Shaheena Khan is Director, Education Strategy & Ventures, for the Kenneth Rainin Foundation. She has dedicated her career to improving the quality of education for young learners and professional learning experiences for educators. She will guide the Foundation’s Education investments in early childhood literacy strategies that produce more equitable results for all Oakland children.

Shaheena joins the Rainin Foundation with more than 20 years of experience in teaching and leadership in diverse public education systems. Most recently, she worked as the Chief of Equity for the Youngstown City School District to strategically remove inequities and expand opportunities for all students. She held various positions at Chicago Public Schools, ranging from elementary classroom teacher to school principal. With a deep commitment to special education, she also worked as the Chief Area Officer/Director of Curriculum and Special Education. Throughout her career, she has supported and worked closely with educators and families from a range of social and economic backgrounds. She has a unique understanding of the issues that often impact early literacy in diverse communities, such as social and emotional development, trauma, family resources and community assets, and evidence-based strategies to mitigate their effects.

Shaheena has a BA in English Literature from Aurora University, a MA in Teaching & Learning from DePaul University and is working towards a Doctorate in Education. She also completed fellowships in data analysis and educational leadership from Harvard University.