The Leadership Team at International Leadership Charter High School is responsible for management and efficient daily operations at the school.

 

Dr. Elaine Ruiz- Lopez is the Founder and the Chief Executive Officer of the International Leadership Charter High School. Dr. Ruiz- Lopez was born and raised in the South Bronx and is first generation Puerto Rican and first in her family to graduate from college. She has worked in the field of education since 1980. During her career, she has held various leadership positions in public schools and universities. She earned her Doctorate in Special Education/Administration and second Masters of Education from Teachers College at Columbia University, a Master of Science in Bilingual Special Education from Bank Street College of Education, and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from The City College of New York.

In 2005, she founded the International Leadership Charter High School with the goals of creating a college prep charter high school that delivers an academically rigorous environment. Dr. Ruiz Lopez’ model has resulted in over 95% of its scholars graduating within four years and enrolling in the college of their choice. The International Leadership CHS is in its 18th year of operation and has received numerous accolades nationally and locally, as the best Charter High School in the Bronx. Over the past 12 years, the charter school has received national recognition by US NEWS & WORLD REPORT and ranked among its Best High Schools category.

Dr. Ruiz-Lopez' vision has expanded to include a middle school that opened in the Fall of 2024 and plans to track of 100 Alumni and Post college graduates who will take on leadership positions within their communities and institutions. In 2017, Dr. Ruiz-Lopez was one of the recipients of the Distinguished Women Award (Mujeres Destacadas) presented by El Diario, the largest Spanish daily newspaper organization in the country. In 2022, she was recognized by the Attorney General Leticia James and Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, as one of 100 Bronx Power Women. In 2023 she received the Educator of Excellence Award from the Black Latinx Asian Charter Coalition (BLACC). She was recently recognized by the President of Hostos Community College, Dr. Daisy Cocco De Filippis for her work in fighting for Bilingual Education and supporting the education of immigrant students. Dr. Ruiz Lopez is a founding member of the Latino Charter Leaders Roundtable and its current Chair.

 

 

Darlene Gonzalez-Morris is an experienced educational leader with more than twenty years of work focused on helping students succeed, improving teaching, and building inclusive, high-achieving school communities.

She started her career as a classroom teacher, where she developed a solid background in teaching and connecting with students. While still teaching full-time, she also worked as a literacy coach, helping other teachers improve reading and writing instruction. Later, she became an assistant principal while continuing to teach, showing her early dedication to leadership and growth. She was one of the first in her area to be trained in NWEA Assessment, i-Ready, and Google Suite, and helped coordinate New York State scoring for ELA, Math, and Science assessments in the Northeast Bronx.

Known for her collaborative and people-centered leadership style, Ms. Gonzalez-Morris invests deeply in teacher development, builds strong relationships with families and stakeholders, and leads with integrity and purpose. She holds a Master of Science in School Building Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science from Mercy College. She brings strong communication skills, cultural competency, and a passion for educational excellence to every community she serves.

 

 

Cecil A. Coston, who is a 25-year experienced educator, teacher, coach and school administrator. He is a Bronx native from the Soundview section of the borough and has served his community for the most part of his adult life. Mr. Coston taught for 14 years in both Manhattan and the Bronx as math, science and health teacher as well as coaching HS basketball for over 23 years for the NYC public school athletic league. In 2014 he became an assistant principal in NYC graduating the class of 2018 and 2022 at 94% and 99% respectively. He then began working alongside a new school principal as a consultant for the middle school supporting the school and their families with making the adjustments with education and learning after the initial shutdown due to covid and the challenges school communities faced during their transitions back into the school building. In the fall of 2023 Mr. Coston began his 23rd year in education as an assistant principal for a HS in upstate New York, However with his heart being in the Bronx, Mr. Coston decided to come back to his roots and build upon his legacy as a servant leader who passionately relishes building positive, supportive and productive relationships with both students and staff and creating lifelong learning opportunities for his entire school community using a growth mindset to do so. Mr. Coston is a father and grandfather, who believes that caring people are the staple to a flourishing society.

 

 

Ms. Gonzalez has been with International Leadership CHS since its inception in September 2006. Ms. Gonzalez has been an active key member of the International Leadership CHS Leadership Team by working directly with parents and the broader school community. In her role, Ms. Gonzalez ensures that the parent community understands and embraces the mission and vision of International Leadership CHS by implementing it in her everyday priorities. She graduated with a BA in Social Work from Lehman College. Ms. Gonzalez strives to change her students’ lives by working diligently to involve and engage parents and the school community.

 

 

 

Ivelisse Sosa is a Bronx native and seasoned educator with over 15 years of experience in schools and nonprofit organizations. She began her career as a teacher and grew into a strategic operations leader known for aligning people and systems to drive results. Her expertise includes operational strategy, team development, and managing large initiatives such as multimillion-dollar budgets and capital projects. Ivelisse is passionate about creating safe, joyful, and inclusive environments where all students can thrive. She is committed to expanding access to high-quality education for underserved communities.

 

 

 

Stephany De Los Angeles is a proud alumna of the first graduating class of International Leadership Charter High School and now serves as a member of its Leadership Team. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Services and a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership, bringing over 11 years of operations experience within the charter school sector. Stephany is dedicated to implementing effective systems, supporting staff development, and cultivating strong partnerships with families. She is committed to building a solid administrative foundation that promotes positive learning environments and student success. As a Bronx native, Stephany takes great pride in her work and remains deeply connected to the communities she serves.