Jacquelyn Lemon’s career began nearly two decades ago as a high school principal in Chicago, where her partnership with Umoja Student Development Corporation, NewRoot Learning Institute’s predecessor, demonstrated the power of restorative practices. These efforts reduced arrests, suspensions, and expulsions while increasing attendance and post-secondary readiness. Joining NewRoot Learning Institute as chief executive officer in 2022 felt like a return home for Lemon, offering her the opportunity to scale these early lessons into systemic change.
Recently retired as chief executive officer, Lemon said she believes a leader must fully embody the values they champion. “Successful leaders practice curiosity by remaining open to new possibilities, centering relationships to build sincere, joyful, and human-centered connections, and embracing radical love through justice and compassion in all my actions,” she said. “By aligning my actions and mindset with these values, I stay grounded in purpose, and this alignment fuels my commitment and keeps my passion alive.”
Founded in 1998, NewRoot Learning Institute fosters restorative practices and social-emotional learning (SEL) in schools, ensuring students thrive in safe and supportive environments. Over her three-year tenure, Lemon guided the organization through extraordinary growth, increasing its annual impact from 10,000 to over 100,000 students across Chicagoland.
Under Lemon’s leadership, the nonprofit organization crystallized its theory of action, focusing on scaling restorative practices and SEL to address equity challenges in education. This strategy reduced suspension and expulsion rates, improved attendance, and fostered healthier school communities. In response to pandemic-era challenges, Lemon reimagined NewRoot’s coaching and training models, ensuring programs remained relevant and accessible while strengthening the organization’s financial sustainability.
At NewRoot’s 25th anniversary gala, Lemon introduced the bold “20 in 5” campaign, aiming to train 20,000 restorative practitioners and double the organization’s reach within five years. She has also spearheaded programs like Contigo, designed to support immigrant students and families.
During her time at NewRoot Learning Institute, Lemon cultivated an organizational culture prioritizing continuous learning, equity and staff well-being.
“If a titan can be defined as someone who demonstrates and inspires exceptional leadership, vision and passion, then Jackie embodies that definition fully,” said her staff.
Her efforts have been recognized in outlets such as Chalkbeat and the Chicago Sun-Times, and her leadership contributed to groundbreaking reductions in suspension rates, particularly benefiting Black male students.
Reflecting on her journey, Lemon highlights the profound influence of restorative practices in shaping equitable school environments while staying true to yourself. “Being authentic allows me to connect with others on a deeper level, while humor brings lightness and joy to work, making challenging moments more manageable,” she said.