Sharifa Edwards is the Chief People & Learning Officer at Foundation Academies.

A first-generation Jamaican American raised in New York, Sharifa’s journey began with a conviction that education is the great equalizer. It was in classrooms—as a student and later as a teacher—that she experienced the life-changing power of learning to unlock self-efficacy. As she ascended into leadership roles, her perspective shifted: she realized that talent and opportunity can only thrive when the systems surrounding them are healthy. That evolution—from a belief in education to mastering systems—now shapes her approach to leadership and organizational change.

Over the course of her multi-decade career, Sharifa has challenged assumptions and pushed for new possibilities across schools, nonprofits, philanthropy, and corporations. She began her career teaching in the public school systems of NY and Washington DC., before advancing into leadership roles within national education organizations, including Teach for America, New Leaders, and KIPP. Her career path across New York, D.C., New Orleans, and Memphis allowed her to experience a wide range of education and leadership dynamics and challenges across the country, resulting in her rise from classroom teacher to High School Principal and district leader, earning a reputation for energizing teams and delivering measurable, transformational gains in student achievement.

In Philadelphia, her impact scaled to the systemic level. As Manager of School Investments with the largest philanthropic quarterback organization in Philadelphia, Elevate 215, she managed a $75 million portfolio, identifying, and expanding access to high quality school options for hundreds of thousands of students and families. She further solidified her legacy in the region by leading the prestigious Neubauer Fellowship, overseeing the development of nearly half of Philadelphia’s most promising school leaders. Her impact expanded nationally as a Director of Leadership Development, providing high-impact coaching and development to school networks across the country.

Known for her candor and her gift for galvanizing teams, Sharifa blends data-driven clarity with a deeply human touch. She is recognized for diagnosing complex challenges with accuracy, building consensus around solutions, and creating cultures where joy and excellence coexist. Her philosophy is simple yet transformational: “All leadership work is people work. When leaders grow, outcomes transform.”