Her Story
About Vikki
Vikki Cumberlander, MEd, is an experienced educational leader with over 15 years in education and approximately 7 years in formal school leadership. She currently serves as Assistant School Leader and Academic Health Lead at KIPP Columbus High School, where she is responsible for strengthening instructional systems, supporting academic achievement, and advancing equity-driven school improvement initiatives. She is a licensed Ohio school principal (ODEW) with a strong focus on data-informed instruction, structured progress monitoring, and building sustainable systems that support student success.
Throughout her career, Vikki has demonstrated a commitment to instructional leadership, professional development, and educator support, including consulting work focused on training and capacity building within schools and educational organizations. She has contributed to achieving 100% graduation rates and has led the development of an Equity Council for Students, creating structured opportunities for student voice, leadership development, cultural awareness, empathy building, and civic engagement. Her leadership approach emphasizes clarity, consistency, and high expectations while ensuring students are equipped to become confident, contributing members of their communities.
Most recently, Vikki was selected through a competitive process for the statewide advocacy program Groundwork Ohio, further reflecting her commitment to systems-level impact and community advancement. She is also the founder of CenterEd Tutoring & Mentoring Co., expanding access to academic support and mentorship beyond the classroom. She holds a Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction (Leadership and Reading) from Concordia Portland and a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from Central State University. Vikki attributes her success to her passion for serving her community—especially youth—and is grounded in the values of honesty, integrity, and service in both her professional and personal life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Vikki
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a deep commitment to serving my community and others, beginning with youth as the foundation of the future. I am driven by the belief that investing in young people today equips them with the skills, confidence, and mindset needed to become effective leaders and civic-minded individuals. My work is guided by a focus on helping students develop the capacity for critical thinking, innovation, and collaboration so they are prepared to contribute meaningfully to advancements in technology, industry, and global problem-solving alongside leaders across diverse fields.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the field of education is to lead with passion and purpose, as both will sustain you through challenges and guide your impact on students and communities. Passion fuels resilience strengthens your commitment to equity and excellence, and keeps you grounded in the “why” behind the work when circumstances become difficult. When you stay connected to your purpose, you are better able to inspire others, advocate effectively for students, and grow as a leader who makes a lasting difference in the lives of young people.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty and integrity are the foundation of both my professional practice and personal life. I believe that honesty builds trust, strengthens relationships, and ensures transparency in all interactions, while integrity reflects consistency between my values, decisions, and actions. Together, these principles guide my leadership, shape my decision-making, and ensure that I remain accountable, ethical, and committed to doing what is right even when it is challenging.
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