From Boston to East San Jose, Shara Hegde shares her journey from Ivy League graduate to CEO of Alpha Public Schools and what it takes to lead charter schools through political and organizational complexity. Raised between the United States and India, Shara reflects on how her immigrant family background shaped her commitment to education equity and first-generation college access.
After pivoting from plans for law school to Teach For America, Shara discovered her calling in the classroom. A fellowship with Building Excellent Schools led her to found Cornerstone Academy, which later became part of Alpha Public Schools. In this episode, she walks through the realities of building a high-performing charter network, including a 3β2 charter renewal vote and the growing political tensions surrounding school choice in California.
Shara discusses school board politics, AB 1505, and the importance of pairing strong academic outcomes with strategic advocacy. She explains how Alpha Public Schools supports East San Jose families beyond academics through community partnerships, parent leadership, and long-term college and career pathways.
The conversation also explores leadership growth. Shara reflects on learning from failure, balancing operational focus with long-term vision, and navigating leadership as a woman of color while raising a family. Her insights offer practical perspective for education leaders, charter school operators, and anyone working at the intersection of policy, equity, and student success.
This episode provides an honest look at charter school leadership in California and the responsibility of staying student-centered while navigating change.
Chapters:
01:04 π San Joseβs Energy and the Challenges Facing East San Jose Families
02:48 π From Boston and India to a Career in Education
07:34 π« Teach For America to Charter Founder: The Fellowship Journey
12:54 π Building Alphaβs Kβ12 Network and the Charter Renewal Vote
22:19 π³οΈ School Board Politics and What It Means for Students
23:48 πͺ Parent Advocacy and Building Regional Leadership
27:11 βοΈ AB 1505 and the Realities of Charter Implementation
29:31 πΈ Leading as a Woman of Color While Balancing Leadership and Family
37:36 π CEO Habits, Failure, and Lessons from Leadership
Check out Shara Hegdeβs work at Alpha Public Schools, follow her leadership in the charter education space, and explore her strategies for empowering students, families, and communities.
Stay strong.
Episode 17