Sharif El-Mekki

Sharif El-Mekki is the Founder and CEO of the Center for Black Educator Development (CBED). CBED aims to ensure equity in recruiting & retaining educators who reflect the cultural backgrounds of their students. El-Mekki gained national recognition as a principal and U.S. Department of Education Principal Ambassador Fellow. His school, Mastery Charter Shoemaker, received accolades from President Obama & Oprah Winfrey, winning the EPIC award three years in a row. The Campus was also recognized for advancing achievement levels of Black students. In 2014, he founded The Fellowship, dedicated to developing Black male teachers. He is an active blogger, contributing to Phillys7thWard, & a member of the 8 Black Hands podcast. He serves on various boards focused on educational and racial justice.