Rutgers Grad on Creating a Culture of Belonging as School of Rock President: Meet Stacey Ryan
In honor of Women's History Month, we are proud to feature Stacey Ryan, President of School of Rock.
What is your personal and professional story?
I am originally from New Jersey and joined School of Rock as an Independent Consultant in 2015. Over the years, I worked my way up the ranks, starting as VP of Operations, then Chief Operations Officer, and now serving as President since 2024. In my role, I oversee the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of School of Rock worldwide.
After graduating from Rutgers University, I began my career in education at Huntington Learning Centers, where I successfully grew my center and region into the top performer in the nation. I then moved on to Goddard Preschools, where I developed and implemented a new department within Operations.
There, I redefined quality standards, raised expectations, and drove results by implementing operational strategies that supported and elevated both top- and bottom-performing locations. My passion for music and dedication to childhood education continue to drive my success at School of Rock.
What key moments in your life led you to where you are today?
The turning point came when I walked out of a toxic workplace, leaving behind the career I had worked so hard to build—with no backup plan in sight. For years, I had excelled as a senior leader managing a top-performing region. On paper, everything seemed perfect. But behind the scenes, I faced daily microaggressions and demeaning comments, including being told my performance would improve if I wore lipstick. That comment was a painful wake-up call: no matter how hard I worked, my efforts would always be overshadowed by superficial judgments.
There came a moment when I realized just how far I had strayed from my values. In that realization, I made the hardest yet most freeing decision of my life: to resign, without a clear path ahead
That decision forced me to rebuild from scratch, much like navigating a divorce shortly afterward. Both experiences shook the foundation of my identity but ultimately gave me the clarity to realign my life with what truly mattered.
When I joined School of Rock, I initially questioned whether I belonged in the world of music. Over time, I realized that School of Rock wasn’t just about music—it was about creating a sense of belonging for others. In helping others find their place, I found mine.
The moments that shaped me weren’t marked by grand achievements but by the times I faced discomfort and uncertainty head-on. It was in those spaces—when the path ahead was unclear, and I had to leap without knowing the outcome—that I discovered my true direction.
What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned about yourself through your personal and professional experiences?
I’ve learned that my greatest strengths are resilience, vulnerability, and authenticity. For a long time, I equated success with having all the answers and projecting perfection. However, my most challenging experiences taught me that true strength comes from recognizing when something isn’t working, asking for help, and having the courage to start over.
I also discovered the power of authenticity. Letting go of the pressure to fit into molds that didn’t reflect who I truly am helped me find my voice and become a more empathetic leader. Most importantly, I’ve realized that fostering inclusion and connection is not only a personal value but also a guiding principle that shapes everything I do.
Where does your passion to serve come from?
My passion to serve comes from moments when I felt unseen or disconnected. Those experiences taught me the profound impact of feeling valued and supported. During my lowest moments, I discovered the power of mentorship and serving others. I began with animal rights activism and later mentored exonerees in partnership with the Innocence Project. Helping those less fortunate gave me a sense of gratitude and purpose, shifting my perspective and helping me see that my own challenges were not insurmountable.
At School of Rock, I’ve witnessed how a sense of belonging can transform lives—whether it’s a student finding confidence on stage or a team member realizing their potential. This passion also inspired me to create Frontwomen.org, a platform for women and allies to share their experiences, learning from one another’s mistakes and successes to overcome challenges together.
Through these experiences, I’ve realized that purpose has a way of protecting us—it provides clarity, resilience, and a sense of direction, even in the hardest times. Ultimately, my drive to serve is rooted in knowing how transformative it is to feel seen, valued, and supported. These moments of connection and purpose continue to fuel everything I do.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be: "You’re allowed to rewrite your story whenever you need to." Life doesn’t always go as planned, and it’s okay to evolve, pivot, and sometimes tear up the pages to start fresh. I’d remind her that walking away from what no longer serves you is an act of bravery, not failure. I’d also tell her something a dear friend once said to me as he passed away: "Know your worth." That moment resonated deeply with me, and it’s something I carry with me every day. The doubts she feels and the moments she questions her worth are simply stepping stones to finding her true place—they are not signs that she doesn’t belong. Trust the process, even when it’s messy, and always remember to know your value.
How can GlobalMindED help you with your goals?
By connecting diverse leaders, fostering mentorship, and building inclusive communities, GlobalMindED can amplify the sense of belonging that has been central to my work at School of Rock.
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