Meet the Speaker: Kendra Washington-Bass ’94

Dr. Kendra Washington-Bass ’94 is a distinguished educator with over 25 years of dedicated experience in the field. Her journey in education has seen her excel as a teacher, principal, and professional developer, where she has passionately championed equitable opportunities for children. With a resolute commitment to fostering excellence in teachers and leaders, Dr. Washington-Bass has become a trailblazer in the realm of education.

Currently serving as the National Designer and Facilitator at The Leadership Academy, Dr. Washington-Bass continues to be a driving force in advancing culturally responsive pedagogy. Her innovative approach amplifies student engagement through collaborative partnerships with schools, fostering critical consciousness skills, and promoting the development of equitable curricula. Notably, her tenure as the Executive Director in Gwinnett County Public Schools was marked by transformative leadership, as she empowered educators and spearheaded instructional capacity growth.

A dynamic thought leader, Dr. Washington-Bass has also made her mark as a best-selling author, with her book “Unwrapped: The Pursuit of Justice for Women Educators.” Moreover, she is a co-founder of The Lucy Leadership Project, an initiative that empowers and uplifts women in leadership roles, enabling them to thrive and excel in their professional endeavors.

Dr. Washington-Bass is an alumna of the University of Notre Dame, where she earned her degree in Communications and Film, and for whom she currently serves as the Chair of the Black Alumni of Notre Dame Board. She further honed her expertise with a Master’s degree in Urban and Multicultural Education from the College of Mount St. Vincent. Her academic journey culminated in Specialist and Doctorate degrees from Mercer University, solidifying her commitment to lifelong learning and advancement in the field of education.

Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Washington-Bass’s personal identity is woven with pride as a native New Yorker. She currently calls Georgia home, alongside her husband Jason. As a devoted mother to Julian and Justice, Dr. Washington-Bass finds joy in family life. Her interests extend to the realms of pop culture, where she’s an avid fan of all things Star Wars and football. With an unwavering dedication to education and a multifaceted persona, Dr. Washington-Bass is an inspiring force that continues to shape and elevate the field of education.