Our Roots
NewRoot strives to nurture the places we live, learn and grow. Our vision is a future cultivated from the roots of equity and radical love, and our mission is to improve the experiences of young people by increasing the capacity of adults to grow restorative and social-emotional practices in learning environments.
This video showcases NewRoot’s mission in action, highlighting how restorative practices and social-emotional learning transform schools. Our partners share the impact of our services—stories of growth, healing, and stronger connections. Together with educators, partners, and supporters, we can co-create more connected, resilient communities where everyone thrives.
NewRoot Over The Years
Rooted in Relationships
NewRoot (then Umoja Student Development Corporation) was founded by Lila Leff at Manley Career Academy High School. Her belief: all meaningful change begins with relationships. NewRoot’s pilot program was to improve educational and personal outcomes for students by linking Manley Career Academy High School to the broader community. It was rooted in the ideas that relationships open the door to helping young people see and believe in the best version of themselves and that all students deserve to thrive.
Expanding Opportunities
With support from CPS Superintendent Arne Duncan, NewRoot’s college and career readiness model, grounded in social-emotional growth, spread citywide. Students were invited to dream bigger, explore possibilities beyond high school, and chart new futures.
Investing in Adults
Recognizing that students thrive when educators are equipped to lead with connection, we launched Umoja University. This training hub gave teachers and staff the tools to build community, practice restorative justice, and create supportive classrooms.
Innovation in Schools
NewRoot deepened partnerships to strengthen school culture and engagement. We pioneered high school seminar courses centered on SEL, and introduced Restorative Justice Peace Rooms (safe spaces for accountability, healing, and community).
25 Years of Impact
We celebrated 25 years of advancing educational equity. By then, NewRoot had partnered with thousands of educators and supported tens of thousands of students across Chicago and beyond. The majority of our partners returned year after year, a testament to the trust and growth we’ve built together.
Rooted Purpose, Thriving Futures
Now led by CEO Rosa Zamora, NewRoot works with 50+ schools each year. Through district-wide restorative practice training and professional development, we’re helping educators and districts reimagine what’s possible. Guided by our four-year strategic plan, we continue to build a future where every student is seen, heard, and supported.
