Travonna Hunter
Trevana is an experienced educator and school founder with more than 23 years of work spanning early childhood education through 12th grade instruction, school leadership, and instructional consulting. She is the founder of Ignite STEAM Academy, an innovative homeschool-based program that has grown into a private education model focused on STEAM learning—integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to foster creativity, critical thinking, and student engagement. Her work is rooted in meeting students where they are academically and emotionally, using flexible, individualized approaches to help each child succeed.
Before establishing her own school, Trevana built a diverse professional background that extends beyond the classroom. She has served as a PE teacher, reading specialist, consultant, and school leader, and has supported educational improvement initiatives across multiple states, including Florida, Texas, and Ohio. Her earlier career also includes roles outside of education, such as office management within a state department of elder affairs and work in accounting, experiences that strengthened her leadership, organizational, and operational expertise. This wide-ranging background has contributed to her ability to build and scale educational programs from the ground up.
Trevana’s leadership philosophy is centered on reflection, accountability, and high expectations for both students and educators. She is deeply committed to creating learning environments where students feel supported, challenged, and motivated rather than discouraged by traditional systems. After independently launching Ignite STEAM Academy and transitioning it from a homeschool model to a private school within a short period of time, she continues to expand her vision toward charter development and broader educational access. Her guiding belief is that education should empower students to thrive while ensuring that every decision made in leadership ultimately serves real children and their futures.
• Leadership training
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice for educators is to always begin with remembering your “why.” Staying connected to your purpose will ground you during both challenging and rewarding moments in your career.
I believe it is essential to remain reflective and self-aware, consistently evaluating your practice and being open to growth. At the same time, I encourage educators to stand firm in their values and not be afraid to ask meaningful questions or engage in what I consider “good trouble” when it leads to better outcomes for students.
Most importantly, I hold the belief that we must maintain high expectations for all learners while keeping our focus on student impact rather than workplace politics. When we prioritize what truly benefits children, we create stronger, more meaningful educational environments.