Linda Cliatt-Wayman

Linda Cliatt-Wayman is an inspiring educator, leader, and advocate for inner-city youth. She gained national recognition for her work as a principal in the Philadelphia public school system, where she turned around some of the city's most troubled and violent high schools.

Linda grew up in poverty in North Philadelphia and was determined to make a difference in the lives of students who faced similar challenges. She pursued a career in education, eventually becoming a teacher and later moving into leadership roles within the district.

As a principal, Wayman led Strawberry Mansion High School, one of the most dangerous schools in the country, where she transformed the culture by focusing on love, discipline, and accountability. Her efforts led to significant improvements in both the academic and behavioral performance of the students, and her work was featured in numerous media outlets, including ABC's World News Tonight and Nightline.

Wayman’s leadership philosophy centers around a deep commitment to her students and a belief that all children can learn and succeed when given the right support and environment. Her mantra, "So what, now what?" became famous for its focus on pushing through obstacles and continuously striving for progress, regardless of challenges.

In addition to her work in schools, Linda Cliatt-Wayman is also a speaker and author, sharing her experiences and insights on education reform, leadership, and the importance of equity in education. Her TED Talk, "How to Fix a Broken School? Lead Fearlessly, Love Hard," has been viewed millions of times and continues to inspire educators and leaders around the world.

After retiring from her role as a principal, Linda has remained active in education advocacy and consulting, continuing to fight for systemic change and support for students in underserved communities.