Bryant will lead an ambitious policy and advocacy agenda focused on educational equity and improving opportunities for all students
NEW YORK – The Education Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Dia Bryant as executive director of The Education Trust–New York, a position in which she will lead the organization’s ambitious policy and advocacy agenda focused on educational equity for all New York students from birth through higher education and into the workforce.
Bryant, who has been serving as interim executive director since January, takes the helm of the organization at a critical moment for education in New York State, as the pandemic continues to exacerbate inequities that have long persisted in our school system and the national reckoning with systemic racism highlights the critical need to ensure more equitable opportunities for all students.
“This is a pivotal moment for New York State and our nation, and a moment in which we must act with the greatest urgency to ensure that as our school systems work to recover from dual pandemics all students and communities have the educational opportunities they deserve and that will put them on the path to their desired future,” Bryant said. “I love New York and find myself even more dedicated to the future of education in our state. I consider it an enormous privilege to work alongside talented and passionate advocates who are dedicated to improving opportunities for students who have historically been underserved by our school system from birth through to the workforce. And I am honored to lead this organization as we continue to elevate the voices of students, educators, and families, and fight to mend the parts of our education system that for far too long have been broken.”
“Dr. Bryant brings a deep commitment to advancing education equity; experience at the classroom, school leader, and district levels; and insights from her work on change management and equitable school improvement initiatives domestically and internationally,” said John B. King Jr., president of The Education Trust. “We are fortunate to have Dr. Bryant step into this role as Ed Trust–NY’s new executive director and I look forward to watching Ed Trust–NY grow under her leadership.”
“Dr. Bryant is a lifelong teacher, leader, and advocate who brings her personal experience and extraordinary passion for improving outcomes for all students to this work,” said Denise Forte, interim chief executive officer of The Education Trust. “She has demonstrated her commitment to elevating the voices and experiences of families and communities through her work with our New York partners, and we are thrilled that she will continue to inspire and empower advocates across New York State in this new role.”
Bryant joined Ed Trust–NY in March 2020 as deputy director and chief partnerships officer, a role in which she worked with partners throughout New York to address issues of equity in early childhood, K-12, and postsecondary education.
Prior to joining Ed Trust–NY, Dia worked with the New York City Department of Education in multiple capacities for over 16 years. She was a teacher, school founder, and served as the special assistant to the first deputy chancellor. She has worked and supported system-level school leaders domestically and internationally advising on strategic direction, instructional approaches, school design, equitable school improvement, and change management.
Bryant is a Detroit native. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Kalamazoo College, a master’s in math education from Brooklyn College, and doctorate in education leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
“This is a pivotal moment not just for the education community, but for New York State as a whole,” said Melodie Baker, national policy director of Just Equations. “Dr. Bryant’s appointment is a testament to her leadership and commitment to equity, and she is exactly who we need to bridge the gaps in early childhood, K-12, and higher education in our state. Her impressive record as an agent of change will advance The Education Trust–New York to its next phase of development and get the systems that support our most vulnerable populations on the right track.”
“I am thrilled to work with Dr. Bryant as she continues in this role driving an ambitious advocacy agenda on behalf of our children,” said Arva Rice, president and chief executive officer of the New York Urban League. “Dr. Bryant understands the great urgency of this work, and what is at stake for our children, our families, and our communities. I am confident that Dr. Bryant’s leadership during this time will lead to better outcomes for all students. I am particularly pleased to have a Black woman in this role at this historic time in our state and nation.”
“Dr. Bryant has been an incredible champion for education equity, and a key partner for United Way of New York City,” said Sheena Wright, president and chief executive officer of United Way of New York City. “We are thrilled to continue to work with her to advocate for the needs of students and families in New York.”