Team

Dr. Sharon L. Contreras is a teacher at heart, a transformational leader and a passionate advocate for children and education. She is the CEO of The Innovation Project in North Carolina, a collaborative of forward-thinking education leaders who are unleashing student potential and shaping the future of learning. 

Growing up in Uniondale, NY with nine brothers and sisters, she learned early to advocate for her right to an excellent education. At the age of 10 she was told by her teacher she didn’t belong in the advanced gifted program that she knew included classmates she had tutored. After pleading her case independently, then alongside her parents, she gained a seat in the accelerated program which changed the trajectory of her life, while lighting a fire for achievement and advocacy for others. Years later, not even the gradual loss of 90% of her hearing stopped her from breaking through barriers for herself and removing them for her students. 

Contreras is celebrated for implementing policies and practices aimed at eradicating opportunity gaps. She has held two superintendencies—one urban and one in a county-wide district serving urban, suburban, and rural students. Her tenure in Guilford County—one of the nation’s largest school districts—has been recognized for driving results, including expanding access to Advanced Placement courses, career technical education, and dual-enrollment programming preparing students and their parents for the workforce. GCS’ high impact tutoring initiative and learning hubs started during the pandemic are considered a national model. In 2022, the GCS graduation rate reached a high of 91.8%.

Contreras was named Superintendent of the Year by the North Carolina PTA (2019), a North Carolina Regional Superintendent of the Year (2020) by the Piedmont Triad Educational Consortium and a Top 5 Finalist for the Green Garner Urban Education Leadership Award by the Council of Great City Schools (2020). She was among Triad Business Journal’s Most Admired CEOs in 2020 and named to the Business North Carolina Power List 2022. Most recently (2024), Contreras was recognized by LatinxEd with the From Dreams to Action Award. She holds multiple degrees, including a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Dr. Sharon L. Contreras’ legacy is one of courage, determination, and unwavering commitment to children and families. Her work has not only transformed the districts she has led, but also set new standards for reimagining education nationally. Her relentless pursuit of educational justice and equity continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations of educators and students.

Winston McGregor is a community leader with more than 25 years of experience leading nonprofits and public private partnerships with a focus on leveraging resources creatively to help people build better lives.

She served as Executive Director and then President of the Guilford Education Alliance (GEA) from 2013 – 2023. She was also appointed and then elected to serve as the at-large member of the Guilford County Board of Education from 2018 – 2022. She served as Chair of the Policy Committee, on the Joint Facilities and Capital Planning Committee, and as Vice Chair of the Board during a dynamic time of change and transition. She played a key role in galvanizing the community behind two successful bond initiatives, the second $1.7 billion bond effort was, at the time, the largest school bond initiative passed in NC history and the 3rd largest in the country.

Prior to her work in public education, McGregor served a decade as Development Director and then President of one of the largest Habitat for Humanity affiliates in the country, managing $15 million in construction, real estate, and mortgage assets. She was awarded the prestigious Kavanaugh Cup for her contributions to expand affordable housing.

She has been honored as an Outstanding Woman in Business by the Triad Business Journal, a 2019 Woman of Distinction by Empowered Girls of NC, and with the 2019 Public Education Champion and Humanitarian Award by the Motivational Foundation. With her leadership, GEA was named the 2015 Non-Profit of the Year by the Guilford Nonprofit Consortium and the 2020 Outstanding Philanthropic Organization by the Triad Chapter of NC Association of Fundraising Professionals. For her service on the Board of Education, McGregor was honored by the Greensboro Regional Realtors Association with their 2023 Outstanding Public Service award.

A graduate of American University in Washington, DC, McGregor launched her career working in the national political arena in various fundraising and project management roles with, first, U.S. Senator, and then, Vice President Al Gore, as director of development for the Democratic Leadership Council and the Progressive Policy Institute and as executive director of the American Council of Young Political Leaders, a U.S. State Department funded nonprofit facilitating international exchanges for U.S. and global political leaders.

Winston grew up in Madison and Greensboro, N.C., as well as Corpus, Christi, Texas. She now lives in Rockingham County, N.C. She and her two young adult sons were prepared for the world by excellent public schools. Her sons are proud graduates of N.C. State and Appalachian State University.

