Leadership

Ian Rowe is the CEO and cofounder of Vertex Partnership Academies, a virtues-based International Baccalaureate high school inaugurated in the Bronx in 2022. He is also a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where he focuses on education and upward mobility, family formation, and adoption. the chairman of the board of Spence-Chapin, a nonprofit adoption services organization; and the cofounder of the National Summer School Initiative. He concurrently serves as a senior visiting fellow at the Woodson Center and a writer for the 1776 Unites Campaign.

Mr. Rowe was CEO of Public Prep, a nonprofit network of public charter schools based in the South Bronx and Lower East Side of Manhattan, for a decade. Before joining Public Prep, he was deputy director of postsecondary success at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, senior vice president of strategic partnerships and public affairs at MTV, director of strategy and performance measurement at the USA Freedom Corps office in the White House, and cofounder and president of Third Millennium Media. Mr. Rowe also joined Teach for America in its early days.

He has been widely published in the popular press, including in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Post, Newsweek, and the Washington Examiner, and is often interviewed on talk radio programs.

Following the publication of his book Agency: The Four Point Plan (F.R.E.E.) for All Children to Overcome the Victimhood Narrative and Discover Their Pathway to Power (Templeton Press, 2022), Mr. Rowe leads AEI’s FREE Initiative. The FREE Initiative cultivates a deeper understanding of how family, religion, education, and entrepreneurship weave together a moral fabric that shapes children. Those insights have been shared with leaders around the country who can reinvigorate the crucial institutions that help develop agency in young people.

Mr. Rowe has an MBA from Harvard Business School, where he was the first black editor-in-chief of the Harbus; a BS in computer science engineering from Cornell University; and a diploma in electrical engineering from Brooklyn Technical High School, one of New York City’s elite public schools, which specializes in science, technology, and mathematics.

Brian Giglio is a seasoned educator with nearly two decades of dedicated service in urban public schools. With over a decade of leadership experience under his belt, Giglio has left an indelible mark on the educational landscape. His passion for learning began in a Catholic high school, where a focus on virtue-based philosophy, classical education, and the liberal arts deeply influenced his educational values. He started his career in the classroom, where he passionately taught social studies and English language arts, igniting a love for learning in countless students.

Giglio's leadership journey took root at Green Street Academy in Baltimore City, Maryland, where he served as a Founding Teacher and then the Founding Dean of Students. Under his guidance, the school flourished from its nascent stage with a modest staff of 12 teachers to a thriving institution boasting over 65 staff members and an enrollment of over 850 students. This transformative experience honed Giglio's skills in building strong academic communities and nurturing organizational growth.

His commitment to educational excellence led him to assume various pivotal roles within the Explore Schools Charter Network. As the Academic Director, Principal Resident, and ultimately Principal at Excel Upper, Giglio spearheaded initiatives aimed at empowering both students and educators. Through innovative programs and strategic leadership, he fostered an environment conducive to innovation and academic achievement.

With a rich tapestry of experiences spanning teaching and leadership roles, Brian Giglio continues to exemplify dedication and innovation in education. As the Inaugural Head of School at Vertex Partnership Academies, Giglio's vision, passion and expertise promise to shape the future of education, inspiring generations to come.

Joyanet Mangual is a Founding Principal of Vertex Partnership Academies. Born and raised in Chicago, Joyanet moved to New York to begin her career in education in 2012. She started her work as a Special Education teacher and has taught grades 6-10. In her career, she has served as a founding teacher and leader and has worked in charter schools since 2015. She has a strong passion and love for working with students of all ages and abilities and believes in fostering an academic environment of high expectations and high support. Joyanet has an undergraduate degree in psychology and a master’s degree in education.

Michael Farkosh began his career in public education in 2006 as a high school English teacher in a migrant farming community in Arizona with Teach For America. He’s been a founding teacher and leader at three New York City public schools and has taught grades 5-11. Michael led Girls Prep Bronx Middle School to a Recognition School designation — reserved for schools with achievement and growth in the top 15% in the state — before serving as the Director of Humanities for a network of schools. Immediately prior to joining Vertex, Michael led learning and development for the Brand team, with staff in 27 countries, at Accenture, a professional services consulting firm. He has an undergraduate degree in political science, magna cum laude, and two master’s degrees, in secondary education and urban education leadership. He's conversationally proficient in Spanish, French, and Portuguese.

Patria was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to the United States, driven by her mother's dream of providing a better life and greater opportunities. As a product of both the public education and immigration systems, she understands the challenges and opportunities of adapting to a new culture and pursuing academic success.

Her journey in education began at Bronx Community College, where she pursued a degree in Child Psychology. With a strong education and child development foundation, Patria has dedicated her career to working in the Bronx and Harlem charter schools.

First serving as a founding Family Coordinator, Patria played a crucial role in providing a voice and face for families facing language barriers. Her dedication to bridging communication gaps and supporting diverse communities quickly led to her role as Operations Manager. In this position, she demonstrated her leadership and problem-solving skills by addressing the school's operational needs, ensuring a seamless and supportive environment for students and staff alike. Before joining Vertex, Patria supported a network of 23 schools as the Central Operations Manager, leading procurement, facilities, and translations management. Her efforts ensured that each school had the resources and infrastructure necessary to provide high-quality education.

Currently, Patria serves as the Director of Operations, where she leverages her extensive experience and passion for education to ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of the school. In this role, she is committed to creating an optimal learning environment, supporting teachers and staff, and implementing systems that enhance student achievement and well-being.

Mrs. Rodriguez is passionate about fostering positive and inclusive learning environments where every child can thrive and reach their full potential. She believes in the transformative power of education and is dedicated to inspiring and supporting the next generation.