“I believe God put me here for a reason,” says Elizabeth Jenkins, incoming principal of Our Lady of the Assumption School. Born in Miami to Cuban parents, Jenkins grew up speaking both English and Spanish in her multicultural home and now leads a diverse and growing school. (Brian Segovia) CHARLOTTE — “The best of both worlds” is the expression Elizabeth Jenkins, the incoming principal of Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School, uses to describe her Cuban-American upbringing. Born in Miami to Cuban parents, Jenkins grew up speaking both English and Spanish in her multicultural home.
“We grew up with some American customs, but many Cuban customs,” Jenkins said. “It’s something I consider important in my upbringing.”
From a young age, Jenkins knew her calling was to teach. At 16, she began working at a daycare after school, an experience that ignited her passion for education.
Her commitment led her to earn a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and later a master’s degree in special education. She started her career by teaching kindergarten through fifth-grade students and teaching special education for students in grades K–8.
In 2007, she moved to Charlotte and joined Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), dedicating 14 years to the academic development of her students. In 2021, she took on the role of assistant principal at St. Gabriel Catholic School, an experience that prepared her for her next professional step: on July 1, she became principal at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School.
“I believe God put me here for a reason. I’m going to focus on today, on this school year, and on getting to know the children and families,” Jenkins commented.
The school is undergoing significant changes due to its growing diversity and increase in enrollment. While last year it had 213 students, that number has risen to 244. Dr. Greg Monroe, the diocese’s superintendent of schools, noted that the institution has experienced a transformation in recent years.
“Our region is growing,” Monroe explains. “As people move here, they look for vibrant and dynamic schools, and we’re proud to say that Our Lady of the Assumption is one of those top-tier institutions.”
Jenkins said her experience teaching in multilingual instruction schools, such as Collinswood Language Academy in CMS, helped her understand the importance of respecting global cultures and customs. It is the recognition of students with diverse backgrounds that, for her, will be key in this new chapter for the school.
“I noticed the importance of children being able to speak two languages and recognizing their own culture,” Jenkins said.
“In a school where many students speak different languages at home, the fact that she speaks more than one is undoubtedly a great added value,” Monroe said.
Jenkins says her knowledge of Spanish has opened doors with families. She has seen several Hispanic parents visibly relax when they find out she speaks their language.
With that cultural closeness, Jenkins starts the new school year ready to lead with faith and commitment.
“The happiness they show on their faces is something fundamental to me,” Jenkins said. “I truly believe that when a family feels that cultural connection, the experience of the children and parents becomes much more meaningful.”
— Brian Segovia