Kaya Henderson

Kaya Henderson serves as Executive Vice President and Executive Director of the Center for Rising Generations at the Aspen Institute. A teacher, leader, and entrepreneur, she has dedicated her career to expanding opportunities for young people.

Before joining the Aspen Institute, Kaya founded and led Reconstruction, an innovative education organization focused on teaching African-American history, culture, and contributions in a comprehensive and affirming way.

Kaya is perhaps best known for serving as Chancellor of DC Public Schools from 2010–2016. Under her leadership, DCPS became nationally recognized for significant improvements in student performance, while also experiencing enrollment growth, higher graduation rates, increased student satisfaction and teacher retention, and gains in AP participation and pass rates. She expanded career opportunities, global experiences, and life-skills learning for students.

Kaya began her career as a middle school Spanish teacher in the South Bronx through Teach For America. She later held leadership roles at TFA, TNTP, and Teach For All. She is co-founder of Education Leaders of Color and co-host of Pod Save the People.

A native of Mt. Vernon, NY, Kaya earned degrees from Georgetown University and has received honorary doctorates from Georgetown and Trinity University. She serves on several boards, including Georgetown University, Robin Hood NYC, Scholastic, and Teach For America.