Meet Nandi Edouard | Chief Executive Officer and Lead School Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nandi Edouard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nandi, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
As I reflect on my own educational journey and my family’s experiences in entrepreneurship, I am reminded of the challenges and rewards that come with pursuing one’s passions. It is not an easy path, but it is one that requires creativity, critical thinking, effort, and discipline – qualities that are often overlooked in traditional schooling. I believe that if my family had been exposed to these ideals from a young age, our entrepreneurial journeys would be so much different.

That is why The Simple Vue Academy, a proposed charter school, was born – to provide the next generation with the tools and mindset needed to succeed in their chosen paths. Our vision is rooted in the belief that families can create legacies by advocating for themselves and their communities, and by working together towards common goals. We embrace the African philosophy of Ubuntu, which recognizes that we are all interconnected and that our collective success depends on each other.

Through project and place-based learning, we aim to cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit in our students, empowering them to tackle obstacles and overcome adversity with a can-do attitude. We understand that metro Atlanta is a growing and evolving region, and that young people need access to knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in their communities. Our students will not only explore their interests and strengths, but also areas for development, thus preparing them for the increasingly complex workforce and economy.

At The Simple Vue Academy, we believe that every student has the potential to succeed and make a positive impact on their community. Our vision is simple: to help our students figure out who they are, where they are going, and how they are going to get there. We see with a simple vue!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
One of my proudest accomplishments in life is earning my college degree. It was not only a personal improvement, but also a reflection of my hard work and determination. Growing up in Cobb County, Georgia, I was fortunate to have amazing parents and a supportive older brother. Throughout my childhood, I had many opportunities to engage in service, athletics, and ways to enhance my academic mindset. However, it wasn’t until I stepped onto the campus of Spelman College that I realized my potential as a leader.

At Spelman, I was surrounded by phenomenal black women who were determined to be the best of the best in their careers. It was an experience that changed my life and inspired me to pursue a career that benefited children’s wellbeing. I attribute most of my success to my experience as a teacher, grade level chair, new teacher development lead and dean of students

I am incredibly passionate about the work that I do as an educator. As a leader, I strived to provide unwavering support to my team of teachers, so that they can in turn provide their students with the highest level of education possible. My dedication has resulted in significant increases in student achievement and wellbeing. Whether leading cultural celebrations or coaching my team to support all students, I approach every aspect of my work with a fierce passion and a commitment to creating a better world for our children.

My vision for the future is to develop a school that ensures it builds and reinforces cultural pride, positive self-identity, and necessary character strengths around what it means to be a lifelong learner. Building a positive environment in individual classrooms and the broader community can impact our students’ mental health and wellbeing. To see real change in culture requires a consistent commitment from the whole team, including network supports, administrators, teachers, and support staff. Human connection is the key to improving the human condition, and I am passionate about creating a positive school culture that provides a safe, supportive, encouraging, inviting, and challenging environment for students and staff.

The Simple Vue Academy’s Co-design team began its community engagement work in August 2022. Our team is grounded in our commitment to first listen and learn. We have launched a series of focus groups, community surveys, and student surveys modeled after participatory action research best practices – to capture the stories and voices of our community. The co-design team chose this approach in alignment with our core commitment to value and center the voices and lived experiences of our community – voices that are often absent from the discussion on school reform. In conversations with more than 300 voices in metro Atlanta, we heard repeatedly that the region is growing and evolving, and that young people need access to the knowledge, skills, and confidence that will allow them, as the next generation, to thrive in their chosen communities. We exist to cultivate a village that creates a more just and equitable future. The Simple Vue Academy’s proposed STREAM (science, technology, reading, engineering, arts and math) curriculum aims to spark a sense of wonder and entrepreneurship in our students and families. Interest in entrepreneurship and business is higher than ever among the younger crowd. Yet, the knowledge for it isn’t always easy to obtain for them as some schools don’t cover these topics or concepts. We’re going to inspire the next disruptors, change agents, and business leaders.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting me, we’re checking out black owned spaces in Atlanta:

Day 1:
Lunch at Busy Bee Cafe, a historic soul food restaurant in the West End neighborhood.
Visit the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site to learn about the life and legacy of the civil rights icon.
Dinner at Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours, a modern Southern restaurant in the Westside neighborhood.

