Leader to Leader with Darryl Cobb

Big People and Little People: Tori Jackson Hines on Building a Culture of Excellence and Motherhood

Join Darryl Cobb, President of the Charter School Growth Fund, for the final episode of Leader to Leader Season 2, as he sits down with Tori Jackson Hines, the founder of Atlanta’s Resurgence Hall. They explore how a school that consistently ranks in the top 2% of all Georgia schools, even outperforming the state's most affluent communities, is actually a "human development organization" at its core. During their conversation, Hines reveals the personal mission behind her "unapologetic" focus on literacy and her rejection of the "talent desert" myth by hiring for heart over technical mastery. She also shares the remarkable story of how she championed a culture where women can thrive as both elite leaders and mothers. Hines leaves listeners with a powerful look at what happens when an organization is built on the belief that there is no more important work than developing both "big people and little people,” prioritizing both the students and the adults in the building.

Win the Minutes: How Carlos Gonzalez Built a Title I School in Miami That Beats the Odds

Join Darryl Cobb, President of the Charter School Growth Fund, as he sits down with Carlos Gonzalez, former Director of Schools at HIVE Preparatory, to explore how a “win every minute” mindset helped turn a bold vision into sustained results for students. From growing up in Little Havana to stepping into education after a career detour, and then launching a charter school with just days to spare during the recession – Carlos shares the founding story behind HIVE Preparatory and the leadership lessons that shaped its culture during his tenure. He breaks down what it looked like to protect teachers, build a school where adults and students showed up with purpose, and create an environment where rigorous instruction and strong relationships reinforced each other. Carlos also reflects on spreading the HIVE approach beyond one campus, partnering with Beacon College Prep and helping accelerate outcomes, while keeping the focus on what mattered most: great teaching, every day, in every classroom.

Julie Jackson on Leading With Joy, Rigor, and Relentless Purpose

Join Darryl Cobb, President of the Charter School Growth Fund, for Episode 4 of Leader to Leader Season 2 as he sits down with Julie Jackson, Co-CEO of Uncommon Schools, to explore what it takes to lead one of the nation’s most impactful public charter networks. With nearly three decades in education experience, from classroom teacher to national leader, Julie has built her career around a simple but powerful belief: every child deserves an outstanding education that prepares them for college and life beyond. In this episode, Julie reflects on Uncommon’s growth to more than 50 schools serving over 20,000 students, shares how a culture of joy and rigor drives both student achievement and teacher excellence, and offers candid insights on leadership, scale, and staying relentlessly focused on outcomes for students.

The Best Kept Secret: Isabel Garcia on 60 Years of Serving Farmworker Families

Join Darryl Cobb, President of the Charter School Growth Fund, for Episode 3 of Leader to Leader Season 2 as he sits down with Isabel Garcia, Executive Director of RCMA. Founded in 1965, RCMA began as a single child development center serving farmworker families and has since grown to 55 centers and 3 charter schools across rural Florida. Isabel, herself the child of farmworker families, shares how access to teachers, mentors, and opportunity shaped her journey and now fuels her leadership. In this episode, Isabel reflects on what it takes to serve hard-to-reach communities, sustain mission-driven growth, and ensure that when children are given the same opportunities, so much truly is possible.

Building Schools That Serve: Insights From Dr. Adriana Tamez

Join Darryl Cobb, President of the Charter School Growth Fund, for a special edition of the Leader to Leader podcast recorded live at NACSACon 2025. Darryl sits down with Dr. Adriana Tamez—educator, executive leader, and fierce advocate for Houston’s underserved communities—to unpack what it takes to build and sustain great public schools. Drawing on her upbringing and a career grounded in service, Dr. Tamez reflects on her path from classroom teacher to President & CEO of the Tejano Center and Raul Yzaguirre Schools for Success. Guided by a belief in education as the key to opportunity, she brings a powerful, community-centered lens to leadership. Together, Darryl and Dr. Tamez explore academic excellence, collaboration, and the day-to-day realities of serving diverse communities—offering clear, real-world insights for school leaders, policymakers, and advocates alike.