Rashida is the Partner leading the Schools, Talent, & Racial Equity Team, which provides funding for organizations and schools that aim to improve school quality, develop educator pipelines, and address racial barriers to educational success. She strongly believes that a zip code should not be the determining factor in the quality of a student’s school. Rashida was drawn to Education Forward DC because of its sharp focus on improving educational outcomes for students furthest from opportunity. Living in the nation’s capital and seeing the economic disparities that exist, she believes that access to an excellent education is a fundamental part of the solution. Prior to joining Education Forward DC, Rashida was the Chief School Performance Officer at the DC Public Charter School Board where she led key oversight activities including accountability, charter reviews, school expansions, new school applications, school support, and monitoring of special populations. As the daughter of a school principal, she always knew she would become an educator. She began her career as a high school teacher, teaching history and coaching soccer for Prince William County Schools in Virginia and Hyde Leadership Public Charter School in DC. Rashida earned her BA in History and MA in Teaching from Hampton University. She grew up in Indiana but has called DC home for over 15 years. She currently lives in Ward 5 with her husband, daughter, and son, with both children attending a DC public charter school. Rashida’s favorite activities include brunch with friends, exploring DC on a sunny day with her family, and playing soccer.