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Nadia Lopez

2015 Speaker

NADIA LOPEZ is an educator pioneering a path of inspired leadership. As the founding principal of Mott Hall Bridges Academy, a New York City Public School, Lopez became internationally known after the popular blog, Humans of New York (HONY), featured one of her students. This student told HONY founder, Brandon Stanton, that the greatest influence on his life was his Principal, Lopez. Her story became a viral sensation as millions of people around the world became impressed with the positive learning environment, high expectations and growing success rate at a school right in the middle of one of the most under-served communities in America. The success story was shared through numerous media outlets and resulted in guest appearances on “The Ellen Show,” visiting President Barack Obama at the Whitehouse and receiving the Medal of Distinction from Barnard College. Lopez was also honored alongside First Lady Michelle Obama with the Change Agent Award at the Black Girls Rock show hosted on BET Networks. Lopez continues to impact the lives of children through her “She Is Me” and “I Matter” initiatives. She continues to influence and inspire the world through her company The Lopez Effect, which offers a blueprint for personal and organizational success. @thelopezeffect