For release: April 20, 2020

Contact: Ann Beaudry ab@schottfoundation.org

Dr. Leah Austin, whose dynamic career has included teaching, grantmaking, organizing, research, and evaluation, has joined the Schott Foundation for Public Education as Director of the National Opportunity to Learn Network. In her leadership role, she will work with Schott grantees and partners to support effective campaigns focused on building systems to provide all students an opportunity to learn—through philanthropic support and other strategic capacity-building resources.

In announcing her appointment, Dr. John H. Jackson, President, and CEO, said, “We are extremely pleased to have such a talented and passionate changemaker on the Schott team.  Her experience and relationships are exactly the bridge between philanthropy and our dedicated student, parent, and educator partners that is needed to address inequities systemically.”

In April, 2018, Schott honored Leah as a Champion of Public Education at its #PublicSchoolGrad: Greater Atlanta Arts Showcase in Atlanta.

“Leah brings a deep knowledge of how to advance policies and programs to improve equity and excellence in public education,” said Edgar Villanueva, Sr. Vice President of Programs and Advocacy. “She brings a vast network of community relationships, particularly across the South, that will accelerate the collective impact of Schott’s National Opportunity To Learn Network.”

Leah holds a Doctorate of Education in Education Leadership from the University of Pennsylvania, a Masters in School Psychology from Howard University and a Bachelors in Psychology from Fisk University.

Prior to coming to Schott, Leah served as the Vice President of Programs for the Southern Education Foundation, where she oversaw efforts to advance education equity and excellence for students in the South. Dr. Austin also served as a Senior Associate for the Annie E. Casey Foundation, where she managed a portfolio of investments, programs, and partnerships designed to increase the educational achievement of children in Atlanta, GA. She previously served as Director of Programs for the United Way of Greater Atlanta, providing professional development to teachers and literacy resources to families.