Leaders who inspire: ASU Prep’s 2025 Manager of the Year finalists

At ASU Prep Digital, leadership means more than managing a team—it means opening doors, breaking down barriers and helping students and families reach opportunities they may have never imagined. Anabel Fernandez, Assistant Director of Recruitment and Admissions for ASU Preparatory Academy, embodies this vision. For more than seven years, she has guided families through the admissions process, connecting students to programs that prepare them for college and beyond.

Anabel’s own journey informs the way she leads. A first-generation college student and ASU graduate, she understands firsthand the power of access. 

“Leadership here means believing in people, creating an environment of support and inspiring both students and staff to reach beyond what they thought possible.” 

Her parents’ lessons on hard work, service and kindness—and her desire to set an example for her children—shape how she shows up for her team every day.

This year, Anabel focused on building stronger connections with families and expanding opportunities for underrepresented students. She led the creation of a dedicated recruitment and outreach team, ensuring every family receives intentional, personalized guidance. 

“Reimagining campus day tours and launching the Sparky Ambassadors program were some of the most rewarding initiatives,” she said. “Students now lead tours, share their experiences and mentor prospective families—helping them see themselves as part of the Prep community.”

Her leadership extends beyond operations. Anabel cultivates a positive, high-performing culture by celebrating wins, setting clear goals and sharing her own story to build trust. 

“Being open about my mistakes shows my team that growth comes from learning every day,” Anabel said. 

Under her guidance, team members have stepped into new roles, taken on ambitious projects and discovered their own leadership voices.

Anabel sees ASU Prep’s mission-driven culture and dedication to the ASU charter as what truly sets it apart. 

“We are measured not by whom we exclude, but by whom we include and how they succeed,” she says. 

That principle drives her work and her vision for the future: expanding programs that prepare students for college and careers, removing barriers to enrollment and connecting more students to opportunities that can transform their lives.

Being recognized as a Manager of the Year finalist is a shared honor. 

“This recognition isn’t just mine—it belongs to my team, who do the work day after day. Personally, it represents the journey from being the first in my family to graduate college to helping others achieve the same,” Anabel says.

For emerging leaders, her advice is simple: “Lead with empathy. See your team as people first, celebrate their strengths, remove barriers and provide the resources they need to thrive. When people feel genuinely seen and valued, they can give their best.”

Through her leadership, Anabel Fernandez demonstrates that impact is measured not just in numbers, but in lives transformed, students empowered, families supported and a team inspired to reach higher.

For the past five years, Dr. Patrick Gibbs has served as principal of ASU Prep South Phoenix, where his leadership has been grounded in both innovation and community. 

“What inspired me to join ASU Prep was the opportunity to try new ideas in education—things I had wanted to do in my [former] district but didn’t have the freedom to implement,” he said. 

That sense of possibility, paired with a deep commitment to students and families, has shaped his vision for the school.

For Patrick, being an educator goes far beyond academics. 

“It’s about academic success, but also making sure we’re focusing on the social and economic aspects of the entire community,” he says. 

His leadership philosophy is rooted in creating opportunities that many students, based on background, may not have had before. 

“When I was in school, I didn’t always see those opportunities,” Patrick said. “Being able to provide that experience here—it makes a huge difference.”

Under his leadership, ASU Prep South Phoenix has seen remarkable achievements. Last year, 93% of graduating seniors were admitted to college. 

“I hope that families are proud of their students pursuing higher education and making an impact in their communities,” Patrick says. 

He is especially proud of the individual stories behind those numbers: students who once struggled academically or linguistically are now thriving. 

“We had 100% of our 9th graders pass their first college class. It’s a testament to our students and our staff, who didn’t stop believing in what was possible.”

Patrick emphasizes that success isn’t just about test scores, but about confidence. 

“Every narrative, every project, I see students gaining more confidence. That’s what excites me,” he said. 

His students are preparing for success in college while also discovering their voice and using it to shape their community. A recent example: a campus-wide community makeover project designed and led by students. 

“It’s really powerful for them to see their ideas live out in the community and know they had a hand in creating change.”

