From Shipley classrooms to Wall Street, Akinwole “Aki” Garrett ’00, a successful man by any standard, has been able to excel in any environment he steps into. He has met the likes of Chance the Rapper and worked with companies as big as Disney. Now, he is working in entertainment, still chasing his dreams and striving to be his best self.
Aki credits Shipley for helping to develop the mentality and aspirations that helped to make his dreams a reality. “If you can’t see it, you can’t strive for it. You’ve got to be able to see something to believe it’s possible,” he explains. Shipley provided Aki the opportunity to interact with people of different races and socioeconomic backgrounds than his own. It allowed him to see the different possibilities for life, beyond what there was in his hometown in South Philadelphia. About his time at Shipley Aki makes certain to note, “I never felt less than [at Shipley]… but what it did was it opened my eyes to the possibilities of what hard work, dedication, focus, intent, intention, and just commitment could help you to achieve in life.”
For Aki, Shipley did more than just provide a new environment and point of view, it allowed him to discover and pursue passions he never knew he had. From discovering a love for music that ultimately led to his current role with REVOLT Media & TV, to being the captain of the cross country and basketball teams, Shipley constantly pushed Aki out of his comfort zone. Specifically, Aki cited one example: in 11th grade he ran cross country, even though he thought it would make his asthma flare up. While he didn’t perform well in his first race, he was surprised that he had survived and managed to remain conscious the entire time. Garrett credits this experience for establishing very important ideologies in his life, “What it taught me was… don’t succumb to fear… it [also] taught me this notion of endurance… you’re going to feel good at certain parts, you’re going to feel terrible at certain parts, and at the end, you're going to feel exhausted, but once you cross that line, the reward on the other side is even sweeter than the pain that you had to endure to get there.”
Aki held true to this belief, as he tirelessly worked to achieve his lifelong goal of working on Wall Street, then, years later, took another fearless leap into the entertainment industry to follow his dream. “Excellence in all that you do,” states Aki, is one of the many qualities that led him to his current position, and one that is imbued in all Shipley students. Once he knew what he wanted to aspire to, Aki realized that it would take more than qualities such as fearlessness and endurance, he knew he would have to be the best. This idea of absolute excellence evolved from a quality to a lifestyle. A lifestyle that not only allowed Aki to achieve his main dream of working on Wall Street, but also one that kept him from growing complacent after his successes. “I’m more intrinsically motivated than extrinsically motivated… it’s me against the best version of me.” Now, Aki still has much to strive for. “My biggest career goal now is being in the C-suite, whether it’s chief strategy officer, chief business officer, chief executive officer—that's the next step.” In his constant drive to one-up himself, Aki has taken his career to places that not even he expected it to go.
While Garrett thanks Shipley for giving him tools for personal success, he is equally thankful for the lessons in service that the School provided him as well. “This is what I love about Shipley: there’s the academic part to Shipley, but then there’s also the citizenship part to Shipley.” Giving back to your community, however one might define it, is something Aki lives to do. The senior service projects were particularly profound, exposing Aki to the sense of purpose and satisfaction that giving back can provide. This spirit of service, along with fond memories of different Shipley alumni, like Koma Gandy ’91 and Robb Armstrong ’81, whom Aki looked up to in his younger years, made him want to continue to give back and inspire the youth in the same way that he was inspired. Sitting on boards, donating, volunteering, and even doing interviews, are all ways Aki shows thanks to the places that made him who he is today, “And so I find myself in communities where my plant was watered. Now I’m trying to water the future plants so that they can grow and blossom.”
Matt Spencer ’23 is a senior at The Shipley School, where he has attended since PreK. He wrote this profile as part of an internship with the Marketing Office in the summer of 2022.
When Ian Craig stepped onto Shipley’s campus this summer as its 11th Head of School, he did so with a deeply rooted belief in the power of relationships and a steady commitment to what he calls “the work that matters.” With 20 years of experience as a head of school across a range of educational settings, Craig brings to Shipley not only expertise but also humility, humor, and heart. Learn more about Ian Craig.
Julia Fisher Farbman ’08 has built a career telling powerful stories. Her latest film, Audrey’s Children, honors pioneering oncologist Dr. Audrey Evans. Read this profile from the Summer/Fall 2025 issue of Shipley Magazine.
Marion Swett Robinson ’65 built a groundbreaking career in global finance, rising to senior leadership and helping shape modern markets through ISDA. Today, she extends her impact and support of others through wellness initiatives and nonprofit board service.
Beginning January 5, 2026, Shipley’s Upper School will adopt a cellphone-free school day policy, building on a successful pilot and reflecting the School’s commitment to student well-being, engagement, and community connection.
In 2024–2025, 19 Shipley students earned the Global Seal of Biliteracy, a nationally recognized credential demonstrating proficiency in English and another language. Students achieved this distinction in Spanish, French, and Mandarin.
Learn about Shipley from members of the Class of 2025, who reflect on their journeys, celebrate meaningful relationships, and share the wide range of academic, artistic, and athletic experiences that shaped their time here.
Read about the life and legacy of Gary Gruber, Shipley’s Head of School from 1985 to 1992, a deeply compassionate and visionary educator who guided Shipley through a pivotal chapter of growth, change, and renewed purpose.
It's easier than ever to stay connected and in the know about all things Shipley with our new mobile app. From calendars and lunch menus to photo galleries, directories, and ShipleyNet, the app keeps everything you need right at your fingertips. It also brings you content from Shipley’s main social media accounts.
Thirteen members of Shipley’s Class of 2025—including student-athletes in soccer, basketball, lacrosse, softball, squash, swimming, and track—will continue to compete at the collegiate level, carrying their talents and Gator pride to campuses nationwide.
Shipley’s Track program delivered a strong year, with athletes earning championship titles and multiple medals across winter and spring meets in running, throwing, and jumping events.
The Upper School Administration recognized the outgoing and incoming student leadership officers and presented students with academic, athletic, and leadership awards at the annual Closing Awards Ceremony.
In the 2024-2025 school year, Shipley’s Middle School launched new overnight trips, immersing students in history, culture, and community. From D.C.’s civil rights landmarks to Broadway in NYC, these journeys deepened curiosity, built connections, and brought classroom learning vividly to life.
Shipley’s second annual Upper School STEAM Showcase featured student projects across disciplines, from robotics and video games to vertical gardens and wearable tech. The event highlighted creativity, innovation, and real-world problem-solving in Shipley’s growing STEAM program.
After more than 20 years of dedicated service, Dr. Sharron Russell will leave Shipley at the end of the school year. Learn more about her impact and what’s next in her professional journey.
Experience the 2025 Villefranche French Exchange through the eyes of trip chaperone and French teacher extraordinaire Dr. Seth Pidot. "Despite being one day shorter, the itinerary was dynamic and full: measured in dry, sunny skies, croissants consumed, steps taken, shops explored, and memories made. We began in Paris..." he writes.
When the Flannellys relocated to Philadelphia, they sought a school where all four of their sons could thrive. Shipley stood out—not just for academics and activities, but for the deep, personal support that would shape their confidence and growth.
In Gator Congregation Storytellers and Middle School’s 5 Minutes of Wisdom, students and faculty share personal, heartfelt stories—moments of growth, courage, and connection. These programs foster empathy, trust, and belonging, strengthening the relationships that make Shipley’s community so special.
The Shipley School is a private, coeducational day school for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students, located in Bryn Mawr, PA. Through our commitment to educational excellence, we develop within each student a love of learning and a desire for compassionate participation in the world.