Her Story
About CharLissa
CharLissa Foster has served in education since 2011. She started as a substitute teacher and coach of multiple sports including volleyball, basketball, track, softball, and powerlifting. She progressed to roles as a teacher at an alternative campus, school counselor, academic dean, and assistant principal before becoming principal of her own school. Foster earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Houston and two master's degrees from SFA. She is currently working on her doctorate and superintendent certification. She was named Employee of the Year at one of her campuses and was the first African-American female hired in her position. Foster attributes her success to her family and emphasizes being a servant leader who treats everyone with respect regardless of title. She focuses on family and community partnerships, equitable access for students, and maintaining a positive outlook in her role.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with CharLissa
01What do you attribute your success to?
My family. They are the best. Anytime I was a kid, if I wanted to be involved in something, and of course it was safe, they would say, yes, let's go do it. Whether it was sports, or a club, an activity, they exposed us to so many beneficial things, and it made me not afraid to try something new.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
If we can include religious values, it's always to put God first and students first as well. Career advice, you can't do it alone, so make sure you have a village and always try to do what's best, whether you're talking to the CEO or the president or superintendent or custodian. You just need to make sure you treat everybody the same, no matter where they are, and what their title is.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Keep going, keep going. It might seem as though a lot of males were getting principal roles, but keep going. I was the first African-American female hired in my position, and it didn't matter. There were some comments made, but you gotta go through the adversity and just know that you're doing your best, and then it'll all work out.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Opportunities: I have a great village at work. I love that when I come up with some fun ideas, they let me do it, as long as students are first, and it's perfect family engagement. Challenges: I try not to see work as challenges. I'm blessed to be there, so if something does arise, I'm like, it'll be a great day, we'll fix it. There's much worse things happening in life.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being a servant leader. I believe everybody should be treated with respect, no matter their title. You treat them good. I hate when I see people being rude to the waiter or waitress, because if that was me, you would be treating me like that. Don't treat me differently just because of my title.
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