Influential Women spotlights Fayth Jenkins on school leadership and equity

Influential Women has highlighted Fayth Jenkins, the head of school at Innovation Academy SRQ in Sarasota, Florida, for her work expanding student learning, community partnerships, and equitable access. The profile points to more than 20 years of education experience, a 2024 leadership award, and a focus on whole-child development and innovation.

Why it matters: - Fayth Jenkins leads a Sarasota school with a focus on innovation, equity, and whole-child development. - Her work centers on students who have historically had fewer opportunities, which makes access, support, and community partnerships a core part of her leadership. - The profile also reflects a broader leadership gap in education, especially for women and women of color.

What happened: - Influential Women published a profile on Fayth Jenkins, the Head of School at Innovation Academy SRQ in Sarasota, Florida. - Jenkins has more than 20 years of experience in education. - Her career has included roles as a classroom teacher, project-based learning coordinator, dean of students, elementary school principal, and head of school. - The profile says Jenkins began her education career in early childhood settings and worked across elementary and middle school environments, including K–8 charter schools.

The details: - Jenkins oversees daily operations at Innovation Academy SRQ, including staffing, compliance, safety, instructional support, and strategic planning. - She focuses on strengthening ties between the school and the surrounding community. - Her leadership emphasizes project-based learning, student voice, and whole-child development. - Innovation Academy SRQ has expanded its focus on health and wellness, the arts, and creative learning environments under Jenkins’ leadership. - Jenkins has supported outdoor and experiential learning spaces that connect classroom content with real-world experiences. - She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida. - She also holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University Nebraska. - Jenkins serves on the boards of AMIkids, the National Math Foundation, and Suncoast Women of Action. - Her leadership experience includes participation in Leadership Florida and the Chancellor’s Leadership Academy with the Florida Department of Education. - In 2024, the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools named her a Champion Charter School Leader. - Jenkins is profiled through her Influential Women page.

Between the lines: - Jenkins frames leadership as a collaborative role, not a solo one. - She said early career setbacks taught her to learn from failure, seek mentorship, and adapt. - A principal’s advice that she “cannot exist on an island” appears to have shaped her approach to teamwork and stakeholder engagement. - Her comments suggest she sees school improvement as tied to relationships with teachers, families, community members, and other partners. - She also sees underrepresentation of women, especially women of color, as a real barrier to educational leadership.

What’s next: - Jenkins plans to keep building partnerships that expand student opportunities and support underserved families. - She is especially focused on strengthening math education pathways and visibility. - Her public message points to continued advocacy for leadership development, community engagement, and student-centered innovation.

The bottom line: - Fayth Jenkins is positioning school leadership as a mix of academic rigor, equity, and community connection, with Innovation Academy SRQ as the vehicle for that approach.