Dawn Barnes

Dawn Barnes proudly serves as the principal of Aspire Antonio Maria Lugo Academy (AMLA), a TK–5 public charter school in Huntington Park, rooted in love, equity, and academic excellence. AMLA is a joyful, inclusive learning community where students are celebrated for who they are and empowered to grow into who they’re becoming. Under Dawn’s leadership, AMLA was honored as a 2025 California Distinguished School, recognized for exceptional academic achievement and equity-driven practices.

Dawn has 25 years of experience in public education and is a passionate advocate for healing-centered schools where joy, rigor, and belonging coexist. She is committed to creating school environments where students and educators can thrive, connect, and grow.

At Aspire, Dawn has held a range of roles, including Assistant Principal, Content Specialist, and Instructional Coach. Her career began in the classroom, teaching kindergarten through sixth grade across Los Angeles and Whittier, while also leading literacy intervention, mentoring beginning teachers, and supporting future educators as a master teacher.

Dawn’s leadership is grounded in relationships, data-driven decision-making, and radical belief in the brilliance of every child. 

She holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Early Childhood Education: Trauma Studies from Pacific Oaks College and a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development from California State University, Los Angeles.

As principal, Dawn continues to champion equity, elevate voices, and lead with love at AMLA. A school where every learner is known, valued, and celebrated.