Day 2:
Start the day with breakfast at Atlanta Breakfast Club, a black-owned restaurant serving up delicious breakfast dishes.
Visit the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, an interactive museum dedicated to the global human rights movement.
Head to the Auburn Avenue area, a historically black neighborhood that was once the center of black Atlanta. Visit the Atlanta University Center, which includes Spelman College and Morehouse College, both historically black colleges and universities.
Dinner at Rock Steady, a popular destination for those looking to enjoy a taste of the Caribbean in the heart of Atlanta.

Day 3:
Start the day with coffee at Urban Grind Coffee House, a black-owned coffee shop in the Sweet Auburn neighborhood.
Visit the High Museum of Art to see their collection of African American art and exhibitions.
Have lunch at Slutty Vegan, a wildly popular black-owned vegan restaurant in the West End.
Spend the afternoon at Ponce City Market, a mixed-use development housed in an old Sears, Roebuck & Co. building. Grab a drink at 9 Mile Station, a rooftop beer garden with stunning views of the city.
Dinner at The Sound Table, a popular black-owned restaurant and bar with a great cocktail selection and live music.

Day 4:
Start the day with breakfast at West Egg Cafe, a brunch spot with a Southern twist.
Visit the Atlanta History Center, which includes exhibitions on Atlanta’s history and the Civil War.
Have lunch at J.R. Crickets, a black-owned restaurant famous for their wings.
Visit the Tyler Perry Studios, a massive movie and television production studio owned by Tyler Perry.
Dinner at Old Lady Gang, a restaurant owned by Kandi Burruss of Real Housewives of Atlanta fame.

Day 5:
Start the day with breakfast at Ria’s Bluebird, a beloved diner in the Grant Park neighborhood.
Visit the Center for Puppetry Arts to see their collection of African American puppetry and performances.
Have lunch at The Real Milk & Honey, a black-owned restaurant with a focus on Southern comfort food.
Spend the afternoon at the Atlanta Beltline, a multi-use trail with art installations, parks, and restaurants along the way.
Dinner at Oy, a West African restaurant in the West End neighborhood.

Day 6:
Start the day with coffee at Condesa Coffee, a black-owned coffee shop in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood.
Visit the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, which includes exhibitions on the life and presidency of the 39th president.
Have lunch at Harold’s Chicken and Ice Bar, a black-owned restaurant serving up fried chicken and cocktails.
Spend the afternoon at the National Black Arts Festival, an annual festival celebrating black arts and culture in Atlanta.
Dinner at Tuk Tuk Thai Food Loft, a Thai restaurant with a hip vibe and great cocktails.

Day 7:
Start the day with brunch at BQE Restaurant and Lounge, a black-owned restaurant with Southern-style brunch dishes.
Visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden to see their collection of outdoor gardens and exhibitions.
Have lunch at Greens and Gravy, a black-owned restaurant serving up soul food dishes with a healthy twist.
Spend the afternoon at the Sweetwater Brewery, a black-owned brewery with a wide selection of beers and outdoor space for live music.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
To my family, I want to thank you for always being there for me, no matter what. You have been my safe haven, my sounding board, and my source of unconditional love. Your unwavering support and encouragement have given me the courage and confidence to pursue my dreams and overcome obstacles. I am forever grateful for your guidance, wisdom, and sacrifices.

As I reflect on my life journey so far, I cannot help but feel a deep sense of gratitude towards my co-design team. You have been my constant companions, my pillars of strength, and my source of inspiration. You have supported me through my triumphs and challenges, held me accountable, and shown up for me in ways that I could never have imagined.

Ubuntu.

Website: https://www.thesimplevueacademy.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesimplevueacademy/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nandi-edouard/

Image Credits
Jayla White