Brianna Newton

Brianna joined the GreenLight team in July 2026 as the Atlanta Site Manager.

Most recently, she worked with Inner Explorer, a GreenLight national portfolio organization, where she helped expand partnerships and advance strategies to bring evidence-based mindfulness and well-being practices to more schools and communities. Brianna is an educator, researcher, published author, and policy strategist whose career has focused on advancing equity through education, public policy, philanthropy, and civic innovation. She has led mixed-methods research, facilitated cross-sector partnerships, designed community-centered strategies, and advised nonprofit, government, and education leaders on initiatives that improve outcomes for children and families.

She believes lasting systems change happens when nonprofits, philanthropy, government, and community members work together to create equitable opportunities for all. Throughout her career, she has been driven by a passion for translating research into action and helping organizations build solutions that are both innovative and sustainable.

Originally from Florida, Brianna earned her Bachelor of Arts in Media, Journalism, and Film from Howard University, her Master of Science in Early Childhood Education from Mercer University, and her Doctor of Education in Education Policy and Leadership from American University. Her scholarship and publications center on advancing equitable outcomes for children and communities through education, public policy, research, and systems change

Outside of work, Brianna enjoys exploring local coffee shops with her husband and their dogs, staying active through exercise, and participating in local road races.