About | FORWARD GIRLS LEADERSHIP

What Sets Us Apart

Why FORWARD Girls Leadership Academy?

In today’s rapidly evolving world, empowering young women to become confident leaders is more crucial than ever. FORWARD Girls Leadership Academy stands at the forefront of this mission, offering a transformative educational experience specifically designed for girls. Our academy is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of female leaders by providing a supportive, inclusive, and dynamic environment where students can thrive academically and personally.

At FORWARD, we believe that every girl has the potential to make a significant impact in her community and beyond. Our innovative curriculum emphasizes not only academic excellence but also the development of essential leadership skills, critical thinking, and resilience. With a diverse array of extracurricular activities, mentorship opportunities, and community engagement initiatives, we empower our students to discover their passions, voice their ideas, and pursue their ambitions fearlessly.

Choosing FORWARD Girls Leadership Academy means investing in an education that prioritizes empowerment, collaboration, and growth. We are committed to equipping our students with the tools they need to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in their future endeavors. Join us in fostering a generation of strong, capable young women who are ready to lead with purpose and vision.

Meet Our Founder

Dr. Luciana Gilmore will play a pivotal role as the founding member of the proposed FORWARD Girls Leadership Academy, an all-girls high school in Cleveland, Ohio. With a robust education background spanning over twenty years, Dr. Gilmore has more than 12 years of leadership experience in various academic and operational capacities.

Her leadership journey began at Alfred Benesch K-8 in Cleveland, where she first served as the assistant principal before ascending to the role of building principal. She implemented programs to enhance student engagement and academic performance, establishing effective communication channels with parents and the community to support student success. Following her impactful work at Alfred Benesch, Dr. Gilmore continued her career at John Adams High School, where she served as principal. Furthermore, she was the founding principal of the John Adams College and Career Academy, a role in which she was instrumental in designing the school's curriculum and establishing its educational vision.

Dr. Gilmore's educational background is extensive. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Public Relations from the University of Akron. She obtained two Master’s degrees—one in Curriculum and Instruction and another in Organizational Leadership—from Cleveland State University. To further her expertise in leadership, she successfully completed her Ph.D. in Ethical Leadership from St. Thomas University, underscoring her commitment to ethical practices and transformative leadership in education.

Opening up an all-girl has been a dream that has been long realized. Dr. Gilmore understands the value of education, single-gender education, and the importance of equipping our girls with the tools necessary to become successful women. Dr. Gilmore has been dedicated to developing a school that allows girls to access the educational environments they deserve.

Our Board of Directors

At FORWARD Girls Leadership Academy, we take pride in our dedicated Board of Directors, a group of individuals who are deeply committed to enhancing the educational journeys of our girls. Their relentless advocacy and strategic oversight enable us to deliver a comprehensive educational program that is thoughtfully designed to cater to the unique needs and strengths of every girl in our learning community. This ensures that each student not only receives a quality education but also cultivates the skills and confidence needed to excel in all areas of life.

Allow us to introduce the distinguished members of our Board…