Samantha Pugh is a visionary educational leader with over 25 years of experience spanning every K-12 grade level. As a first-generation college graduate from an underserved community, she possesses a deep, personal commitment to transforming educational outcomes in similar environments. Samantha has notably turned around four failing schools, steering them to thrive, and has also successfully launched two schools from inception. Currently the CEO of her educational consulting firm, she has previously excelled as a Chief Academic Officer and Head of Schools. Her leadership is marked by a relentless pursuit to foster equity and excellence in education through strategic development, robust community engagement, and the formation of empowering partnerships. Samantha’s profound impact is driven by her unparalleled dedication to creating inclusive, supportive spaces that enhance educational opportunities for all students, truly embodying transformative leadership in action.