Sherese Ward

Sherese oversees the foundation’s K-12 education portfolio, which focuses on growing quality schools, investing in diverse leaders, and amplifying community voice in support of student learning. In her previous role, Sherese served as the chief of staff and strategy for the New York City Department of Education’s Division of Human Capital.

Before that, Sherese served as a special assistant in the Office of the Superintendent at Newark Public School and consulted in her home state of Connecticut. Sherese was a founding leadership team member for the Connecticut Black Alliance for Educational Options and formerly served as director of government and community relations for Achievement First. Prior to her work in education, Sherese oversaw corporate philanthropic investments for Bank of America in Connecticut and New York.

Sherese earned her bachelor’s degree at Southern Connecticut State University, as well as a Master of Public Administration from the Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service at New York University and a Master of Education from the Broad Center for the Management of School Systems.

Sherese also serves on the board of the NYU Alumni Association and is a College Success Mentor with iMentor.