Leading With Purpose: Principal Ginnia Hargins and the Power of Culturally Responsive Leadership

At Bright Star Schools, leadership is rooted in identity, purpose, and community. During Black History Month, we are proud to uplift leaders who embody our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in meaningful ways. One of those leaders is Ginnia Hargins, Principal of Stella Middle Charter Academy.

Ginnia recently participated in the Diversity in Leadership Institute Fellowship Program for Aspiring Principals of Color, a statewide initiative designed to increase the number of culturally responsive and racially diverse school leaders across California. Through this fellowship, leaders explore how identity shapes leadership, examine the impact of systemic inequities, and strengthen their ability to serve school communities with clarity and intention.

(Ginnia Hargins & The Diversity in Leadership Institute's Aspiring Principals of Color Fellowship)

As principal of Stella Middle Charter Academy, Ginnia leads a community she deeply understands and reflects. Her participation in the DLI Fellowship strengthened leadership skills she already carried and affirmed the importance of leading from lived experience. That impact is felt every day by students, families, and team members at Stella Middle.

Bright Star is proud to support leaders like Ginnia through opportunities that promote growth, reflection, and culturally responsive leadership. We are also excited to share that applications are now open for the next cohort of the DLI Aspiring Principals of Color Fellowship, and the program is open to candidates who identify as people of color and their allies.

Through this free fellowship, participants join a supportive learning community and earn a Preliminary Administrative Credential.

Important Dates

• Fellowship Info Session: Wednesday, February 11 at 4 pm | Virtual Registration
• Application Support Workshop: Wednesday, February 18 at 4 pm | Virtual Registration
• Application Deadline: April 3 | Application Link

We encourage aspiring leaders of color and allies who are committed to equity and community-centered leadership to apply and attend an upcoming info session!

Questions about the fellowship can be directed to fellowship@diversityinleadership.org

At Bright Star Schools, we grow leaders who honor who they are and the communities they serve.

If you’re interested in working with inspiring leaders like Ginnia, we are currently searching for educators to join us for 2026-27 school year! Apply by the February 20th priority deadline at the link below and begin your bright journey with us!

https://brightstarschools.org/Apply-Now

Ginnia Hargins Principal Stella Middle Charter Academy