Congratulations to the Oakland Promise on its New Chief Executive Officer Sandra Ernst

OUSD Superintendent • about 7 hours ago • Monday, May 9 at 6:35 PM • Oakland Unified School District, + OUSD Community +, Media Contacts Monday, May 9, 2022

Dear Oakland Unified Community,

Collaborative partnerships with community organizations have always been an essential part of our work to provide students with the academic and emotional support they need to thrive. The Oakland Promise (OP) is one such organization that has been integral in helping us to fulfill our vision that all of our students are prepared for college, career and community success. Thanks to OP, children receive financial resources, educational programming, mentorship, and a supportive community to help them succeed from birth through the 12th grade, and on to college and career.

The Oakland Promise is embarking on a new chapter as the Board recently selected Sandra Ernst to be the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Ms. Ernst is an experienced leader, an OP veteran, a passionate advocate and deeply committed to causes of equity. We welcome and congratulate Ms. Ernst on the new role and look forward to many more years of close partnership in support of our students and families. Please read an excerpted statement from Sandra Ernst here:

At this moment, I am filled with gratitude and humbled by the opportunity to serve as Oakland Promise CEO. As a 15-year-old immigrant from Haiti, I could not imagine that one day I would be in the position to lead an organization I so needed in my youth. I did not get here on my own. I found that support from the help of a mentor that it took me more than 25 years to recognize as having influenced my life trajectory. I see the journey that led me to this moment as a testament to the power of the work you do every day for the Oakland community.

As I transition into the CEO role, we will build on the momentum and legacy that our team has created so far, and I ask for your continued support of the Promise. I firmly believe that all of our staff members are strongly aligned with OP’s mission. As we move into the organization’s next phase, we will continue in our commitment of the Promise of Oakland Promise. I believe in the power of the collective – the power of us.

I am honored for the opportunity to lead Oakland Promise and look forward to advancing our capabilities to serve our young people and their families in Oakland with equity and effectiveness.  I also look forward to working with you — our partners, supporters, and volunteers from our entire community to open up more educational and career opportunities for our youth for generations to come.

Again, congratulations to Ms. Ernst and the Oakland Promise!

In community,
Dr. Kyla Johnson-Trammell
Superintendent