Rashida Young joined the Education Forward DC team in April as Partner for Schools, Talent, and Racial Equity.
As Partner for Schools, Talent, & Racial Equity, Rashida will lead Ed Forward DC’s grantmaking to support school quality, develop leader and educator pipelines, and address racial barriers to educational success while providing strategic assistance to grantees.
“I was drawn to Education Forward DC for many reasons. Growing up, I was keenly aware that I had the opportunity to attend excellent schools, yet not everyone in nearby zip codes had the same opportunity, and that disturbed me,” said Young. “I am thrilled to begin working for an organization that has a sharp focus on racial equity and supports initiatives that aim to ensure that every student has access to an excellent education.”
Rashida began her career as a high school teacher. She taught history and geography for six years in Prince William County Schools in Virginia and four years at Hyde Leadership Public Charter School in DC.
“As the daughter of an elementary school principal, I always knew my career would be in education. I saw my mother pour her heart and soul into her students and knew that one day I would do the same,” Young said. “I loved teaching and loved the bond I had with my students,” said Young. “However, over time I felt powerless to circumstances outside of my control and outside of my classroom—circumstances that I felt limited the impact I could make with my students.”
Young left the classroom after ten years for the DC Public Charter School Board. She ended her tenure after 12 years, most recently having served as Chief School Performance Officer. In that role she led school oversight, including accountability, charter reviews, school expansions, new school applications, qualitative site reviews, school support, compliance, oversight of special populations, and data collection and reporting.
“We’re excited to have Rashida continue her lifelong dedication to education as a member of our team,” said Bisi Oyedele, CEO. “She has a deep understanding of the challenges DC schools face, a recognition of the opportunity to help build a brighter future, and the knowledge and relationships to drive change that will help DC students thrive in life.“
Rashida earned her BA in History and MA in Teaching from Hampton University, summa cum laude. She currently lives in DC with her husband, daughter, and son in Ward 5’s Woodridge neighborhood.
