Neubauer Fellows Community

Lisa Mesi

Former Principal, Philadelphia High School for Girls
School District of Philadelphia
2015 Neubauer Fellow
Sector
District
Grade Level
9th - 12th
Student Enrollment
830
School/Org Neighborhood
Olney
Education
M.S. Education Leadership, Administrative Certification, Lehigh University
Superintendent Certification, California University of Pennsylvania
B.A. Education, Temple University
“I was a part of the ‘think tank’ when the Neubauer Fellowship was only an idea. It was an exciting opportunity, to be a part of something created for educators by educators. My experiences as a Fellow has been unparalleled as I grow as a leader. The ability to meet and learn from national education, business, and government leaders is nothing you will experience anywhere else. The cohort relationships are a natural benefit as you interact with educational leaders of public, charter, and faith-based school sectors.”

Lisa served as principal of Philadelphia High School for Girls (Girl’s High) from 2019 to 2023. Prior to this role, Lisa served as Director of the New Principals’ Academy at the School District of Philadelphia, transitioning novice leaders into their new roles as School District of Philadelphia principals through two years of ongoing coaching and professional development.

Previously, Lisa was the principal of Alternative Middle Years (AMY) at James Martin from 2013 – 2016. Under her leadership, AMY at James Martin moved from the 12th to the 3rd ranked middle school overall in one year according to the School District of Philadelphia’s School Progress Report. Additional highlights from her leadership at AMY at James Martin include increasing the school’s “Overall” score by 19%, increasing the “Progress” score by 35%, and receiving the 2015-16 “Peer Leader” award (out of 14 schools). Prior to becoming principal at AMY at James Martin, Lisa was principal at Sheridan West Academy (2011 – 2013) where she led the school to a 9% increase in both Math and English Language Arts PSSA achievement scores.

Lisa has been an educator since 1996. Prior to becoming a principal, Lisa served as Assistant Principal, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT) representative, student-teacher mentor, leadership/safety/distributed leadership team member, and middle school literacy teacher. Lisa grew up in South Philadelphia and attended Saint Maria Goretti High School.

Fellow Listing