Dr. Aisha A. Almond is an entrepreneurial leader and educator dedicated to empowering students, building innovative systems, and promoting educational access and persistence. She is an expert in working with university leaders to support an ever-evolving student population and finding solutions to overcoming sociocultural barriers to achieving a college degree.
Before coming to RNL, Aisha founded Reach1 Teach1 Consulting Group, a thought partner for academic institutions. She provided solutions for initiatives and research for first-generation college students and historically marginalized students to increase college access, student retention, and persistence.
Since beginning her career in 1999 with Baltimore City Public Schools, she has made a profound impact as both a teacher and assistant principal. In 2013, Dr. Almond became the principal of the only high school in Maryland on a college campus and launched the transformative Early College Program. This program empowered students to earn college credits and significantly increased the number of students graduating high school with college credits, demonstrating Aisha’s innovative approach to education. As a published author and national conference presenter, she shares her knowledge and experiences with others. She mentors young professional women and actively volunteers with the Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation, a state-recognized tribe in Connecticut, embodying the spirit of service and guidance.
Education
Aisha earned her doctorate in entrepreneurial leadership in education from Johns Hopkins University and developed the Critical College Persistence Model, an asset-based model that uses FGCS’ assets to overcome various sociocultural barriers to earning a college degree. She holds a Master of Arts in educational leadership and certificate in administration and supervision from Notre Dame of Maryland University. She received her Bachelor of Science in elementary education from Coppin State University.