Joins an accomplished network of leaders making a difference in our nation; will learn from the presidential leadership of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson.

NEW YORK – TNTP CEO Dr. Tequilla Brownie has been named one of 60 Scholars who will form the Presidential Leadership Scholars’ (PLS) 11th annual class. Over the past decade, PLS has brought together nearly 600 established, purpose-driven leaders to collaborate and make a difference in the world as they learn about leadership through the lens of the presidential experiences of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson.

The class was selected after a rigorous application and review process. Scholars were chosen based on their leadership growth potential and the strength of their personal leadership projects aimed at addressing a critical challenge or need in a community, profession, or organization.

As the CEO of TNTP, Dr. Brownie leads the organization’s efforts to ensure that all young people are future-ready and prepared for meaningful work and a meaningful life. As one of the pre-eminent national education non-profits in the country, TNTP’s 550 staff support a broad client portfolio across 39 states and territories.

Dr. Brownie’s personal journey from a childhood spent in deep rural poverty to Yale to CEO of TNTP gives her a unique and timely perspective on the complexity of the public systems that undergird our economy. A trusted thought leader, Dr. Brownie has appeared in such major publications as The New York Times, The Washington Post, and USA TODAY, as well as on CNN. She has spoken on prominent national stages, including at the ASU+GSV Summit, to the National Governors Association, and as a TED Talk presenter who was recognized as a TEDx Editor’s Pick of 2024.

“I’m honored to join this distinguished cohort of leaders as we learn from the presidential leadership of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson,” said Dr. Brownie. “Each of these presidents demonstrated what it means to lead in service of the American people through times of profound challenge and change. I’m eager to draw from their examples, alongside my peers, as I continue the critical work of ensuring our public systems deliver on the promise of opportunity for every young person. This is the work of American leadership at its best: bringing cross-sector leaders together to build a future where all of our nation’s children can thrive.”

Over the course of the program, Scholars will travel to each participating presidential center to learn from former presidents, key former administration officials, business and civic leaders, and leading academics. They will study and put into practice varying approaches to leadership and exchange ideas to help strengthen their impact.

Scholars have consistently reported remarkable growth in skills, responsibilities, and opportunities for impact since the program began in 2015. For example, 93% of Scholars state they have a strong sense of purpose as a leader, and 100% of Scholars state they are inspired to accomplish and achieve more after completing the program.

The 2026 program will begin on Jan. 21 in Washington, D.C. 

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About Presidential Leadership Scholars  

The Presidential Leadership Scholars program is a partnership among the presidential centers of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Lyndon B. Johnson. To learn more, visit www.presidentialleadershipscholars.org. For updates about the Presidential Leadership Scholars, use #PLScholars and follow @PLSprogram on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.  

About TNTP 

As a leading national education nonprofit, TNTP works side by side with educators, system leaders, and communities to reach ambitious goals for student success. Our vision pushes beyond school walls, catalyzing cross-sector collaboration to create pathways for young people to achieve academic, economic, and social mobility. To learn more about TNTP’s work, follow us on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.