From Kean to CEO: Education Graduate Leads with Lessons Learned at Kean University

The lessons Gigi Schweikert ’85 learned at Kean University have shaped a career that spans classrooms, boardrooms and communities across the country. 

Schweikert, who earned her B.S. in early childhood education and teaching in 1985, credits her time at Kean with influencing her leadership approach and lifelong commitment to education. 

“The way we treat people, the way we meet children where they are, the way we help people feel inspired and motivated and cared about, and even the easiest way to teach fractions,” she said, are lessons that continue to guide her work. 

Today, Schweikert serves as CEO of Lightbridge Academy, which provides care and education for children ages six weeks through six years at 200 centers either open or under development in 21 states. Her career has also included roles as a talk show host, speaker and author focused on education and family life, as well as leadership positions directing childcare centers at the United Nations. 

Sancha K. Gray, Ed.D., acting dean of Kean’s College of Education, said Schweikert’s path exemplifies the University’s mission to equip students for meaningful and diverse careers. 

“We prepare students to lead in front of the classroom and across a range of academic opportunities,” Gray said. “Gigi offers a perfect example of the fascinating directions a career in education can take.” 

At Lightbridge Academy, Schweikert oversees strategy across marketing, sales, operations, education, culture and training. 

“It’s a joy because it's mission-driven,” she said. “By helping young children learn, socialize and prepare for kindergarten, we ensure that their parents can work and their communities can thrive.” 

Her leadership also extends beyond business operations. As vice president of the Lightbridge Foundation, Schweikert helps distribute funds to teachers and community members in need following illness or emergencies. 

Brenda Febbo, Lightbridge’s chief marketing officer, noted that Schweikert is a “servant leader,” who advocates for children, families and stronger early childhood education systems nationwide. 

Schweikert’s path to leadership reflects a blend of business and education. Growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina, she initially followed her parents’ advice and earned a B.A. in business administration and management from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before pursuing her passion for teaching at Kean. She later went on to earn an M.S. in educational leadership and administration from Bank Street College of Education in New York City. 

Throughout her career, she has drawn on both disciplines. 

She began in childcare, rising from toddler teacher to program director at the United Nations, and later held leadership roles with Johnson & Johnson’s childcare centers and Children’s Choice Learning Centers. 

While raising her four children, she expanded her impact in new ways, hosting Today’s Family on Comcast Cable and founding Gigi Schweikert Consulting, through which she has advised companies, conducted workshops, published 19 books and become an international keynote speaker. 

A member of the Forbes Business Council, Schweikert has also written about education franchising and volunteered her time teaching women at the Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women in Clinton. 

Looking ahead, she hopes future educators, both at Lightbridge and at Kean, recognize the lasting value of their education. 

“The opportunity to get an education is the most empowering, positive experience you will ever have,” she said. “If it leaves you with a lifelong love of learning, you’ll always be successful, you’ll never be bored, and you’ll always be interested in the world around you.”