Dr. Dwight E. Rhodes (CEO/Founder)
As the CEO and Founder of Rhodes2Equity Consulting, LLC., and R2E, a Non-profit initiative helping BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ Leaders embrace their identity markers as an asset, not a liability,” Dr. Rhodes has a proven track record for providing equitable learning outcomes for students by dramatically improving their schools and districts. Rhodes2Equity and R2E are the intersections of his learning as a 2017 Harvard doctoral graduate of educational leadership and a twenty-plus-year educator.
As the former Chief Transformation Specialist for Georgia’s ESSA Plan to transform its lowest-performing schools, Dwight’s leadership was instrumental in transforming historically “F” schools into nearly “B” rated schools within two years. He and the Chief Turnaround Office Team transformed schools and districts by getting to the root of problems and removing barriers for district and school-level leaders. To achieve this, he implemented a Design Thinking framework that created the space for district and school leaders to utilize research, ideation, and prototyping to reimagine how to improve academic outcomes for all students, particularly students of color.
Dr. Rhodes has also served as CEO of a continuing education organization, Design Arts Seminars. In this role, he led the organization in its mission to “think outside the box” to increase student diversity in STEAM-related fields.
Previously, he served as the founding Chief Academic Officer and Chief Advocacy Officer for ReNEW Schools Charter Management Organization. ReNEW Schools CMO successfully restarts the lowest-performing schools in New Orleans. As CAO, ReNEW Schools experienced an average increase of 30 points in its annual school performance scores. Prior educational experience also includes serving as a Director of Innovative School Reform, an Elementary School Principal, and a Middle School Teacher of the Year.
Dr. Rhodes has an uncompromising value that ALL students and adults can learn and grow given a positive learning culture that welcomes innovation, exploration, enhances confidence, builds collaboration, and empathy. His firm belief is that an effective leader can coach adults to their full potential, allowing students to continue to achieve and thrive!