Ebonie Durham is an educator with over 15 years of leadership experience in the public and private education sectors. Her expertise is in education policy, business operations, and administration. Ebonie is currently the Executive Director of Great Lakes Academy Inc. Founded in 2014, Great Lakes Academy Charter Elementary School serves families in the South Shore and South Chicago neighborhoods of Chicago. She is a first-generation college graduate committed to equity and social justice. She knows firsthand how diverse education can empower children to create better futures for themselves and their families. She is excited to lead the next generation of GLA “Beacons” as they light the paths forward for their communities.

Prior to her role at Great Lakes Academy, Ebonie spent eleven years leading various initiatives at Noble Schools, including founding Johnson College Prep in Chicago’s Englewood community, establishing the Noble Family Support Fund, and leading the network strategy for operations and admissions. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and a master’s in Education Leadership and Administration from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. Ebonie has been named a McNair Scholar, Presidential Management Fellow, and Pahara Fellow. She is a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. When away from work, she enjoys spending time with her family and volunteering for various causes that impact women and children.