Russlynn Ali

Russlynn Ali serves as the Chief Executive Officer of XQ Institute, where the mission focuses on creating innovative learning opportunities for young people, notably through the XQ: The Super School Project. As Managing Director of Education at Emerson Collective since December 2012, Ali oversees investments and partnerships to advance educational progress in the U.S. Previously, Ali was nominated by President Obama as Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education, where leadership revitalized civil rights enforcement in education. Ali co-founded The Education Trust--West and acted as its Founding Executive Director, advocating for educational justice and high achievement, particularly for marginalized student populations. Other roles include President's Liaison at the Children's Defense Fund, Assistant Director at The Broad Foundation, and various positions in legal and education policy. Ali's educational background includes degrees from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, American University, and Spelman College.