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From Classroom Teacher to National Voice for Young Learners: Meet Dr. Kara H. Ahmed
In honor of Women's History Month, we are proud to feature Dr. Kara H. Ahmed, President of the Educare Network, leading a national collective of 25 Educare schools, Educare’s National Office, and various public and private partnerships across the country.
Kara and her colleague will be a featured panelist as part of GlobalMindED’s Early Learning Program at the annual event in Denver, June 16 , 17, and 18.
Tell us about your journey:
I began my career as a teacher before stepping into key leadership roles. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of partners—including educators, school leaders, superintendents, researchers, advocates, elected officials, and higher education institutions—to build and implement bold, forward-thinking visions that positively impact children, their families, and their communities.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree from Fordham University, as well as a Master of Arts in Education Leadership and a Doctor of Education in Education Policy, both from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Before joining the Educare Network, I spent 16 years as a leader in New York City Public Schools (NYCPS). Most recently, as Deputy Chancellor of Early Childhood Education, I led all financial, operational, and programmatic aspects of a system with the capacity to serve over 140,000 children from birth to age five.
Prior to that, I was Principal for NYCPS’ citywide Living for the Young Family through Education (LYFE) program, where I helped transform LYFE into a nationally recognized program that supports student parents, their children, and their families through a three-generation strategy.
What pivotal experiences shaped your current path?
There are many significant experiences that have shaped my current path, and my leadership journey as a principal is certainly one of them. During the time I led NYCPS’ LYFE program, our team prioritized ensuring that LYFE was a comprehensive program that modeled a three-generation impact—serving not only young parents but also their children and extended families.
This experience highlighted the power of comprehensive, family-centered approaches and deepened my belief that early childhood education must address the full ecosystem surrounding a child. It also reinforced my commitment to driving systems change by rethinking structures, policies, and practices for meaningful and lasting impact.
What are the most valuable lessons you've learned about yourself through your life and career?
It is hard to narrow down the lessons I have learned, as I am constantly discovering new approaches. However, there are key insights that continue to guide me:
First, resilience and adaptability are essential for sustaining impact. Transformative work—especially in education and community-centered spaces—requires navigating uncertainty, pivoting when needed, and staying true to your mission, even in challenging times.
Second, authentic collaboration is necessary to advance one’s work. Inviting diverse voices, listening genuinely, and co-creating solutions ensures that the work remains relevant and responsive.
Finally, purpose-driven leadership requires courage. Pursuing the right path often means making difficult decisions or standing alone, but staying grounded in your “why”—especially when serving children and families—provides the strength to persevere.
What drives your desire to contribute and make a difference?
My desire to contribute and make a difference is deeply rooted in the values instilled by my father. As an immigrant who built a successful career despite countless obstacles, he believed deeply in the power of education and often reminded me that children only get one chance at being young—we owe it to them to get it right.
This urgency drives my commitment to ensuring that all children, regardless of zip code or circumstance, have access to high-quality early learning experiences.
I believe that every child deserves excellence—and that we, as educators and leaders, have a moral responsibility to make that belief a reality.
If you could go back and advise your younger self, what would it be?
If I could advise my younger self, I would say: “Be brave enough to take up space and trust that your voice matters.” Early in my career, I often hesitated to speak up, fearing that I had not earned the right to be at the table. I have since learned that leadership is not about having all the answers—it is about asking hard questions, challenging the status quo, and advocating for those whose voices are not always heard.
I would also say: “Embrace the discomfort of growth.” Growth often happens when we are stretched beyond our comfort zones. The moments I have felt most uncertain or vulnerable have propelled me to new heights and deepened my impact.
And finally: “Celebrate the small wins.” It’s easy to get lost in the enormity of the work, but acknowledging progress—no matter how small—fuels the momentum needed for the long game.
How can GlobalMindED support leaders like yourself in achieving your goals and advancing your aspirations?
GlobalMindED can help leaders achieve their goals by continuing to create spaces for connection, collaboration, and innovation. Bringing together different voices—especially those often underrepresented in leadership—sparks cross-sector partnerships that drive meaningful change.
Amplifying successful models allows leaders to learn from others and apply those learnings in their own contexts. Investing in professional development and mentorship is also key, providing leaders with the tools to refine their skills, stay ahead of trends, and push boundaries. As a lifelong learner, I value spaces where leaders can grow and explore.
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