — known as the “godmother of the Civil Rights Movement,” Dr. Height was a key organizer of the 1963 March on Washington and past president of the National Council of Negro Women. One of the most profound lessons she taught me was the power of collective action. She often said, “If I take one finger and touch you, you might know you’ve been tapped, but if I take all five into a fist, you’ll feel a mighty blow.” This philosophy shaped my understanding of how impactful we can be when we unite towards common goals like eradicating poverty, advocating for equality, and achieving educational equity for every child.
My path took a significant turn when I met Mr. Donald Hense. Through his work with renowned educator Marian Wright Edelman, he was also supporting Dr. Height. In the early 2000s, Donald was on the Board of Friendship House, a Washington, D.C.-based social service organization dedicated to the district’s most economically disadvantaged communities. Through Donald’s influence, I began to see the potential for local impact in education.
The children who attending the programs at Friendship House often returned to school environments lacking a clear academic path or positivity. This stark reality compelled Donald to lead the charge in establishing what is now the Friendship Public Charter School Network, and he invited me to join him on this journey. Together, we aimed to transform public education in the nation’s capital.
Back then, we all had big dreams, and we still do! For a young network of charter schools, still trying to prove its impact, we knew that creating clear college pathways would be transformational. In 2002, one of my earliest initiatives with Friendship was to pioneer DC’s public high school Early College program. At a time when charter schools were still young, we decided to offer college courses to high school students to demonstrate the quality of education we provided. The success of our students in these courses affirmed that we were on the right track. I joined Friendship Charter School because I understood the stakes and the potential for making a difference. From the beginning, we were driven by the belief that education should empower individuals right now, giving them the tools and opportunities to transform their lives.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
One story that deeply resonated with me happened recently. It reminded me of the humanity at the core of our work. While academics and test scores are crucial, we must also nurture our scholars’ spirits, their dreams and their ideas at every stage. To do this, Friendship has many partners including One World Education, which challenges our students to tackle social issues and present oratory presentations. A young scholar, a seventh grader, chose to speak about the mass incarceration of Black people. She shared a personal and powerful story about her father’s incarceration and how it impacts her life. This experience underscored the importance of helping students find their unique voices and express the issues that matter to them. Education isn’t just about imparting knowledge; it’s about fostering empathy, understanding, and a sense of agency. Hearing that young scholar speak reaffirmed that we are on the right path, blending a rigorous learning approach with the humanity that truly shapes our lives.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
In the early days of my career, I prided myself on pulling all-nighters to meet deadlines. I thought my stamina and relentless work ethic would always get the job done. However, managing thousands of students, staff, and priorities takes more than just sheer willpower.
I vividly remember a moment involving a crucial funding application. At that time, at Friendship, we had to submit hard copies, and the deadline was looming like a storm cloud. In a desperate race against time, we sent five team members in five different cars, each clutching a copy of the application.
Miraculously, we made the deadline and secured the funding. We laugh about it now, imagining the sight of five cars zipping across town like a scene from a heist movie. But that experience taught me a vital lesson in time management and balancing priorities. In our line of work, there are always urgent tasks, and learning to prioritize and manage time effectively is crucial.
Can you share three reasons with our readers about why it’s important for a business to have a diverse executive team?
Firstly, we live in a diverse world, and understanding, embracing, and celebrating different perspectives is essential. Diversity brings a richness of viewpoints that drives innovation and excellence. If everyone around you thinks the same way, you’ll never reach new heights. Secondly, having a diverse executive team ensures that a broad spectrum of experiences and ideas are brought to the table. This diversity of thought is critical for problem-solving and achieving the best outcomes. Finally, a diverse team reflects the community and the world we serve. It ensures that everyone sees themselves represented and valued in the organization, fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility towards our shared goals.
More broadly can you describe how this can have an effect on our culture?
A culture enriched by diversity is vibrant and inclusive. In Washington, D.C., we celebrate various heritages and histories, from Women’s History Month to Black History Month to Pride Month. This celebration of diversity strengthens our community. For example, the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is a testament to the importance of representation. It’s sold out daily because people from all backgrounds want to experience and understand this crucial part of our collective history.
We see this same impact in Friendship’s instructional approach. Our curriculum spans subjects from mathematics to literature, science to history, all while embedding diverse perspectives. For instance, Friendship’s AP Government course explores the history of political, cultural, and social movements around the world, from communist China and the American Revolutionary War to current issues involving the Supreme Court and D.C. statehood. Expanding our cultural awareness and knowing our roots anchor us and enhance our shared humanity.
