Rhonda Baldenegro currently serves as the Executive Director of Gabriella Charter Schools, a small, high-impact network of dance-themed public schools serving historically under-resourced communities in Los Angeles.  In this role, she oversees the strategic vision, academic and operational excellence, and growth of two TK-8 schools that pair rigorous instruction with transformative arts education.

Across more than two decades in public education, Rhonda has served as a teacher, instructional coach, principal, and systems leader in both the Los Angeles Unified School District and the charter sector.  At Gabriella, she has secured multi-year public and philanthropic investments to expand teacher pipelines and student opportunities, and has helped earn multiple school recognitions, including California Distinguished School, Title I Academic Achievement, and Exemplary Arts Program honors.

Rhonda holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame, a Master’s in Education from Loyola Marymount University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from UCLA.  She is a Coro Women in Leadership alumna, serves on the California Charter Schools Association’s Los Angeles Advocacy Council, and has mentored doctoral students in UCLA’s Educational Leadership program.  Rhonda supports Rocketship because she believes every child deserves a joyful, high-quality school experience that nurtures community and prepares students for the futures they imagine for themselves.