RedefinED Atlanta Announces First Cohort of Newly Launched Atlanta Changemakers for Education Fellowship
Friday, August 14th, 2026
RedefinED Atlanta, a locally based champion of K–12 public education, today announced the nine inaugural members of its Atlanta Changemakers for Education (A.C.E.) Fellowship, a nine-month leadership program that begins in mid-August for current and emerging leaders committed to improving educational opportunities and outcomes for students across Metro Atlanta. The 2026 A.C.E. Fellows represent education, business, nonprofit and community leadership from across Metro Atlanta, reflecting RedefinED Atlanta's belief that improving public education requires collaboration across sectors and communities.
"Lasting change in education happens when educators, business leaders, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates come together around a shared purpose,” said RedefinED Atlanta’s Executive Director Angira Sceusi. “The A.C.E. Fellowship is about building a network of informed and connected leaders who understand our public education landscape, develop collaborative solutions, and champion changes that help more students thrive."
Fellows were selected for their demonstrated commitment to strengthening their communities and their desire to expand educational opportunities for students across Metro Atlanta.
The 2026 Atlanta Changemakers for Education Fellows Include:
● Keesha Coleman, Founder and President of The K.I.N.D. Collective
● Dr. Teruko Dobashi, Principal of M. Agnes Jones Elementary School
● Dr. Tiffany Franklin, Principal of Beecher Hills Elementary School
● Danielle Hall, Vice President of Technology, Business Enablement at AmericasMart ANDMORE
● RaKya Leigh, Founder of HUMBLE Tutoring
● Joanne Louis, Manager of Accounts Receivable with Kilpatrick, Townsend, Stockton LLP
● Tunissia Stone, Educator with Clayton County Public Schools
● Khalia Tarver, Manager of Educator Engagement at The STE(A)M Truck
● Karen Womack, Founder of IdentifiED Consulting, Inc.
Building on the success of the organization's Atlanta Reimagining & Innovating for Schools Everywhere (A.R.I.S.E.) Fellowship and the Clayton County Grant Advisory Council, the new A.C.E. Fellowship brings those leadership development efforts together into a single program focused on Atlanta Public Schools and Clayton County Public Schools. Designed to deepen participants' understanding of public K–12 education, the fellowship combines leadership and policy workshops, discussions with influential education leaders, and hands-on grantmaking experiences that equip fellows to drive meaningful change across Metro Atlanta.
“I care about the education of students in Metro Atlanta because I was once in their seat, and I've achieved and navigated all that I have because someone cared about me. Our future depends on reaching back and paying it forward,” said Keesha Coleman, 2026 A.C.E. Fellow and president and chief strategist of The K.I.N.D. Collective. “This reality motivated me to become an A.C.E. Fellow so that I can better understand how our public education system works, what drives student success, and how I can become a more informed and effective advocate for all students."
"Lasting change in education happens when educators, business leaders, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates come together around a shared purpose,” said RedefinED Atlanta’s Executive Director Angira Sceusi. “The A.C.E. Fellowship is about building a network of informed and connected leaders who understand our public education landscape, develop collaborative solutions, and champion changes that help more students thrive."
Fellows were selected for their demonstrated commitment to strengthening their communities and their desire to expand educational opportunities for students across Metro Atlanta.
The 2026 Atlanta Changemakers for Education Fellows Include:
● Keesha Coleman, Founder and President of The K.I.N.D. Collective
● Dr. Teruko Dobashi, Principal of M. Agnes Jones Elementary School
● Dr. Tiffany Franklin, Principal of Beecher Hills Elementary School
● Danielle Hall, Vice President of Technology, Business Enablement at AmericasMart ANDMORE
● RaKya Leigh, Founder of HUMBLE Tutoring
● Joanne Louis, Manager of Accounts Receivable with Kilpatrick, Townsend, Stockton LLP
● Tunissia Stone, Educator with Clayton County Public Schools
● Khalia Tarver, Manager of Educator Engagement at The STE(A)M Truck
● Karen Womack, Founder of IdentifiED Consulting, Inc.
Building on the success of the organization's Atlanta Reimagining & Innovating for Schools Everywhere (A.R.I.S.E.) Fellowship and the Clayton County Grant Advisory Council, the new A.C.E. Fellowship brings those leadership development efforts together into a single program focused on Atlanta Public Schools and Clayton County Public Schools. Designed to deepen participants' understanding of public K–12 education, the fellowship combines leadership and policy workshops, discussions with influential education leaders, and hands-on grantmaking experiences that equip fellows to drive meaningful change across Metro Atlanta.
“I care about the education of students in Metro Atlanta because I was once in their seat, and I've achieved and navigated all that I have because someone cared about me. Our future depends on reaching back and paying it forward,” said Keesha Coleman, 2026 A.C.E. Fellow and president and chief strategist of The K.I.N.D. Collective. “This reality motivated me to become an A.C.E. Fellow so that I can better understand how our public education system works, what drives student success, and how I can become a more informed and effective advocate for all students."
