Kinnari Patel-Smyth

Kinnari Patel-Smyth joined the KIPP Foundation as President, Network in 2021.

Prior to joining KIPP, Kinnari served as a team member with the Explore Schools Network in Brooklyn. While at Explore Schools, she participated in the national New Leaders principal preparation program, served as the principal of Explore Charter School for five years, and was the managing director of schools responsible for supporting schools and leading the principal residency program.

Kinnari began her career as an elementary school teacher in Atlanta and Fort Worth, driven by the belief that education has the power to be the true equalizer in our country—a belief that continues to fuel her work. She earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Salisbury University in Maryland and her master’s degree in school administration from Pace University in New York.