Dr. Kim Morrison is a Senior Project Director for The Innovation Project. Dr. Kim Morrison is the former Superintendent of Mount Airy City Schools (MACS).  She is a lifelong educator having served for 31 years with the last eight years of her tenure as Superintendent.  Dr. Morrison is known for her work with innovative schools all over the country serving as President of Magnet Schools of America. She is also the former chair of The Innovation Project, a North Carolina based superintendent led non-profit organization supporting innovation in school districts.  She led a team that hosted the new Education Secretary, Miguel Cardona, as the keynote in April and has partnered with the National Education Association Director, Becky Pringle, recently on national initiatives. She has brought in over 40  million dollars in grants and programs for public schools.  Many of these schools have won national awards, including the Ronald P. Simpson Award, the top magnet award in the nation, the Schools to Watch award- a national middle school award, and the District of Distinction Award from the District Administration Magazine.  

Dr. Morrison was the PTEC Superintendent of the Year in 2022 and one of two finalists for the American Association of School Administrators, “Women in School Leadership Awards” (2012). Dr. Morrison won the 2016 Rhododendron Award from Appalachian State University, the highest honor in the School of Education for alumni. She is most proud of being the mother of two college-age young men, Kaleb and Eli and being the wife of Tommy Morrison.

Dr. Jocelyn Bethel Becoats is a retired forward-thinking educator who believes in putting the needs of all children first – diligently encouraging them in the unwavering pursuit of personal greatness, civic engagement, and lifelong learning. During her 32 years as an educator, she established a hallmark of courageous leadership by consistently engaging all stakeholders in critical, sometimes controversial, conversations that could have impacted the classroom, the school building or even the district.

Before her retirement, Dr. Becoats served as the Executive Director of Federal and Special Programs of Guilford County Schools and prior to that served as the Chief of Curriculum for the district. Upon her move to Greensboro from Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, she was an Instructional Improvement Officer and the Executive Director of Elementary and Middle school curriculum. She has served as a middle school teacher, middle and high school assistant principal, and a middle school principal.

During her last years of work, Dr. Becoats was extremely knowledgeable of the State’s NC Star web-based tool that was used in districts and/or schools in charting and managing the continuous school improvement process. She was experienced in providing support and oversight to 125 school of improving student achievement and demonstrated ability to deliver mission critical results. Dr. Becoats has experience in planning and coordinating professional development for district meetings and conferences and she continues to be known as the Graduation coordinator guru because she has experience in organizing and planning over thirty graduation ceremonies for Guilford County Schools for many years.

A native of Kinston, North Carolina, Becoats holds a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a specialist degree in education administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a master’s degree in education administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and two bachelor’s degrees, one in Mathematics and the other in Math Education from North Carolina State University.

Dr. Becoats is a proud 38-year golden life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where she serves as a member of the Greensboro Alumnae chapter as well as the South Atlantic Region Nominating Committee and is an Associate member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. In her spare time, she believes in giving back to her community as she serves as the board chair for Operation Xcel and a board member of North Carolina Agricultural and State University’s Center for Teaching Excellence and still finds time to volunteer at Teen Court with One Step Further. Among her many accomplishments, Dr. Becoats is a proud mother of two daughters, Iman and Jadyn.

Dr. Brenda (Bren) Elliott has 30 years of public education experience successfully leading school and district-level initiatives.   She is an equity-focused systems-thinker and has served in various roles including State Turnaround Superintendent, Chief of School Improvement & Supports, Chief Equity Officer, Director for High Priority Schools Advocacy, Area Director, High School and Middle School Principal, and High School Teacher.  She has a strong record of improving outcomes for students and creating the conditions where staff and students thrive.   

For more than a decade, Dr. Elliot has served as a central office leader in diverse, urban/suburban, complex school districts in Tennessee, North Carolina and Washington, DC.  She has become highly effective at leading large, innovative district initiatives that have required strategic alignment and collaboration across the central office team and with our community partners.   

