18-03-2025
Remarkable Women Finalist: Michelle Douglas
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — For the last 35 years Dr. Michelle Douglas has been pouring into the young minds of our future – our kids. Specifically, kids in Orleans Parish where all her time as an educator has been spent.
'All my life I wanted to be a teacher,' said Douglas. 'I was obsessed with things like chalk holders and erasers and grade books.'
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From teacher to assistant principal of Edward Hynes Elementary to the CEO of what is now Hynes Charter Schools, Douglas says 20 years ago is really when her career took off in the most unexpected way.
'Katrina fast-forwarded my career,' explained Douglas. 'After losing our school in Lakeview several of us got together and started putting our school back together on paper.'
Douglas was at the helm, learning as she went working off the drive and passion of bringing education back to Lakeview. She ensured the transition back into the classroom was smooth not just for students, but teachers and staff as well.
In 2006, Hynes was officially chartered.
'There were so many horrible things that happened as a result of Hurricane Katrina. There were some bright spots that came out of it, and one of them was the rebuilding of our public school system,' Douglas said.
Now Hynes Charter School Corporation operates three locations serving a total of 1,800 students. One past student is Queen Tahj.
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'One of the most prominent local alums today is Queen Tahj. She and her sister and her brother also entered Hynes. Just a wonderful family and just to watch what she has been able to do and the opportunity that she has had the loving family and support around her has been so fun to see,' said Douglas.
For every Queen Tahj, there are several other students who have achieved great accomplishments.
'The feeling I get when I'm in a classroom is pure joy because when you can watch a child or group of kids matriculate into young adults about to enter high school, it's a really wonderful thing,' Douglas said.
A big part of their life spent inside the Hynes walls is a time Dr. Douglas gets to see and be a part of firsthand.
'They know that I care, they know that their leaders care and it's just such joy to see budding adults.'
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