José Jiménez is the Principal of A.C.E. Academy for Scholars, an award-winning public school in Queens, New York. As a principal, he has focused on developing project-based practices to enhance the experiential learning of his students. He is dedicated to creating memorable learning experiences by focusing on critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and arts education. He believes in the importance of teaching children holistically and authentically and as such is a member of the Proud Teacher Initiative (PTI), as a part of his effort to become an LGBTQ role model for students and their families. Jose is an Urban Education Ph.D. candidate at the CUNY Graduate Center, specializing in Educational Policy and Leadership and an Adjunct Lecturer at Brooklyn College.  As an immigrant from Cuba, education has been the greatest of equalizers and he is dedicated to ensuring that all children have a seat at the table and access to role models that will inspire them to achieve great heights. Jose lives in Ridgewood, Queens with his Malinois named Skye.