Kennisha Miles
EP Impact Fellow 2017
Chief Operating Officer at New Jersey Children’s Foundation
At EP, we believe in the power of storytelling to inspire and connect our Alumni network. That’s why we’re asking our Alumni key questions—diving into their journeys, challenges, and insights to learn how they’re driving impact. This time, we’re featuring Kennisha Miles (2017), whose commitment to student success continues to impact public education in New Jersey.
What inspired you to pursue a career in education and join the EP Fellowship?
My educational journey began overseas as a child of military parents. By the age of six, I was receiving an education that surpassed what some of my peers in the States were experiencing. However, when my family moved back to the US, I encountered challenges that disrupted my academic progress. In particular, a language barrier led to my placement in a program focused solely on teaching English, rather than maintaining the academic rigor I had grown accustomed to.
This had an impact on my confidence and that didn’t return until my final year of elementary school, when a teacher recognized my potential and recommended me for a program designed for high-achieving students. From that point forward, a combination of luck and hard work opened numerous doors. I benefited from programs like FAME, which at the time exposed Black and Brown students to STEM fields, and Upward Bound, which was instrumental in preparing me for college and the application process (shoutout to Ms. Rosanna Brown-Simmons!).
My own educational journey transformed my life, showing me firsthand the profound power of learning. Those experiences sparked a deep desire in me to create similar opportunities for others.
While I knew education was my calling, I wanted to make an impact in innovative ways beyond the classroom. EP’s unique approach allowed me to do just that—helping build capacity across the education sector and open doors for countless students, just as others once did for me.
What’s an accomplishment you’re particularly proud of?
I’m especially proud of the philanthropic work my organization, New Jersey Children’s Foundation, led in its early days. We strategically created an environment conducive to continued progress through three key approaches: producing high-quality policy research and communications that facilitated fact-based education discussions; supporting grassroots advocates to build capacity on the ground; and making targeted investments that aligned with our mission.
Within NJCF, we’ve recognized that sometimes the most effective solution is a well-timed infusion of philanthropy at critical moments.
Tell us about a challenge that you’ve faced in your career. How did you overcome it?
One of the benefits of being new to a field is the fresh perspective you bring—you notice things others may overlook and challenge long-standing systems.
When I joined the EP Fellowship, I quickly realized that questioning systems wasn’t just encouraged—it was necessary. But what I hadn’t anticipated was the political nature of this work. Education is deeply personal, and as a result, it’s deeply political. Stakeholders at every level—legislators, community leaders, educators—have vested interests, making it essential to navigate complex dynamics while staying focused on student outcomes.
During my Fellowship at the Newark Charter School Fund, I facilitated a leadership pipeline program, which meant working with multiple stakeholders who had competing interests. I learned that to make progress, I needed to approach these conversations with curiosity—asking thoughtful questions and understanding impact. Ensuring every voice was heard while keeping student outcomes at the center became my guiding principle.
That experience strengthened my ability to navigate difficult but necessary conversations—ones that may not directly affect me but are critical for the communities we serve. Developing that skill has been invaluable throughout my career.
What advice do you have for EP Fellows and new Alums?
Stay connected to your why—the purpose that first drew you to this work. It will serve as your anchor when challenges arise, tough decisions need to be made, or the day-to-day grind feels overwhelming.
When I’ve felt stuck or uncertain, revisiting my core mission has provided clarity and renewed energy. Your why isn’t just a reason to start—it’s a reason to keep going.
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 Fellows join our vibrant Alumni network made up of more than 4,700 connected change makers at every level of educational leadership. Learn more about the impact of our Alumni network here.
