A Message From Achieve Atlanta Founding Executive Director Tina Fernandez

Seven and a half years ago, I was honored to help launch an organization dedicated to changing the lives of Atlanta Public Schools (APS) students and their families. It was an opportunity to pursue a big vision that would guide thousands of unknown students into lives of opportunity. Just as importantly, it was an opportunity to build an organization filled with smart and dedicated staff and to forge partnerships across sectors. To see what we have built and accomplished together has truly been one of the greatest joys of my life.

This is why it is bittersweet to share that I will step down as executive director in January. In January, I will begin a fellowship with Harvard’s Advanced Leadership Initiative. There, I will be immersed in interdisciplinary academic learning, leadership development, and peer-to-peer collaboration in work aimed at better understanding the impacts of intergenerational trauma on leadership development.

While this is bittersweet for me, I leave knowing my transition comes at a time when Achieve Atlanta is in a strong place and poised for growth. 

This summer we received a generous gift from MacKenzie Scott  – an affirmation of our cross-sector approach and the work we do with partners to help APS students access, afford, and earn postsecondary credentials. Last month, Georgia State University’s Georgia Policy Labs released an independent evaluation that shows students receiving Achieve Atlanta’s scholarship and supporting services persist in college at much higher rates than similar peers who did not receive the scholarship and services.

The Achieve Atlanta Board of Directors has selected PBR Executive Search to lead a national search for the next executive director. We hope you will share the job announcement with your networks and help us find our next leader.

Achieve Atlanta remains committed to making Atlanta a city where race and income no longer predict postsecondary success and upward mobility. Thank you for your support thus far, and for continuing to help us make this vision a reality. 

Onward,
Tina

Authored by

Tina Fernandez

Executive Director

Having experienced first-hand the transformative power that a college degree can have, I’ve committed my life to ensuring that all kids have the opportunity to get an excellent education and lead opportunity-rich lives.