Dr. Rema

Rema Reynolds Vassar, PhD has devoted her career to advocating educational equity, emphasizing breaking down barriers for marginalized communities. With over 20 years of experience in K-12 education, she has served in various roles, including teacher, counselor, and administrator. She is passionate about creating educational environments where every student—especially those from underserved communities—can succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Her work addresses the unique challenges students of color, low-income families, and other historically underserved groups face. Her areas of expertise include educational leadership, policy advocacy, school culture, and community engagement. Dr. Rema believes education should be a transformative tool that empowers students to thrive inside and outside the classroom. As a professor in the Educational Leadership program at Wayne State University, she mentors future educators, teaching them how to lead, emphasizing equity, diversity, and inclusion. She also serves on Michigan State University’s Board of Trustees, contributing to policy decisions that ensure equitable access to education at the state level. In 2021, Vassar founded the Centering Black Children in Education (CBCE), a movement focused on addressing the specific educational challenges Black children face. CBCE organizes an annual virtual conference that brings educators, parents, and community leaders to discuss the barriers Black students encounter and advocate for the necessary changes to support their success. CBCE emphasizes academic achievement and emotional well-being, ensuring that Black children’s holistic needs are met in educational settings. Dr. Rema also founded Leading Well, a program designed to empower Black women in educational leadership positions. Through mentorship, professional development, and community support, Leading Well provides the resources Black women need to succeed in leadership roles, fostering diversity and inclusion in educational decision-making. Additionally, Dr. Rema established the Sankofa Scholarship Foundation, which provides scholarships to students from underserved communities pursuing higher education. The foundation works to reduce financial barriers, allowing students to achieve their academic goals and build brighter futures. Rema Vassar holds a doctorate in urban schooling from UCLA and continues to advocate for policies and practices that promote educational equity for all students. Through her leadership and advocacy, she is making lasting changes in education and ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed.