Amanda L. Aiken
Amanda L. Aiken is the principal consultant of A. Leigh Solutions, LLC, an educational consulting group that provides support to districts, CMOs, philanthropy, non-profits and government entities who serve or impact children and families. A. Leigh Solutions, LLC, specializes in district and organizational strategy, community engagement, talent development and trauma-informed practices. Aiken is also a doctoral student at Harvard University in the doctorate of educational leadership program, cohort 11.
Most recently, Aiken served as the senior chief and schools officer for NOLA Public Schools. This was a critical role for a district that recently regained oversight and regulation from state control. She also served as chief external affairs officer for NOLA Public Schools.
Prior to her work on the district level, Aiken worked for the New Orleans College Prep Charter Management Organization in numerous roles including senior director of schools, resident principal, and most notably she served as the turnaround principal for Lawrence D. Crocker College Prep.
She started her career as a fourth grade teacher in Gwinnett County, Georgia. In addition to her work on the Pre-K to 12th grade level, Aiken is an adjunct professor with Relay Graduate School of Education and served as an internship coach with the Summer Principals’ Academy of Teachers College, Columbia University.
An active member of the New Orleans community, Aiken is a member of The Crescent City Chapter of The Links, Inc., The Alpha Beta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and is a board member for the New Orleans Culinary and Hospitality Institute. She has received numerous awards for her work in education and was featured as one of Spelman College’s inaugural “40 Under 40 Alumnae” in The Spelman Messenger.
Aiken has a bachelor’s degree in child development from Spelman College (Phi Beta Kappa Summa Cum Laude), and a master’s degree in curriculum and teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University.
“Do you have a Better Narratives story to share? We want to hear from you! Click here to submit a story.