Amanda Aiken
Strategic Initiatives, The Highland Project
Overview:
The Highland Project (THP) was created to deeply invest in Black women leaders of communities, institutions, and systems who are driving bold solutions resulting in multi-generational wealth and opportunity in their communities. In order to address systemic issues, multiple, structural solutions focused on generational wealth creation in Black communities are needed, particularly in educational equity. Boulder Fund resources will be used to launch the first cohort of The Highland Project (THP) Leaders: an interdisciplinary and intergenerational cohort of 15 Black women leaders that spans 18 months and equips each leader with $100000 in trusting capital.
Bio:
Amanda Aiken is a Doctoral Student at Harvard University and is the Principal Consultant of A.Leigh Solutions. A.Leigh Solutions specializes in organizational strategy, leadership development and coaching, external engagement, and trauma-informed practices.
As a Doctoral Student Amanda was awarded the prestigious Presidential Public Service Fellowship, which allowed her to continue to invest in her research which focuses on ensuring Women of Color thrive in leadership roles in education. Before starting her tenure at Harvard, Amanda served as the Senior Chief and Schools Officer for NOLA Public Schools. This was a critical role for a district that recently regained oversight and regulation of schools from state control. Before serving in this role Ms. Aiken was the Chief of External Relations for the Orleans Parish School Board supporting the rebrand of the district to NOLA Public Schools and launching innovative advisory committees.
Prior to her work on the district level, Aiken worked for the New Orleans College Prep Charter Management Organization in numerous roles including Senior Director of Schools, Resident Principal, and most notably she served as the Turnaround Principal for Lawrence D. Crocker College Prep. Aiken started her education career teaching 4th grade in Gwinnett County, Georgia.
In addition to her work on the Pre-K- 12 level, Amanda has been an Adjunct Professor with Relay Graduate School of Education, and she served as an Internship Coach with the Summer Principals' Academy with Teachers College, Columbia University. Furthermore, she serves as a Teaching Fellow at Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Aiken is a Phi Beta Kappa, Summa Cum Laude graduate of Spelman College, where she earned her BA in Child Development/Teacher Certification. She obtained her master’s degree in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University. Amanda is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated and The Links Incorporated.