Dear Families of Doyle/Ryder,

Natoya D. Coleman was born in Saginaw, MI. Natoya received her formal education in the Detroit Public School System. There she was a scholar student and an avid reader. Natoya attended Communication and Media Arts High School, graduated with honors, receiving a full-tuition scholarship to the University of Michigan. Natoya graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature and Political Science. She later returned, in 2007, to earn a Masters of Arts in Secondary Education.

After graduate school, Natoya took a leap of faith and moved to Laurel, MD, and began her teaching career. During this time, she taught middle and high school English, wrote high school curriculum, and was a program coordinator in Prince George’s County Public Schools and Washington D.C. She earned a Master’s Degree in School Administration and Supervision from Bowie State University in May of 2016. She then became an Academic Coach for Prince George’s County Public Schools, in Maryland. In April of 2021, Natoya completed her doctoral studies at Rowan University in New Jersey, earning a Ph.D. in Education focusing on Urban and Diverse Learning Environments. She is now completing her 16th year in education as an Elementary school principal in Flint, Michigan. In June of 2023, Natoya was awarded the Outstanding Leadership Award for leading Doyle Ryder through a temporary relocation, a $3.5M renovation project, and a successful return to their building.

Natoya is passionate about helping everyone she encounters reach high levels of personal and professional success. In 2016, she launched “The Visionistas”, a women’s empowerment group for women who aspire to start businesses, change careers, or who seek advancement in their own careers. She has facilitated workshops and delivered speeches sharing her personal mantra, “It’s Possible!”

Natoya is a board member and secretary for Three Roots International, a non-profit organization serving communities in Ethiopia and the Saginaw Faith Collaborative, serving ALICE populations in Saginaw, Michigan. She is the lead advisor of the Ivylette Youth Group, sponsored by the Eta Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She also serves as the chaplain for the Eta Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Natoya is a visionary leader who seeks to dismantle oppressive systems and empower everyone she encounters to see what is possible and then pursue those possibilities until they become reality.

Yours in Education,
Dr. Natoya Coleman
Principal
(810) 760-5266