Name: Toyin Atolagbe
Facebook: @GreatHeartsChristos
Instagram: @greatheartschristos
Website: www.christos.greatheartsamerica.org
Age: 45
Title: Executive Director of Great Hearts Christos
Married: yes
Kids: 2
City you live in: Gilbert, AZ
A typical day in my life includes… My day begins with a YouVersion Bible devotional, listening to praise and worship, and praying. I call my mom to check in and plenty of meetings on the upcoming opening of Great Hearts Christos. I also do a lot of check-ins with my hubby and children.
I was born… I was born in Lagos, Nigerian to loving parents. My dad was a civil servant and mom a teacher. I have five older brothers, and I’m the last born and only girl. I was very well loved by family but not spoilt.
My favorite thing about Arizona… It has to be the weather and scenery. I prefer the dry heat to a cold or humid hot weather. I like that I do not have to go hiking or camping to enjoy the scenery. I see the beauty of Arizona just by driving around the city.
I’m listening to… Another in the fire by Hillsong. It’s my go-to song in this new season that I am in.
My family… Is twofold: home and work family. I love my husband (Adebayo Atolagbe) and children (Toni and Tomi Atolagbe). They love and compliment me in a beautiful way. I love my Great Hearts family because they are trustworthy, loving, and dependable.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be… Simon Sinek. His mindset and energy are very similar to mine. His message of positivity, optimism, and kindness resonates with me. We are better when we work together for the good of all.
One thing I cannot live without… I can’t live without music. Life would be hard without my husband and children too.
When I was younger, I wanted to be… I wanted to be a lawyer.
I’m inspired by… The word of God (Bible) because the word of God keeps me grounded. It gives me hope and teaches me to stand on the promises of God to live a good life. Also, the heart of my students inspires me. They are so innocent and pure. They love without holding back.
The one person who motivates me is… My husband – Dr. Adebayo Atolagbe, his kindness and genuine love and respect for God and people are inspiring.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be… Teaching people how to love one another. There is a lot of bitterness and hate, and it makes me really sad.
My first job was… Part-time: A teacher’s assistant. Full-time: Consulting Trainee
My favorite escape… The quietness and comfort of my bed with a good book or music.
My life… Is filled with so many of God’s blessings and accomplishments all preceded by hard work and dedication.
I’m currently working on… Opening two classical Christian schools, Great Hearts Christos.
Always… I will love and respect people irrespective of their background, race, religion, age, circumstances…
Never… Look down on anybody or treat anyone with disrespect because I know everyone is precious in the sight of God.
Favorite quote… My command is this: love each other as I have loved you. John 15:12
My Pet Peeve(s)… People who deny themselves happiness due to lifelong insecurities. We all have something that makes us feel insecure. I think insecurities can be short-lived if you understand who you are in Christ. People that feel entitled or think they are better than others.
Bio: Great Hearts recently announced the expansion of its school network to include Great Hearts Christos, private Christian Classical Academies that will open in Arizona in the Fall of 2023. Christos Academies are a separate, faith-based, non-profit, private school arm of the Great Hearts organization committed to creating and offering the best ecumenical Christian classical academies in the country. Dr. Toyin Atolagbe will lead as the Executive Director of the new branch of private academies. In her new role, she will oversee the Christos program and the leadership team at each academy. Dr. Atolagbe comes to this role from her most recent position as Headmaster of Archway Lincoln, a Great Hearts Academy serving K-5 scholars in Chandler. Under Dr. Atolagbe’s leadership, Archway Lincoln received statewide recognition as the top K-8 school in Arizona based on state testing. The Great Hearts academy was #1 out of 1,343 elementary schools in Arizona and given the letter grade A according to the school report card released by the Arizona Department of Education. Dr. Atolagbe has served at Great Hearts for 12 years and is highly respected in the network. She is eager to take on her new role and get to know prospective families for the new schools. Dr. Atolagbe has a deep passion for, and experience in, Christian classical education. Great Hearts Christos will be serving grades K-5 at schools connected to Evident Life Church in Gilbert (415 N. Gilbert Rd.) and Redemption Alhambra in Phoenix (1830 W. Glenrosa Ave.).
