We listen first. We start with what the community says it wants, then build power alongside families, students, educators, and leaders to ensure that public education in Washington, DC reflects the quality and care the wealthiest take for granted.
Our students are brilliant. They deserve schools that nurture their genius and remove bottlenecks that stand in the way of learning.
Students should have access to the highest tiers of education that prepare them for the future.
Teachers deserve safe, healthy environments where they can share their passion and creativity.
School leaders should be free to envision bold approaches that meet the real needs of students and families.
Communities deserve schools that lift them up, reflect their culture, and sustain their future.
Children should be treasured and supported, knowing the world is for them—not against them.
We believe test scores matter, but our children are more than numbers. In communities most marginalized, we must address the impact of the past, improve the systems of the present, and protect the promise of the future.
We work with grassroots leaders, voters, policymakers, and compassionate partners who share our vision: that education can and should be better—healing social ills, reforming broken systems, and protecting the ones that work. We believe in the future of DC, and we know the future begins and ends with how we support our students.
The EED Foundation bridges community voice and systemic change. We:
Convene parents, educators, and partners to shape solutions that reflect lived experience.
Advocate for policies and investments that guarantee equitable, high-quality education.
Innovate through initiatives like the Genius Initiative, which uncovers student strengths and informs pathways for growth.
Protect the promise of education by standing with schools and leaders who champion equity and excellence.
Erika Harrell, Executive Director
A proud Ward 7 resident, mother, and advocate, Erika leads with both professional expertise and personal commitment to ensuring every child has the chance to thrive. She brings together communities, policymakers, and partners to advance a vision of education rooted in equity, empowerment, and brilliance.
At the EED Foundation, we believe every child deserves the chance to succeed—regardless of zip code. That promise is only possible when leaders stand up for students, families, and communities.
This section celebrates and uplifts the individuals who are taking bold action to:
Protect investments in schools east of the river.
Advance equity in reading, math, and enrichment programs.
Champion innovative approaches like language immersion and talent-mapping initiatives.
Ensure students and families most impacted by systemic inequities have the strongest voice in shaping solutions.
We honor leaders across DC—from policymakers to principals to parent advocates—who are ensuring that every student has the right to win.