Her Story
About Natoya
Natoya Coleman is the Chief Innovation Officer and Deputy Superintendent of Flint schools in Flint, Michigan. With 20 years in education, she began her career as a substitute teacher in Saginaw and advanced through roles in Maryland before returning to Michigan. Coleman earned her undergraduate degree in English, Language and Literature with a minor in Political Science from the University of Michigan, followed by a master's in secondary education and teaching certificate there. She later obtained a Master's of Arts in School Administration and Supervision from Bowie State University and a PhD in urban education from Rowan University. She provides oversight for academics, student services, enrollment, community education, athletics, and grants while supporting efforts to build a new high school. Coleman is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated in the ETA Upsilon Omega chapter in Saginaw, Michigan, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame for the Phi Delta Kappa Education Sorority in Flint, Michigan. She previously served as a board member for Three Roots International, a nonprofit supporting education and families in Ethiopia. Coleman attributes her success to God, her family, and resilience, guided by her mentor's teaching that the greatest leader is always a student.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Natoya
01What do you attribute your success to?
God, a loving family and supportive parents, and resilience. My mentor taught me that the greatest leader is always a student, which helps me stay resilient by always looking for lessons to learn.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My mentor Dr. Charoscar Coleman taught me that the greatest leader is always a student. He modeled this by always asking questions and learning from his team, which impressed me and helps me posture myself to learn in every situation.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You are going to go as far as the investment that you make in yourself. Read, place yourself in positive environments, build yourself up, and develop healthy habits.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Systemic inequities impact children, parents, and communities, creating barriers outside the classroom. In Flint, only 20% of children in schools will be eligible for current jobs, which often require college degrees. Opportunity lies in building a new high school without walls to offer internships, community college courses, and training programs to immerse students in the workforce.
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