The Leadership Team at International Leadership Charter High School is responsible for management and efficient daily operations at the school.

 

Dr. Elaine Ruiz- Lopez is the Founder and the Chief Executive Officer of the International Leadership Charter High School. Dr. Ruiz- Lopez was born and raised in the South Bronx and is first generation Puerto Rican and first in her family to graduate from college. She has worked in the field of education since 1980. During her career, she has held various leadership positions in public schools and universities. She earned her Doctorate in Special Education/Administration and second Masters of Education from Teachers College at Columbia University, a Master of Science in Bilingual Special Education from Bank Street College of Education, and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from The City College of New York.


In 2005, she founded the International Leadership Charter High School with the goals of creating a college prep charter high school that delivers an academically rigorous environment. Dr. Ruiz Lopez’ model has resulted in over 95% of its scholars graduating within four years and enrolling in the college of their choice. The International Leadership CHS is in its 18th year of operation and has received numerous accolades nationally and locally, as the best Charter High School in the Bronx. Over the past 12 years, the charter school has received national recognition by US NEWS & WORLD REPORT and ranked among its Best High Schools category.


Dr. Ruiz-Lopez' vision has expanded to include a middle school that opened in the Fall of 2024 and plans to track of 100 Alumni and Post college graduates who will take on leadership positions within their communities and institutions. In 2017, Dr. Ruiz-Lopez was one of the recipients of the Distinguished Women Award (Mujeres Destacadas) presented by El Diario, the largest Spanish daily newspaper organization in the country. In 2022, she was recognized by the Attorney General Leticia James and Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, as one of 100 Bronx Power Women. In 2023 she received the Educator of Excellence Award from the Black Latinx Asian Charter Coalition (BLACC). She was recently recognized by the President of Hostos Community College, Dr. Daisy Cocco De Filippis for her work in fighting for Bilingual Education and supporting the education of immigrant students. Dr. Ruiz Lopez is a founding member of the Latino Charter Leaders Roundtable and its current Chair.

 

 

Dr. Anil Edward is the dedicated Principal of International Leadership Charter High School (ILCHS), where he focuses on creating an environment that fosters academic excellence, personal growth, and leadership development. With a deep commitment to empowering students, Dr. Edward brings extensive experience in education, leadership, and community engagement to his role.

Before assuming the role of Principal, Dr. Edward held several key positions in education, including Assistant Principal, Department Chair of Science, AP Environmental Science Teacher, and High School Biology Teacher. He holds a Doctorate in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, a Master’s in Educational Leadership, and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology.

 

 

Ms. Gonzalez has been with International Leadership CHS since its inception in September 2006. Ms. Gonzalez has been an active key member of the International Leadership CHS Leadership Team by working directly with parents and the broader school community. In her role, Ms. Gonzalez ensures that the parent community understands and embraces the mission and vision of International Leadership CHS by implementing it in her everyday priorities. She graduated with a BA in Social Work from Lehman College. Ms. Gonzalez strives to change her students’ lives by working diligently to involve and engage parents and the school community.

 

 

 

Overseeing the International Leadership CHS operations in all aspects, Ms. Grand brings over 20 years of experience in communications and 10 years of experience in school operations. With a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the State University of New York, Ms. Grand has an array of skills including, but not limited to, strategic planning, human resources, budget analysis, and data management which she incorporates in her daily management of the International Leadership CHS campus to ensure the safety of school property staff and students and to guarantee an efficient working and learning atmosphere.