Welcome to our Career Connections series, where we speak with Alumni who inspire us to build deep connections with our community, passion, and careers.
Omezie Omeokwe began his new role as the Assistant Principal of School Safety and Student Life at John Adams High School in Queens, NY at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year. Omezie is no stranger to education, as he himself has a long list of degrees and certifications from various postsecondary institutions.
He began his education journey in 2012 at SUNY Purchase with a B.A in Liberal Studies. By 2016, he graduated from Lehman College with a Masters of Education in Counselor Education: School Counseling, K-12 and in May 2020, he earned his second Masters of Education in Educational Leadership: School Building Leader, K-12. That same year, he received his Post-Master’s Advanced Study Certificate: School District Leader, K-12, from Queens College.
In addition to his long history with education, he has a long history with College Summit/PeerForward as well. Over the years, he has served as an Alumni, RAP Director, Coach Trainer, National Alumni Council Chair, Leadership Council Member, and a mentor to countless Peer Leaders and alumni.
We caught up with him to discuss his career journey and how his experience with PeerForward helped shape his future:
In your own words, describe your current career:
As the Assistant Principal of School Safety and Student Life at John Adams High School in Queens, NY, I am dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive environment by managing safety protocols and promoting positive behavior.
I enforce student discipline policies, ensure accurate documentation of all disciplinary actions, and provide staff training on essential areas such as safety procedures, restorative justice, PBIS, culturally responsive practices, and classroom management strategies. Conducting regular safety checks and supervise key areas, including hallways, cafeterias, and school grounds, to maintain a secure environment is important to my role. Additionally, I work closely with parents and stakeholders to address student behavior and safety concerns, while actively supporting school events and extracurricular activities to enrich student life.
What is the best part of your current career?:
The best part of my role is the opportunity to foster a safe and inclusive environment that directly impacts student well-being and success. I find great fulfillment in shaping a positive school climate, where students feel supported and empowered to thrive both academically and socially. Building strong relationships with students, staff, and families allows me to promote positive behavior, implement effective safety protocols, and contribute to the overall sense of community.
Being able to help create a safe space where students can grow and succeed is truly the most rewarding aspect of my job.
On your career path, which role do you think impacted you most?:
Becoming a school counselor was a pivotal moment in my professional career. In this role, I gained invaluable experience supporting students’ academic, emotional, and social needs. I learned to navigate complex situations, provide guidance, and advocate for students in various contexts. The ability to connect with students on a personal level and help them overcome challenges was incredibly rewarding. I developed strong communication skills, learned the importance of empathy, and honed my crisis intervention abilities.
Working as a school counselor also allowed me to collaborate with teachers, parents, and community organizations, creating a holistic support system for students. This experience taught me the value of teamwork and the importance of building a strong school community. Overall, my time as a school counselor was the most impactful role in my career. It not only deepened my commitment to student advocacy but also shaped my approach to leadership in my current position as the Assistant Principal of School Safety and Student Life. The skills and insights I gained as a counselor continue to guide my efforts to create a safe and inclusive environment where every student can thrive.
What has been the biggest accomplishment of your career thus far?:
The biggest accomplishment of my career thus far has been starting and expanding my own business, Ocross Productions, LLC. Since its inception in 2011, I have built a full-service professional entertainment company that serves the Northeast region. We specialize in weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, corporate events, and virtual gatherings. Through this venture, I’ve had the privilege of traveling and performing on stages of all sizes. I’m fortunate to collaborate with local and well-known businesses, colleges, and even celebrities.
One of the most rewarding aspects has been expanding the company and hiring talented DJs, MCs, photographers, videographers, event coordinators, decorators, and chefs. I take pride in providing them with the opportunity to showcase their talents and be part of unforgettable experiences for our clients. We continue to grow, offering services such as a 360 photobooth and event coordination, with plans to expand into standard photobooth printing to meet client demand. Building this business and providing opportunities for creative professionals has been my greatest achievement.
How did College Summit (now PeerForward) inspire you to shape your future?:
College Summit had a profound impact on shaping my future by challenging me to explore various perspectives and possibilities. The workshops and training I participated in both as an alum and in leadership roles as a Rap Director and trainer pushed me to think beyond my comfort zone. They encouraged me to see not just obstacles, but opportunities in every situation. These experiences taught me how to lead, communicate effectively, and mentor others, all while fostering a mindset of resilience and growth.
This organization helped me realize that with the right perspective, there are always possibilities waiting to be unlocked, which has been invaluable in my personal inward journey and professional outward service.
What is one piece of advice you would give a Peer Leader who is interested in pursuing a career in education?:
One piece of advice I would give to a Peer Leader interested in pursuing a career in Education or any field is to take matters into your own hands and not leave things up to chance. Be proactive in seeking out opportunities and experiences that will help you grow.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions—if you’re unsure about what to ask, simply ask that! Curiosity is a powerful tool. It not only helps you learn but also demonstrates your commitment to understanding your field better. Embrace every chance to connect with others, gain insights, and learn from their experiences. These interactions can greatly enhance your journey toward your career goals.
