East Orange, NJ – Pride Academy Charter School is proud to celebrate the leaders and educators who continue to uplift its mission and vision of academic excellence, character development, and community partnership. Ranked among the Top 10 schools in New Jersey for academic growth for two consecutive years, Pride Academy attributes its success to the dedication of its leadership team, faculty, and staff who work tirelessly to ensure students reach their fullest potential.
Founder Rose Mary Dumenigo, Vice Principal of Parent Engagement and Community Affairs, is currently one of the leadership team members. Ms. Dumenigo plays a vital role in the daily operations of the school. As both the School Safety Officer and a strong advocate for family and community partnerships, she exemplifies the spirit of “it takes a village.” Her leadership fosters a microcosm of collaboration among home, school, and community, ensuring families are supported while students thrive academically and socially. Evidenced by this year’s Back to School Bash event held on Saturday, August 23rd, Ms. Dumenigo successfully organized this year’s Back to School Bash which provided free school supplies for all new students, free Barber and Hair Braiding Services and free ice cream and refreshments for all participants. In partnership with The Life Christian Church, Imani Baptist Church and the 365 Foundation and Divine Beauty & Barber Academy, students in grades 5 to 8 were treated to an afternoon of pampering in preparation for a new school year.
Her work in developing this year’s theme, Words Matter, embodies the dual focus on literacy and character education, helping students recognize that the power of language shapes both their academic achievement and personal growth. Ms. Dumenigo considers being the first person in her family to graduate from college as her greatest achievement. A daughter of Cuban exiles, she graduated from William Paterson College with a Bachelor’s in History before joining AmeriCorps, the National Service Program. She later returned to Newark, where she taught language arts, Spanish, and social studies to middle and high school students for 13 years. Alongside a talented group of urban educators, she co-founded Pride Academy Charter School and continues to serve as Vice Principal. Her passion is creating opportunities for community service, leadership, and empowerment.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow alongside our Pride scholars and families. They make me a better person every single day,” said Ms. Dumenigo.
Working alongside her in advancing this year’s theme, Words Matter, Mrs. Jodi Wilson, Dean of Academics, is a driving force in bringing consistent instructional excellence to Pride Academy. Her leadership has been central to sustaining and expanding the school’s academic progress. Mrs. Wilson’s focus on rigor, alignment, and excellence in teaching and learning continues to drive results across all subject areas. She has been especially impactful in enhancing the pedagogy of teachers and staff, supporting at-risk students, and leading projects that reflect Pride Academy’s mission of nurturing both academic success and character growth.
As a distinguished urban educator, Mrs. Wilson began her journey as a teacher in 2001, guided by the founding belief that “education is liberation” and the African proverb, each one, teach one. Through the nationally acclaimed AmeriCorps program and EPICS (Educational Partners in Catholic Schools) at Seton Hall University, she taught science in Paterson, NJ, before earning her Master’s Degree in Education. She continued teaching science in Newark at Link Community School and Lady Liberty Academy Charter School. In 2008, she and a group of like-minded educators co-founded Pride Academy Charter School, rooted in the core values of peace, respect, integrity, determination, and empathy. Today, Mrs. Wilson continues to lead with vision and is currently pursuing her doctoral studies at Kean University.
Also contributing to the leadership fabric is Mrs. Amanda Quinn, 7th Grade English Language Arts Teacher and member of the Leadership Team. Mrs. Quinn brings strong leadership and collegiality in support of staff and students across multiple grades. She began her teaching career in Newark through the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and, over the course of a 14-year career, has served as a 5th, 7th, and 8th grade ELA teacher, Director of Curriculum, Coordinator of Professional Development, and Coordinator of Outdoor Education. A graduate of St. Joseph’s University, she was inducted into the Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society and the Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit Honor Society, and is a recipient of the Clinton Presidential National Service Award. She is excited to continue supporting Pride’s family of students, parents, and teachers with energy and dedication.
The school also honors the lasting legacy of Mrs. Fiona Thomas, Founder and long-standing Principal, who retired in 2024 after years of transformational leadership. Mrs. Thomas successfully guided Pride Academy to stellar levels of academic achievement and continues to support students through the Nurtured Heart Approach, a positive discipline communication system. This framework empowers students to channel challenges into positive self-esteem outcomes, reinforcing the school’s commitment to whole-child development.
Mrs. Thomas has dedicated more than 25 years of service as a teacher and leader in the field of urban education. She feels privileged to have worked with an outstanding group of educational leaders who share a vision of education grounded in social justice, academic achievement, leadership, service, and the practice of core values. She continues to value opportunities to invest in building a learning community that places unconditional belief in children’s ability to become critical thinkers, confident problem solvers, creative innovators, and ethical citizens prepared to be leaders in the world.
Looking Forward with Pride
Standing by the mission!
Interim CSA/Principal Dr. Charlene F. Jones expressed gratitude for the Founding Leadership team and their unwavering commitment to the school’s mission:
“Pride Academy’s growth and achievements are the result of the dedication and passion of our entire community — from our leadership team to our teachers, families, and students. Together, we are building a culture of excellence, empathy, and empowerment,” said Dr. Jones.
She added:
“Our mission and vision remain clear: to prepare students not only for academic success, but also to become thoughtful, resilient, and compassionate individuals. With Founders like Ms. Dumenigo, Mrs. Wilson, Mrs. Quinn, and the continued influence of Mrs. Thomas, Pride Academy is well-positioned to keep thriving and making a difference in the lives of our students and community.” We are truly grateful for the foundation they have laid and continue to enthusiastically support on a daily basis. P.R.I.D.E’s core values of Peace, Respect, Integrity, Determination, and Empathy, will live on through the next generation of students and staff who hold each other accountable, stay committed, and work as a team!