Our Origin Story

Across the country, charter school leaders, especially leaders of color, are stepping into roles with high expectations and limited support. These leaders are uniquely equipped to serve communities that share their lived experience and to drive outcomes for historically underserved students. Yet far too often, they’re asked to carry that responsibility alone.

Greenhouse E3 was born from the lived experience of charter school executives who have spent decades navigating the complexities of leading public schools.

Together, they saw a persistent challenge: critical moments of CEO transition were destabilizing school systems—particularly when leaders of color lacked access to the coaching, community, and strategic support needed to succeed. They knew that when transitions go well, students and communities thrive. When they do not, systems lose momentum, talent is lost, and student progress suffers.

This was not an isolated issue. 

In New Orleans, New Schools for New Orleans (NSNO) had launched the Executive Education Experience (E3), led by Herneshia Dukes, to support CEO transitions. Meanwhile, in cities like San Francisco and New York, future Greenhouse E3 Co-CEOs James Willcox and Veronica Conforme were informally coaching peers through their own transitions. Across the country, current and former CEOs were offering ad-hoc support to one another because no formal structure existed to guide leaders through these complex moments.

Recognizing this shared need, several executives came together to build a national nonprofit created by education leaders, for education leaders. Their goal was clear: no charter CEO should have to lead alone. Shortly after, conversations began with national partners to bring this vision to more cities.

The organization found its name and metaphor in a story from co-founder James Willcox. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his daughter rented a green house with friends, a space they called “The Greenhouse.” In the midst of isolation, it became a place of care, growth, and connection for a diverse group of young professionals navigating industries where their lived experience was rare. That vision—a protected space where leaders grow stronger together—inspired Greenhouse E3.

Today, charter leaders continue to face pressure and complexity, especially in a post-COVID landscape marked by political tension and high stakes. Greenhouse E3 exists to meet that moment. In fall 2022, the organization formally took over the NSNO E3 Fellowship and expanded its national offerings..

Our founding vision remains clear: Greenhouse E3 is rooted in community, grounded in practice, and committed to growing leaders—especially leaders of color—who are building thriving, equitable public school systems nationwide.