JuDonne Hemingway: Celebrating our remarkable alumni school leaders

We spent October celebrating and uplifting our remarkable alumni school leaders in honor of Principal Appreciation Month. In Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, we have an expansive community of alumni principals, assistant principals, and deans. In Illinois alone, there are 230 TFA alumni school leaders making an impact everyday. We offer high quality career support, fellowships, and principal preparation programs to fill the principal pipeline with dedicated TFA alumni. Meet JuDonne Hemingway (Indianapolis' ‘11), one of our extraordinary alumni school leaders.

Hemingway, a 2011 Indianapolis alumna, is principal of Gary Comer Middle and High School and a visionary leader whose commitment to anti-racist practices has fostered a school environment that prioritizes joy, rigor and relevancy. Under Hemingway's guidance, students are empowered to become knowledgeable, confident and responsible leaders on their path to achieving their highest aspirations. Hemingway is also the president and founder of the Foundation for Racial Equity in Education (F.R.E.E), a fellowship that supports leaders of color in education.

Hemingway is the winner of the prestigious 2023 Zell Family Alumni of the Year Award, which recognizes exceptional school leadership. Watch Hemingway’s interview with Cherish P. Jackson, winner of the 2023 Frances and Elliot Lehman Alumni of the Year Award, and Executive Director Anajah Philogene.