Melissa Sweazy

Melissa Sweazy

Principal, Acero - Santiago Elementary School

After growing up in a rural, impoverished area in southern Illinois with two educator parents, Melissa Sweazy knew at a young age she wanted to advocate for those who are underserved and misrepresented. When given the opportunity to found Esmeralda Santiago in 2011, she leapt at the chance to affect change on a grander scale.

In her seventh year as principal, Ms. Sweazy and her team continuously challenge themselves to redesign the typical school day and equip students with the confidence and social political consciousness necessary to exercise their voice in school, community and beyond. The students and staff at Santiago pride themselves on working hard, playing hard and loving even harder. This love for learning and for each other is at the foundation of all they do. Ms. Sweazy enjoys collaborating with teachers and seeing the smiles on students’ faces as their confidence grows, achievement levels rise, and ultimately, they disrupt the status quo.