Our Founder

Raquel Grindley, PhD.

Dr. Grindley has dedicated over 20 years to the field of education as a teacher, administrator, consultant, and motivational speaker.  

Upon graduation from City University of New York (CUNY) Hunter College with a double major in English Language Arts and Secondary Education, she began her teaching career working with at-risk high school students from traditionally underprivileged and under-resourced communities in Brooklyn, Queens, and Harlem, New York.  

She went on to earn her Master’s degree in K-12 Education and specialized in closing the achievement gap for at-risk students.  Soon after, she earned certification as a new teacher mentor and instructional coach through New Visions Teacher Academy, and furthered her studies in literacy education for grades 5-12 at CUNY Queens College. 

She completed a terminal degree at Liberty University where she earned a PhD in Education, specializing in organizational leadership and management; her research focused on the effectiveness of college and career readiness curriculums in Title I schools.

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She is an expert in the area of community-based programming for at-risk youth of traditionally marginalized communities.​ Having developed programs for the New York City Department of Education, Atlanta Public Schools, Marietta City Schools, and Fulton County Schools, she continues to assist young adults with creating a realistic and measurable plan for long-term success in their post-secondary goals.