(December 2023) For our first staff feature of this school year, we’d like to shine a light on Kati Cabral. As the Recruitment and Retention Manager at KIPP MA, she plays a crucial role in shaping the educator landscape within KIPP Academy Lynn Middle School and beyond. In her own words, “My primary role is to recruit diverse, high quality and mission-aligned educators within KIPP Academy Lynn Middle School and across our region.” Yet, her impact goes beyond recruitment; she collaborates with the School Leadership Team to ensure that educators feel seen, heard, and valued.
Embarking on her second year in this role, Kati’s commitment to educational equity extends even further. Recently elected to the Chelsea School Committee, she sheds light on the motivating force behind her decision to run. Kati reflects on the persistent disparity between teacher demographics and student populations, particularly in her hometown of Chelsea. Her op-ed, “Where are the teachers of Color?,” sparked a community call for her leadership on the District 5 School Committee. Now, as the Vice-Chair and At-Large representative, she is poised to make a lasting impact, ensuring mirrors and windows not only exist in teacher demographics but also permeate curriculum, school-wide policies, and hiring practices.
Kati’s journey is not just a professional one; it intertwines with her personal passions. A dedicated reader, she co-leads the “Books and Bites” Virtual Black Women Book Club, emphasizing her commitment to amplifying Black voices. She finds solace in the outdoors, taking long walks, and even recently trying her hand at surfing.
Reflecting on her time at KIPP MA, Kati highlights a cherished memory—welcoming the first cohort of KIPP educators during the New-to-KIPP orientation. The realization that many of these educators began their journeys with a conversation with her fills her with awe. Witnessing their passions come to fruition and align with the mission of empowering KIPPsters in the classroom is an unforgettable experience.
Looking forward, Kati invites us to explore more about her, her role, and her vision for the future on votekaticabral.com. Her story serves as a testament to the transformative power of dedicated leadership, echoing the sentiment that change begins with individuals who are committed to making a difference.
