JOANNA KENDRICK

VICE PRESIDENT OF STRATEGY AND PROGRAM

Joanna only recently joined the 360 Accelerator as the Vice President of Strategy and Program. She also contributes to facilitating the 99 and 50 Accelerator cohorts. She was an original member of the 99 Accelerator and is delighted to be working to expand the 360’s impact to reach more leaders and develop new programs. 

Joanna has dedicated her career to expanding opportunities for underserved students - leading and founding high-performing charter schools in California and operating educational non-profit organizations. She received a BA from UC Irvine and a Master's degree from Loyola Marymount. She is currently a doctoral candidate in Organizational Change and Leadership at the University of Southern California. 

Joanna began her career in education as a TFA corps member, serving in south-central Los Angeles. After teaching in traditional public schools, Joanna was the Director of Wonderful College Prep Academy in Delano, Ca. Under her leadership, the Charter school made a significant turnaround. Joanna then led Ceiba College Prep Academy in Watsonville, Ca, and in 2015 returned to her hometown to lead Grimmway Academy. After a successful expansion of the first campus, Joanna led the opening of a second campus. She founded Grimmway Academy Shafter and the school was recognized as a model for innovative education. 

After returning to work at a traditional school district supporting principals, Joanna served as the Executive Director for GO Public Schools Fresno, a regional nonprofit organization. As GO Fresno’s Executive Director Joanna organized families to win policy campaigns that promoted transformation in the public school system.  

Joanna is a California native with deep roots in California’s Central Valley.  She is raising her two girls - seven and fourteen - and one spoiled golden-doodle in her hometown of Bakersfield. Two years ago, she opened a microbrewery and takes great joy owning a business that has become a place for community collaboration and celebration.