Can you recommend three things the community/society/the industry can do help address the root of the diversity issues in executive leadership?
Firstly, we need to actively seek out diverse talent. This means going to where these individuals are and not just screening candidates within our immediate networks. Secondly, we must consider overlooked talent within our organizations. Often, people miss out on opportunities because they aren’t aware of the informal networks and connections that lead to leadership roles. Lastly, we should set up formal initiatives based on team feedback and provide exposure and opportunities for those who might not traditionally be seen. Creating spaces where diverse talents can shine and be recognized is crucial for fostering a more inclusive leadership pipeline.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
I define leadership as tactical followership with vision. What does that mean? Well, at Friendship Schools, our goal is to provide abundant opportunities that respect, nurture, and prepare our students for the world. This means being intentional and supportive of our staff’s visions and passions. For example, if a principal is deeply interested in providing advanced math experiences, our leadership team supports and invests in that vision. Leadership isn’t about pushing from the front; it’s about empathetic, mission-aligned investment that elevates the entire team.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
- Be Seen, Presence Matters: If you consistently shrink and avoid engagement, you miss opportunities. Being present and visible is crucial.
- Understand the Goal: Know the organization’s goals and how you fit into them. This ensures you’re aligned and contributing effectively.
- Don’t Miss the Party: Attend events and gatherings outside of work hours. These informal interactions build relationships and provide insights into your colleagues and organization that you may never know if you don’t go.
- Strength Is in Uplifting Others: True strength comes from encouraging and engaging others. Uplift, listen and support those around you.
- Just Contribute: Speak up and step up! Share your ideas and ask questions. Your voice matters, even if you’re not always right. It’s through sharing your thoughtful input that breakthroughs happen. Let me share an example of how simply stepping forward can lead to monumental impact.
There’s a school in DC called Monument Academy that was once seen as struggling. I was watching a city council hearing and listening to the Board discuss its fate. They believed the school, founded specifically for kids in foster care, couldn’t be replicated and that these kids would just be dispersed elsewhere.
So, I decided to reach out. I sent a direct message to the founder and said, “There are many ways this can go, but there are other paths. Can we talk?” We connected, and two months later, the charter board reversed their decision. Five years later, Monument Academy is now considered a valuable part of our school options in D.C.
At the time, I didn’t have all the answers. Back then, I wasn’t the CEO but the COO of Friendship Schools And there were countless reasons why Monument Academy might not survive. But I believed there could be one reason that might give it a chance.
This experience taught me the importance of speaking up and stepping up. When you see an opportunity to make a difference, use your influence to act. Whether you have all the answers or not, your voice can lead to significant change. Monument Academy’s turnaround is a testament to what happens when you take action and advocate for what you believe in.
- BONUS TIP: You are a person of enormous influence. We are always learning from each other. Your commitment to lead and learn, and having the courage to speak up for good, you can not only inspire and influencing others, but you also become catalyst for change.
If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
I would inspire a movement — a Kindness Campaign — focused on ensuring every child grows up feeling safe, nurtured, and attached to dedicated individuals. A Kindness Campaign that secures food, housing, and family stability for all children would transform society. Investing in childhood, ensuring schools are safe havens, and providing essential support would create a profound change.
Share a favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? How has it been relevant to you in your life?
Dr. Dorothy Irene Height once told me, “It makes no sense to be a bull in a china shop, breaking up everything to meet your goal.” This wisdom taught me the importance of teamwork and bringing people along in the journey. Achieving big goals requires collaboration and nurturing the people around you. This approach has been a hallmark in my work with public charter schools, emphasizing growth while amplifying the talents of those involved.
Is there a person in the world, or in the U.S. whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them.
Aside from my mother, Judge Patricia Weston, who is my shero, I would love to meet Jill Biden, Oprah Winfrey, or LeBron James. LeBron fascinates me not just as a sports legend but for his dedication to education and community through his school initiatives. Understanding his motivations and methods for investing in children’s futures would be incredibly inspiring.
How can our readers follow you on social media?
You can follow me on Twitter. You can also check out the work of our full Friendship team on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn
This was very meaningful, thank you so much!
Inspirational Black Men and Women of The C-Suite: Patricia Brantley Of Friendship Public Charter… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.