Dr. Elliott has presented nationally at various conferences including ASCD, the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership, National Association of Black School Educators (NABSE), National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC), Education Commission of the States, as well as speaking on Capitol Hill.  Bren has received numerous awards to include the AASA Effie H. Jones Humanitarian Award (2023), CiViL Group Service-Learning Award Recipient (2018), National Youth Leadership Council’s Bernard Gill Urban Service-Learning Award (2014), and The Academies of Nashville’s CEO Champion’s Award (2011), National Association of Black School Educators’ Principal of the Year (2004), and Teacher of the Year (Pearl Cohn High School, 1999).

Bren is a veteran and served her country proudly for more than ten years as a military officer in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps. 

She cites as the major contributors to her success, a strong belief that students can and want to succeed and purposefully working to build a team of educators, students, parents and community members who believe the same. 

Dr. Valerie H. Bridges is the retired Superintendent of Edgecombe County Public Schools. She served as superintendent from 2017-2023, during her tenure in Edgecombe she led the school district out of low performing status. Before serving as District Superintendent she served as Associate and Assistant Superintendent in Edgecombe and Washington County Schools. Before working in the Eastern region of North Carolina, she worked in Guilford and Wake County Public Schools as a high school teacher, middle school assistant principal, and elementary principal. During her tenure as principal, she was nominated as principal of the year several times (three of the six years) and was named 2007 Principal of the Year by GCAEOP. Her school was selected as one of the fifteen most improved schools during the 2007 school year and met high growth standards during the 2008 and 2009 school years. As a school leader, she has implemented multiple programs to improve academic achievement and student support (40 Days of Purpose, Principals, Days of Peace, Covey Moments).  The Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce nominated Dr. Bridges as the 2021 Distinguished Citizen of the Year on February 4, 2021.

She earned a B.S. degree in Accountancy from UNC Wilmington, a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Meredith College, teacher certification from St. Augustine’s College in Raleigh, a Master’s degree in School Administration and a doctorate degree in Educational Research and Leadership from NC State University in Raleigh, NC.

Dr. Bridges is an active member of the Fulbright Principal Exchange program and has traveled to Brazil and Argentina. She has hosted principals from Argentina in Guilford and Edgecombe County.

She is married and has 2 children; she loves professional football and college basketball.  Her hobbies include reading, traveling, and shopping for shoes.

But her real passion and joy is for children and helping students to reach their full potential. Her motto is “Whatever it Takes” to help students succeed.

Leigh Walters, Ed.S., is a project coach for The Innovation Project supporting the Reimagining Teacher Talent project and has served as an educator for over 30 years. She has been honored with numerous awards which include, but are not limited to, the Richard Keasler NCMEA Teacher of the Year award, the NASSP NC State Assistant Principal of the Year (APOY) and the WS/FCS Core Awards APOY. As an administrator, she saw significant gains in student academic performance due to the positive deviant practices of teachers. She has worked in school turnaround empowering staff to reach their full potential leading to amazing growth of students. Leigh was successful in co-writing the Magnet Schools Assistant Program (MSAP) securing a large grant for her turnaround school and implementing a successful Science Technology Engineering Arts Mathematics themed program that attracted and engaged students at the highest optimal level.

Leigh holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Meredith College, a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and Education Specialist Degree from Appalachian State University. Leigh’s biggest accomplishment is her son, Michael Anthony. Leigh resides in Lewisville with her husband, Tony.

Andrew Wiener, project coach for The Innovation Project, is an experienced public school administrator who, as principal for Stokes County Schools, worked with school staff to improve student achievement through data-driven, research-based instructional resources. While Director of Testing and Accountability for Orange County Schools and Thomasville City Schools, Wiener implemented a district-wide multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) structures and  processes. In addition, he wrote and was awarded a federal safety grant in 2020 while at Thomasville City, where he also facilitated the adoption of both a core Mathematics and Language Arts curriculum resource as part of overseeing all curriculum in the district as Chief Academic Officer. He also coordinated district and state testing and accountability in both districts, and initiated Capturing Kids Hearts in Thomasville City. 

Wiener earned undergraduate degrees in Mathematics and Elementary Education  from Susquehanna University, and a Masters in School Counseling from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and earned a license in School Administration from Western Carolina University.

Dr. Christina Grant is the Executive Director for the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University. Throughout her career as an educator, administrator, and executive in some of America’s largest school systems, Dr. Grant has worked to create evidence-based solutions that improve outcomes for students and communities.

