Ogechi Onyinye Ibeanusi
Ogechi Ibeanusi is the Dean of Instruction and Culture at Summit Public Schools, where she leads initiatives to support both students and educators in achieving academic excellence. With over a decade of experience in education, Ogechi has held roles ranging from special education teacher to academic leader, guiding teachers through induction, coaching, and professional development. She also oversees student discipline, parent conferences, 504 and IUP meetings, and testing coordination, ensuring that every student receives the support they need to succeed.
Ogechi’s commitment to student growth is reflected in her efforts to help students meet their goals and maintain motivation, including bringing in guest speakers to inspire and empower them. Her educational background underscores her dedication to social equity and leadership: she earned a Bachelor’s degree in History from USC in 2019, a Master’s in Urban Education and Social Justice from the University of San Francisco in 2021, and is completing her Doctorate in Organization and Leadership at the University of San Francisco in 2024. Her academic achievements include being named to the Dean’s List, receiving the Summer Bridge Ellen Ramsey Fellowship Award, a Social Justice Scholarship, and a Fellowship for African American Students.
Beyond her professional and academic accomplishments, Ogechi is an active member of the 21 CSLA Bay Regional Black Academy for Black Leaders, contributing to the development of future leaders. Inspired from a young age by her desire to teach, she has dedicated her career to fostering equitable learning environments and empowering both students and educators. Her approach combines compassion, rigor, and a commitment to social justice, making a lasting impact on her school community.
• University of San Francisco - Ed.D.
• Deans List 2016
• Summer Bridge Ellen Ramsey Fellowship Award
• Social Justice Scholarship
• Fellowship for African American Students
• 21 CSLA Bay Regional Black Academy for Black Leaders
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience and the values my family instilled in me, particularly a commitment to excellence and a strong belief in the power of education.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to be patient and prioritize self-care, recognizing that sustainable success comes from balancing hard work with personal well-being.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering my industry to be clear about their “why” for choosing this field and to actively collaborate and build strong relationships with others.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is that many students are not yet where they need to be in terms of skills and preparedness, which presents both a challenge and an opportunity to innovate and provide targeted support to help them reach their potential.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values to me in both my work and personal life are patience, kindness, respect, resilience, an open mind, empathy, and professionalism, as they guide how I interact with others and approach every challenge.