Dr. Rema • United States of America

Rema Reynolds Vassar, PhD has spent her career passionately advocating for educational equity, focusing on ensuring that marginalized communities have the resources and support needed to succeed. With over two decades of experience in K-12 education, she has worked as a teacher, counselor, and school administrator, always prioritizing the creation of inclusive and supportive environments for all students. Her work addresses systemic barriers in education, particularly for students of color and those from low-income backgrounds, aiming to create educational systems that empower every child.





Dr. Rema’s expertise spans educational leadership, policy advocacy, and the development of school culture. She is deeply committed to helping schools provide rigorous academic programs and a sense of belonging and support for every student. As a professor in the Educational Leadership program at Wayne State University, she works to equip future educators with the tools necessary to lead schools that are equitable, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of diverse student populations. She also serves on the Michigan State University Board of Trustees, where she helps shape educational policies that impact the state’s schools.





In 2021, Rema Vassar founded the Centering Black Children in Education (CBCE) initiative to improve Black children's educational outcomes and well-being. CBCE hosts an annual virtual conference that unites educators, parents, and community leaders to advocate for systemic change and policy reforms that better support Black students. This movement emphasizes academic achievement and emotional health, ensuring that Black children’s educational experiences are nurtured holistically.





Dr. Rema also founded Leading Well, a program to support Black women in educational leadership positions. This initiative provides mentorship, resources, and community to help Black women navigate their unique challenges in academic leadership roles. Leading Well seeks to empower these women to become leaders who can drive transformative change in their schools and districts.





In addition to these efforts, Rema Vassar founded the Sankofa Scholarship Foundation to assist students from underserved communities pursue higher education. The foundation provides scholarships to reduce financial barriers, offering students the chance to attend college and achieve their academic goals.





Dr. Rema holds a doctorate in urban schooling from UCLA, where she graduated with honors distinction. Her research focuses on race, class, and educational equity issues, which continue to shape her work in education and policy. Through her work, she continues to advocate for systemic change and ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have access to a high-quality education.