At EP, we believe in the power of storytelling to inspire and connect our Alumni community. Through Alumni Spotlights, we ask EP Alums to reflect on their journeys, the challenges they’ve faced, and the insights that continue to shape their work today.
We’re honored to feature Michael Fletcher (2013-14, 2014-15), whose commitment to supporting the adults who serve scholars continues to drive impact across education systems. Currently serving as Chief Talent & Equity Officer at Coney Island Prep, Michael shares how his experience as an EP Fellow and Alum have helped shape his leadership, what he’s learning in his current role, and what continues to inspire him.
What inspired you to pursue a career in education and join the EP network?
My life has been shaped by people who believed education is the greatest lever for expanding opportunity in under-resourced communities. Early on, I learned that gratitude isn’t just about stewarding opportunities, but also about creating access for others.
I was drawn to EP because of its visible impact across roles and geographies. It was the right community to help me move from student-facing work to network-level leadership and scale my impact. The influence was visible, and the results were undeniable.
My two years as an EP Fellow working with Cherese Chery at New London Public Schools and Wyeth Jessee at Seattle Public Schools laid the foundation for my work in human capital and people operations and how I continue to support the people who move the needle for scholars.
Since then, EP has been my most reliable source of peer learning, offering ongoing access to Alumni expertise, resources, and connections as I’ve navigated new roles and expanding responsibilities.
What’s a recent accomplishment you’re particularly proud of, and how has it impacted your work or community?
At Coney Island Prep, we believe a staff member’s time with us should be transformational. Feedback from our pulse surveys and exit interviews made clear the need for stronger professional learning, clearer development pathways, and more flexible opportunities for staff growth.
In response, I brought on a Director of Leader Lab, fellow EP Alum Joel Scott (2015), with the vision and creativity to help move this work forward. Since joining the People Team, he has partnered with key stakeholders to push the limits of what we believe is possible for our scholars and strengthen the educational experience for students and families.
What’s one recent challenge you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?
Joining Coney Island Prep has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Early on, I realized that the bar for excellence in this role was significantly higher than in similar roles I’d held, and that success would require me to quickly develop new skills, mindsets, and approaches.
I had to commit to unlearning and learning at the same time and to relying on my team in new ways to launch and sustain network-wide work. Through regular feedback cycles, crowd sourcing best practices, and leading with curiosity across work streams, I gained a deeper appreciation for co-leadership and collaboration. While difficult at first, I’ve embraced the discomfort, knowing it’s shaping me into a stronger leader.
What’s a book, podcast, or resource that’s currently inspiring you?
“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. It reminds me that leadership, especially in education, is not a straight path, but a calling. Like Santiago, I’m reminded to stay rooted in my “why.” The work isn’t easy, and the results aren’t immediate, but the impact is real.
As educators, we’re often asked to believe in change before we can see it and to pursue what feels impossible. And sometimes, we may find ourselves back where we started, but not as the same leader. The journey refines us, deepens our purpose, and prepares us to better serve our scholars and families. That perspective keeps me fighting the good fight.
What advice would you give to someone looking to make a difference in education?
Never lose sight of the bigger mission. Everything we do is in service of our scholars and families, and every decision impacts the trajectory of their lives.
The work is hard, and the landscape is constantly shifting, but we are called to work collectively to ensure scholars have access to every opportunity they have earned and deserve.
EP believes in the power of mobilizing diverse, skilled professionals from inside and outside of the sector to transform education as we know it. If you’re an Alum looking to multiply your impact, you can get involved by referring a Fellow or hosting a Fellow at your organization.
About our Alumni Network
After completing their Fellowship, EP leaders join our vibrant Alumni network made up of more than 4,800 connected change makers at every level of educational leadership. Learn more about the impact of our Alumni network here.