Principal Message

Dr. Kenya Pinkard is an accomplished educational leader, equity advocate, and school turnaround principal with more than 20 years of experience serving students, families, and communities across Houston. A proud first-generation college graduate, Dr.

Pinkard is the daughter of an immigrant Asian mother and a Black father, and she proudly embraces her multicultural identity as a source of strength, perspective, and purpose in her leadership. Growing up in a family that understood both the challenges and opportunities that education can create, she developed a deep commitment to ensuring that all students— regardless of their background have access to transformative educational experiences.

Dr. Pinkard earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington, two Master of Science degrees in Reading and Educational Management from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, and a Doctor of Education in Ethical Leadership from the University of St. Thomas. Her educational journey reflects a deep commitment to lifelong learning and a belief in the transformative power of education to change lives, strengthen communities, and create generational opportunities.

As a servant leader, Dr. Pinkard has intentionally dedicated her career to working in communities that reflect her own upbringing. She believes that effective leadership begins with relationships, empathy, and a genuine commitment to serving others. Her work is rooted in the belief that every child deserves to be seen, valued, challenged, and supported, and that schools can serve as powerful catalysts for opportunity, equity, and social mobility.

Currently serving as Principal of YES Prep Fifth Ward Secondary, Dr. Pinkard has led the campus for the past three years, driving significant academic growth, strengthening school culture, and building systems that support both student achievement and staff development. Under her leadership, the campus has achieved some of the strongest academic gains in the district, including leading growth in college readiness metrics, significant increases in student achievement outcomes, and high levels of staff satisfaction. Her leadership philosophy centers on building trust, maintaining high expectations, developing people, and creating conditions where both students and adults can thrive.

Throughout her career, Dr. Pinkard has served in a variety of instructional and operational leadership roles, including Principal, Assistant Principal, Dean of Instruction, Literacy Specialist Operations Manager, and classroom teacher. Her experience spans both charter and traditional public education systems, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of teaching and learning, talent development, school operations, organizational leadership, and strategic improvement planning.

Known for her authentic leadership style, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to educational excellence, Dr. Pinkard is passionate about developing leaders, fostering positive school cultures, and ensuring that all students, particularly those from historically underserved communities, have access to exceptional educational opportunities. She intentionally serves in communities similar to those that shaped her own life, viewing education as both a profession and a calling. Her leadership is grounded in the belief that strong relationships, high expectations, and a relentless commitment to equity can transform outcomes for students, families, and communities.

Dr. Pinkard remains committed to empowering the next generation of leaders and learners through service, advocacy, and educational innovation. She believes that strong minds, kind hearts, and meaningful connections are the foundation of lasting success and works every day to ensure that students are prepared not only for college and career, but also for lives of purpose, impact, and contribution.

Dr. Kenya Pinkard

Principal