Meet China Cardriche-Clements | Founder and CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with China Cardriche-Clements and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi China, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success is my faith. I often say, “I’m doing the 1%, but God is doing the 99%.” And that’s not just a saying—it’s truly how I live and lead.

Many people focus on skill sets or a growth mindset, and while those are important, I’ve learned that what really matters is your heart set. Is your heart aligned with God’s purpose for your life? When what you’re building aligns with your divine calling, no obstacle or person can stop what’s meant for you.

My calling is clear: to open global schools, build communities, and create spaces that meet basic needs while providing access to excellence. Through Power Public Schools, my goal is to reimagine what education can look like—rooted in faith, powered by innovation, and designed to equip every child to lead and thrive in a global world.

What should our readers know about your business?
At its core, my work is about creating access, excellence, and legacy through education. I’m the Founder and visionary behind Power Public Schools, a tuition-free 6–12 early-college charter school set to open in South Cobb.

Our official mission is simple yet powerful:

“At Power Public Schools, we believe that ALL students possess a power of intrinsic intelligence, and it is our mission to excite, enlighten, and empower ALL our students to exemplify their excellence.”

That statement captures everything we stand for. Power Public Schools is not just about academics—it’s about unlocking the brilliance that already exists within every child. Our model integrates AI-powered personalized learning, early college access, and real-world leadership development so that every student graduates with both college credits and career certifications, ready to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

But Power isn’t just a school—it’s a movement. Our vision extends beyond Georgia. We’re building the first international model of Power Public Schools Africa, starting in Uganda, with plans to expand into Ghana and Liberia. Our goal is to connect students across continents through innovation, opportunity, and shared purpose—because brilliance is everywhere, but access is not.

Getting here has been far from easy. From funding barriers to navigating complex authorization processes, there have been countless obstacles. But every challenge has strengthened my faith and deepened my conviction that this work is divine. I’ve learned that when your purpose is aligned with God, the provision always follows.

I’m most proud of how faith, innovation, and community intersect in everything we do. Power Public Schools reflects the voice of the South Cobb community—parents, students, and leaders who dreamed of a school that prepares students to lead with both competence and compassion.

What I want the world to know is this: I’m not just building schools—I’m building legacy. Power Public Schools is a living testimony that when faith meets purpose and vision meets community, transformation becomes inevitable.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’d start strong at iFLY Atlanta to go indoor skydiving — because nothing says “welcome to the week” like flying! Afterward, we’d grab brunch at Grits and Eggs (because that Lobster and Grits is next-level). We’d end the day on the rooftop at Skyline Park on top of Ponce City Market — mini golf, carnival games, and the best sunset view in the city.

Day 2 – Coasters & Adrenaline
Time for the real deal: Six Flags Over Georgia in Mableton. From Goliath to Twisted Cyclone, we’d hit every roller coaster, eat funnel cake, and laugh until our stomachs hurt. Dinner would be at Slutty Vegan — because it’s Atlanta, and you can’t say you’ve lived here until you’ve had one of those burgers.

Day 3 – Zip-Lines, Nature, and Soul Food
We’d road-trip to Amicalola Falls or Treetop Quest Gwinnett for zip-lining, hiking, and scenic views. Afterward, we’d hit Busy Bee Café for classic Atlanta soul food — collard greens, cornbread, and love in every bite.

Day 4 – Race Day Energy
We’d start with breakfast at Atlanta Breakfast Club, then head to Andretti Indoor Karting & Games in Marietta for go-kart racing, laser tag, and VR experiences. Later, we’d try The Painted Duck for bowling and games — classy, competitive, and full of laughs.

Day 5 – Legacy & Culture
We’d balance out the thrills with meaning — visiting the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Dr. King’s Birth Home, and Ebenezer Baptist Church. Then we’d celebrate legacy and leadership with dinner at Old Lady Gang in Castleberry Hill.

Day 6 – Wild Adventure + City Lights
We’d visit Zoo Atlanta in the morning (because seeing gorillas up close never gets old!) and then head to Topgolf Midtown for an active evening that still counts as “fun cardio.” We’d close out the night with dessert at Jeni’s Ice Creams and a drive through the city to soak in Atlanta’s lights.

Day 7 – Faith + Reflection Sunday
The perfect ending: church at Grace City Church — worship, joy, and gratitude for the week’s blessings. Then brunch at Buttermilk Kitchen before an afternoon of rest, reflection, and planning the next thrill.

Atlanta is such a beautiful mix of faith, food, and fearlessness. You can fly, race, hike, praise, and eat your way through a week here — and still feel refreshed, inspired, and full of life by Sunday. That’s the kind of energy I love about this city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Without question, my greatest shoutout goes first to God, who has been my guide, provider, and constant source of strength. Every closed door, every delay, every “not yet” has shaped me into who I am today — and reminded me that divine timing is the best timing.

I also want to give a huge shoutout to my family — my husband Corey, my parents, my siblings, and my extended village who continue to believe in me even when the vision seems bigger than life itself. Their prayers, patience, and unwavering love are the foundation beneath everything I build.

I’m also deeply grateful to the Build Excel Sustain (BES) Fellowship and the Georgia Charter Schools Association for equipping me with tools, mentorship, and a community of dreamers and doers who are reimagining public education. Organizations like redefinED Atlanta and GeorgiaCAN have also played a key role in helping me refine and scale the vision for Power Public Schools — a school that will prepare young people in South Cobb and beyond to lead with both heart and innovation.

And finally, to the countless community members, parents, and students who have shared their stories, completed surveys, attended meetings, and said, “We need this school.” You are the reason I wake up every day believing that transformation is possible.

Website: https://www.powerps.org

Instagram: https://instagram.com/powerpublicschools

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chinacardriche/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572835477871