Mariame Kante is a trailblazing leader in the field of urban education and social justice, holding a Master’s in Social Work from Columbia University and currently pursuing a second Master’s in Public Administration and Policy through an Urban Studies lens at CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies. Born and raised in one of the poorest districts in the Bronx, Mariame is a proud product of the public school system. Her firsthand experience of educational disparities became evident on her first day of college when she realized her peers were far more advanced. This “aha” moment ignited her passion for transforming the education system to ensure equitable opportunities for all students.

Before transitioning to urban education, Mariame made significant contributions in the fields of mental health and international education. She calls herself the “social servant” because her mission is to support marginalized communities and give back as much as possible. Her guiding principle aligns with the Sankofa quote: “In order to know where you are going, you should know where you came from.” This philosophy underscores her commitment to understanding her roots and using that knowledge to drive forward her vision for equitable education. Mariame has excelled in multiple roles within urban education, including elementary school teacher, grade team leader, dean of students, and Director of DEI. Currently, she serves as the Director of Culture, DEI and Family Engagement at MESA Charter High School in Bushwick, Brooklyn. In this role, she has spearheaded the development and execution of comprehensive DEI conversations, increasing student engagement and DEI awareness. She has also enhanced the school’s inclusivity through faculty training, and led numerous cultural events that have significantly enriched the school community. Her deep commitment to urban education is rooted in her desire to work with Black and Brown students, inspiring them to believe in themselves and counter negative narratives. Mariame is dedicated to empowering these students to realize their full potential, ensuring they understand they can achieve anything they dream of. Her core belief is that radical education is the key to reshaping the narrative for marginalized communities, creating an inclusive space for every student’s story in society.

Beyond her work at MESA, Mariame has held influential positions at Classical Charter Schools and Success Academy Charter Schools, where she developed and implemented programs that significantly improved educational outcomes for marginalized students As a mentor, she has guided numerous first-generation young professionals in finding their passion, fostering an environment of inclusivity, and providing guidance in navigating the world and striving for excellence. Her strategic vision and dedication have made a lasting impact on the communities she serves.In addition to her professional achievements, Mariame is a multilingual communicator, fluent in English, French, and Mandinka. Her work has consistently demonstrated her exceptional ability to bridge gaps, foster community partnerships, and advocate for those in need. Her journey from the Bronx to becoming a champion for equitable education exemplifies the transformative power of resilience, dedication, and visionary leadership.