At CEPR, Dr. Grant brings together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to build transformative partnerships grounded in rigorous research that will benefit learners at every stage of life.

Dr. Grant previously served as District of Columbia’s State Superintendent of Education for the Office of the State Superintendent of Education. While there, she oversaw grants, standards, assessments, and accountability for the District’s elementary and secondary schools, including implementing the first revision of social studies standards in twenty years. Grant also led a $100 million investment in programs to drive post-pandemic academic recovery. Prior to the District of Columbia, Dr. Grant served as the Chief of Charter Schools and Innovation for The School District of Philadelphia. In that capacity, she redesigned the accountability metrics for Innovation and Alternative Education school models and helped lead the district’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Grant has served as a lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, teaching courses on educational leadership. Much of her research and public speaking and writing has focused on the challenges faced by women in leadership and the importance of research-based investments and evidence-based interventions..
Dr. Grant’s leadership is grounded in the belief that diversity and inclusiveness is more than just a phrase but the cornerstone set of advancements needed to truly transform public education and our world.
Dr. Grant’s career began as a public school teacher in Harlem; since then, she’s held numerous roles in education, including as Superintendent of the Great Oaks Foundation and Deputy Executive Director at the New York City Department of Education. Dr. Grant has a doctorate in education with a focus on organizational leadership from the University of Pennsylvania; two master’s degrees: one in organizational leadership from the Teachers College of Columbia University and one in teaching and adolescent reading from Fordham University; and a bachelor’s degree from Hofstra University.

Joe Ableidinger is the Executive Director of SparkNC, a transformative new TIP initiative that will accelerate learner progress along pathways to careers in high-tech fields. Joe is a nationally-recognized leader in education innovation, with expertise in personalized learning, emerging technologies in education, and advanced teaching roles. 

Prior to leading SparkNC, Joe served as Acting CEO of The Innovation Project (TIP) and as TIP’s Vice President for Innovation and Strategy. He led the organization’s strategic initiatives and helped TIP’s member superintendents “see around corners,” anticipating major challenges in education and designing programs and policies to proactively address them. 

Before joining TIP, Joe was the Senior Director of Policy & Programs at the Public School Forum of North Carolina, where he created the North Carolina Resilience & Learning Project and coordinated the North Carolina Education Policy Fellowship Program. Prior to that, Joe worked at Public Impact, a leading national education policy and management organization based in Chapel Hill, NC. Earlier in his career, Joe taught high-school English with the Fulbright Program in Korea and started a family resource center at an underperforming elementary school as an AmeriCorps VISTA member with Communities In Schools of Durham.

Joe has served as a strategic advisor to schools, philanthropic foundations, government agencies, and education-focused nonprofit organizations. He has authored or co-authored numerous publications at the intersection of law, policy, and practice. Joe holds a bachelor’s degree with highest honors from Duke University, a master’s degree in public administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, and a law degree with honors from Harvard Law School.

Murphy’s ability to work well under pressure in new situations and challenges serves her well as the Grant Administrator for The Innovation Project’s Reimagining Teacher Talent initiative. She brings her positive attitude and organizational skills to the coordination of various logistics and details for the project, which is funded with a Teacher and School Leader (TSL) grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

Previously, she served as a Legal Assistant in the Eller Law Office in Boone, where she managed client files, financial accounts, court deadlines, and schedules for attorneys serving clients from nine counties in western North Carolina. She implemented new database software, streamlined office operations, and trained colleagues.

Murphy graduated from Hickory High School and studied at Appalachian State University. Her coursework at Appalachian State included classes in nonprofit management, principles of fundraising, organizational behavior, and non-profit grants. While a student, she worked for Gadabouts Catering and as an exhibition assistant at the Turchin Center of the Visual Arts, coordinating with artists and exhibition teams to install and disassemble multiple inside/outside exhibitions.

Murphy currently lives in Boone, NC, and enjoys spending time with friends and rearranging and decorating her apartment space. She also enjoys being at home curled up with a good book, or watching a movie with her cat, Smudge. She has plans to move to Charlotte and is excited about what this next step has in store!