Derneeka Cruse

Derneeka Cruse, MBA, MSEd, currently serves as the Dean of Student Culture at Brooklyn Emerging Leaders Academy (BELA) Charter High School since January 2023. As a wellness consultant and business owner since October 2012, Derneeka Cruse has also established a diverse career as a speaker, writer, workshop facilitator, certified teen and young adult life coach, certified Kemetic yoga instructor, reiki practitioner, and transformational travel agent. Previous roles include serving as a Reading Specialist and Restorative Practices Coordinator at Explore Schools, program facilitator positions at Girls Inc. of Greater Los Angeles and Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta, and various roles in educational settings including substitute teaching and human resources management. Derneeka Cruse holds a Master of Education in School Building Leadership from Brooklyn College, a Human Resources Certificate from Cornell University, an MBA in Business Leadership from Dowling College, and a BBA from Briarcliffe College.