Shakira Petit M.Ed., MBA has extensive instructional leadership experiences, coupled with numerous teaching and management successes. Shakira joined the ranks of Democrats for Education Reform in October of 2021 as the Chief Operating Officer, and has served as the National President since 2023. Shakira is an educator with over 17 years of experience in the field of education administration both internationally and domestically. Shakira Petit has taught over 11,000 students in six different countries over her tenure including research expeditions with NSF and NASA to Antarctica.
Shakira has been featured in Ebony Magazine, NY Times, Miami Herald, and numerous other publications. Moreover, Shakira served with the Harlem Children’s Zone under the leadership of Geoffrey Canada for 9 years as a teacher, Science Department Chair, Assistant Principal for the High School and Principal of the Middle School. Shakira Petit has served as the Deputy Superintendent for Greenburgh-Graham Union Free School District in Hastings-on-Hudson after moving up the ranks from Curriculum Supervisor to Principal within three years. GGUFSD is one of the last few Special Act. Districts in the state of NY which supports and serves students who in addition to having special needs are also from New York’s most vulnerable populations.
Shakira holds an MBA from NYU and a Masters of Leadership in Education from Mercy College. Shakira is a proven leader with progressive experience as well as knowledge of crisis management, project management, leadership training, teaching principles, methods for curriculum and training design, teaching, and instruction. Shakira remains passionate and committed to the development of students, staff, and the community at large.
