Lindsay Malanga

Lindsay Malanga is a seasoned educator in New York City with over 20 years of experience in public education. She is currently the Executive Director of the Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health and Science Charter School, where she focuses on improving academics, strengthening school systems, and supporting students in the South Bronx. Her professional journey began in New Jersey, her home state, as a HEAD START teacher. In 2001, she transitioned to a teaching role in Brooklyn at a school undergoing state intervention. That experience exposed her to the challenges facing underserved communities and motivated her to pursue leadership roles. She later earned a master’s degree in School Leadership from Harvard University in 2004. Throughout her career, she has held a wide range of roles in New York City’s charter schools, including classroom teacher, Dean, Director, and Superintendent. In 2011, she led the turnaround of a Harlem-based school that had been performing near the bottom of the city's schools. Under her leadership, the school experienced rapid improvement in performance metrics, serving 270 students with a dedicated team of 40 staff members. In 2021, she became Executive Director of a charter school network serving nearly 1,000 students, including a sizable population with special needs. She oversaw a $32 million budget and was responsible for instructional quality, operational efficiency, and overall organizational leadership. Lindsay was the first in her family to attend college. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from New York University and received the Founder’s Day Award, an honor given to top academic achievers. Her educational path continues to shape the way she approaches school leadership and student support. Now at the helm of the Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health and Science Charter School, Lindsay Malanga remains focused on building an inclusive school environment and improving student outcomes. She lives in East Harlem and is the proud mother of two teenage sons. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys poetry, storytelling, and improv, which provide balance and creative expression alongside her work in education.