“I’m inspired by my students and families. I have a promise to them—and as an educator, I work every day to deliver on it.” 

That promise drives him to balance innovation with support, ensuring students have access to rigorous academics and meaningful, real-world learning.

Looking ahead, Patrick is excited about continuing to dream big with his staff and school community. 

“Our leadership always challenges us to think outside the box and set ambitious goals. It can be a little scary, but that’s what drives innovation,” he says. “We’re committed to being disruptive in a positive way—so our students have a better school experience and better academic opportunities.”

For Patrick, being named a Manager of the Year finalist is less about personal recognition and more about honoring the entire South Phoenix community.

“It reflects the hard work of our teachers, our leaders and our students. There are days that are really hard, but recognition like this reminds me that the work is being seen—and that it matters.”

In education, some leaders don’t just teach—they transform programs, empower teams and help students take ownership of their learning. Jessica Jaeger, Director of Khan World School @ ASU Prep (KWS), is one such leader. Since joining in June 2022, she has guided her team of teachers, directed admissions and curriculum and continued teaching middle school classes—building a program that challenges traditional education and redefines student success.

“ASU Prep is full of leaders—some have titles, others lead in their classrooms. For me, leadership is about finding and developing potential.”  

She says her focus as a leader is on empowering her team, removing barriers and creating space for educators to thrive.

Her journey to ASU Prep started with a nudge from her husband, Jim, a fellow teacher. 

“He thought the program would fit my educational philosophy and teaching style. In other words, it’s all his fault!” she jokes.

What drew her in was the chance to build something new and innovative, grounded in self-paced, mastery-based learning.

Since launching KWS, Jessica and her team have grown the program into a model that challenges educational norms. 

“Every accomplishment I’ve had here is the result of a team effort. We’ve implemented a self-paced, mastery-based curriculum that has helped influence policy across all of Prep.” 

She involves her team in decisions and protocol development, allowing educators to exercise autonomy and contribute their expertise.

The mastery-based approach has had a tangible impact on students. It allows them to accelerate in subjects they excel in and take extra time where needed, while student-designed projects foster ownership and engagement. 

“Mastery learning has changed how students approach their education, giving them space to grow at their own pace while instilling ownership of their learning,” Jessica said.

Jessica also prioritizes professional growth for her team. Over the past three years, staff have participated in Mastery Teacher tracks, PLA programs, advanced degrees, conferences and cross-department collaborations. 

“I try to stay behind the scenes and remove barriers so my amazing team can do the work of serving students and their families,” she says. Her support often begins with a simple question: “How can I support you?”

What sets ASU Prep apart, she believes, is a culture of innovation and respect for both students and staff. 

“Prep isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo if research supports a change that will benefit students. They work hard to honor each individual and grow their gifts while also providing opportunities for staff to grow professionally.”

Looking ahead, Jessica is excited for the potential growth of KWS and ASU Prep.

“Could there be a Digital+ program for middle school? Could KWS have a non-honors track? Could other classes adopt some of our KWS qualities? The possibilities—and partnerships—are endless,” she said.

Being named a Manager of the Year finalist is a recognition she shares with her team. 

“I am humbled, but I’m just doing my job. I would not be a finalist if it weren’t for my team. We’ve had an amazing opportunity to build something new, and I try not to take that for granted.”

Her advice to emerging leaders is simple: “Find your core values and honor them. See each member of your team, nurture their humanity and create spaces with a ‘fail forward’ approach. Even if something doesn’t go as planned, there’s always something new to learn and a way to move forward.”

From shaping curriculum and policy to fostering a high-performing, supportive team and empowering students, Jessica Jaeger exemplifies leadership that is collaborative, innovative and deeply student-centered.

Their leadership reflects the very best of ASU Prep: a commitment to innovation, a deep belief in the potential of every student and an unshakable dedication to community.

To Jessica, Anabel and Patrick—congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. Your vision, your courage and your relentless pursuit of student success transform challenges into opportunities and set the standard for what great leadership should look like.