Melissa Kaplan
She/Her/Hers
Executive Director
Melissa Kaplan is a passionate and energetic leader who is deeply committed to designing systems that are intentional about closing the educational opportunity gap. Her experience as a first generation college student and atypical learner is central to her asset based approach to leading and empowering teams.
Prior to joining Citizens of the World Los Angeles as Executive Director in 2023, Melissa spent a decade as Deputy Superintendent of Bright Star Schools–a K-12 Los Angeles Charter Management Organization. She was responsible for the coaching and development of school site and network leaders, the alignment between the organization’s core values and daily practice, and leading the teams responsible for all school facing functions.
Prior to her role at Bright Star Schools, Melissa was Chief Academic Officer at ICEF Public Schools and has served in a variety of leadership and instructional roles including district and site administration, instructional coaching and literacy development, and classroom teacher. She has spent the past 20+ years focused on charter networks in Los Angeles, while also working extensively as a consultant and executive coach assisting districts and charter networks in taking successful programs and practices to scale.
She is passionate about leadership development, restorative practice, change management, and creating inclusive school and organizational culture. She holds a bachelor’s degree from DeSales University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from UCLA. She lives in the San Fernando Valley with her family, where her children attend their local public schools.
