Dr. Elena Ashburn is the proud principal of Neeham B. Broughton Magnet High School, an IBO World, Global Studies, and Magnet Schools of America (MSA) Demonstration School in the Wake County Public School System. Elena's work is driven by the belief that strong magnet school programming founded on the MSA Magnet Schools Pillars ensures excellent and equitable educational access and learning for our students. At Broughton HS, Elena has led her team in meaningful implementation of magnet programming resulting in improved academic and recruitment outcomes, including earning the school's highest graduation rate in history and having the highest percentage of its student enrollment market share in nearly a decade. Elena has previously served as principal of East Garner Magnet Middle School, an IBO World and Creative Arts School, where her team led in moving the school out of the state-sanctioned low-performing status. In addition to the principalship, Elena serves as a leadership coach with MSA, working with leaders throughout the country implementing magnet programs. In 2018, Elena earned a Doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where her research examined the underrepresentation of women in the superintendency, and her findings were presented at the global Women Leading Education Conference.

Dr. Baretta Wilson, Principal of Stewart Magnet School, led this middle school to become one of the first national NASA Explorer Schools. She has developed and continues to nurture partnerships allowing students to participate in projects like the school riverfront revitalization and “ROV on the River” for environmental studies of marine ecosystems. Dr. Wilson uses these and other student experiences to develop communication, interaction, and interpersonal relations skills. Dr. Wilson has led her school to win several National Merit Awards and is also a National Certification school. She has been a PTA Principal of the Year and a nominee for an MSA Principal of the Year.

Born in Havana, Cuba, Fanny Araña came to the United States in 1967 and settled in Los Angeles with her parents. Being of Jewish descent, Fanny considers herself a “Jewban,” a Cuban-Jew. When she started kindergarten, she spoke no English but became fluent in the language by the time she entered 2nd grade. Raised in Hollywood, Fanny caught the acting bug early in her life and always aspired to work in theater. She received her BA from California State University, Northridge in Communications in 1987 after which she continued to work in the entertainment industry. In 1989, while performing as a stand-up comedienne, she decided to supplement her income by substitute teaching in the San Fernando Valley. The day Fanny taught her first class was the day she knew that she was destined to be a teacher. Putting her acting career on hold, she took a position at Fulton Middle School teaching ESL and English. In 2001, she made her way to Nobel Charter Middle School, where she soon created and established a dynamic Theatre Arts program, which has since, become and remains the calling card of the school. Fanny joined the Magnet team at Van Nuys High School as Coordinator for the Performing Arts Magnet in 2016 and with her background in theatre, readily embraced the creativity, passion, and craziness that come with a love for the arts. Working closely with her colleague, Dawn Brown, Coordinator for the STM and Medical Magnets, Dawn and Fanny, widely known as “Magnet Mamas,” have succeeded in bringing Van Nuys High School well-deserved notoriety and recognition. The Van Nuys High School Magnet Program has been recognized as a National Magnet School of Excellence four years in a row and proudly represents Los Angeles Unified as one of the top Magnet Programs in the nation. Fanny currently resides in Simi Valley with her husband, Ron (also a teacher), and their 3 “kids,” Nicki (25), Josh (23), and Katelyn (21).

A California native, Dawn Brown earned her BS in Biology from the University of Puget Sound. In 2005, she earned her teaching credential from California State University, Northridge, and began her educational career at Van Nuys High School in 2003 teaching Science. Previously working as a Phlebotomist in a local hospital, she was excited to join the Medical Magnet program at VNHS to share her passion for medicine and education. She treasured teaching students in her 9th-grade Biology class and watching them mature into seniors in her Honors Physiology classes. Some of her favorite memories include DNA Barcoding projects, educational outings to Northridge Hospital, and annual field trips to the tide pools in San Pedro. A former AP Biology teacher, she continues to engage with students yearly at AP Biology Camp in preparation for the AP exam. Dawn took on the role of Magnet Coordinator at VNHS in 2012 with the highly coveted STM and Medical magnet under her purview. She earned her MA in Education and Preliminary Administrative Credential from California State University, Northridge in 2016 and looks forward to continuing her work in school administration. She is passionate about VNHS and looks forward to continuing to bring exciting opportunities and experiences to her students; including the AP Capstone Program, a Biotechnology class, and a mentorship collaboration with the UCLA Family Residency program called, “Bridging the Gap”. Along with Fanny Arana, Performing Arts Magnet Coordinator, Dawn and Fanny, widely known as “Magnet Mamas” have been fortunate to celebrate the numerous accomplishments of VNHS students and faculty over the last four years with Magnet Schools of America. VNHS Magnet Program has been recognized as a National Magnet School of Excellence for the last four years. Dawn currently resides in Santa Clarita, with her husband, Joe, and two kids, Zoe (13), and Ryder (11).

Dr. Baretta Wilson, Principal of Stewart Magnet School, led this middle school to become one of the first national NASA Explorer Schools. She has developed and continues to nurture partnerships allowing students to participate in projects like the school riverfront revitalization and “ROV on the River” for environmental studies of marine ecosystems. Dr. Wilson uses these and other student experiences to develop communication, interaction, and interpersonal relations skills. Dr. Wilson has led her school to win several National Merit Awards and is also a National Certification school. She has been a PTA Principal of the Year and a nominee for an MSA Principal of the Year.

Dr. Sabrina Suber is the principal of Richland Northeast High School. She has served in this capacity for eight years. Prior to becoming the principal, Dr. Suber was Richland Northeast’s Assistant Principal of Instruction for six years. Her administrative experience is preceded by service as a high school English teacher.

Her journey as an educator started at Benedict College where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Secondary English Education. She later received a Master’s degree in Divergent Learning from Columbia College and her Doctoral Degree in Educational Administration from South Carolina State University.

Dr. Suber was named the 2017 Administrator of the Year from the South Carolina Student Council Association, the 2018 Dr. Kay Phillips Administrator of the Year Award from the Southern Interscholastic Press Association, the 2019 Magnet Schools of America Region IV Principal of the Year and the 2019 Magnet Schools of America National Principal of the Year. Her passion is ensuring every graduate is prepared to be enlisted, enrolled or employed.

Dr. Suber and her husband, Brian E. Suber, Sr., have three beautiful children. Lo’Ren, the youngest, is a Freshman at USC Upstate University. The older two also matriculated through Richland Two schools and are proud graduates of Richland Northeast, Brian Jr (2010) and Bre’Anna (2012). Dr. Suber and her husband have also been blessed with three amazing grandchildren, McKinlee Haggin, Bailey and Marlee Suber.