Dr. Rema is a passionate advocate for educational equity, dedicated to dismantling barriers that prevent marginalized communities from accessing quality education. With over 20 years of experience in K-12 education, she has served as a teacher, counselor, and administrator, focusing on creating supportive and inclusive school environments that foster academic success and social-emotional growth. Her work addresses the challenges students of color, low-income families, and other historically underserved groups face.
Her expertise spans educational leadership, policy advocacy, school culture, and community engagement. Dr. Rema believes that education should empower students academically, socially, and emotionally, ensuring they have the tools to navigate an increasingly complex world. As a professor in the Educational Leadership program at Wayne State University, she works to prepare future educators to lead schools that prioritize diversity, inclusion, and equity. She also serves on the Michigan State University Board of Trustees, shaping policies that promote fairness and access within the state's educational system.
In 2021, Dr. Rema founded the Centering Black Children in Education (CBCE), an initiative designed to elevate the educational experiences of Black children. CBCE's annual virtual conference brings educators, parents, and community members together to address Black students' challenges in schools and advocate for necessary policy reforms. This initiative emphasizes academic achievement and Black students' emotional and social well-being, ensuring they are supported holistically.
In addition to CBCE, Dr. Rema established Leading Well, a program designed to empower Black women in educational leadership roles. Through mentorship, resources, and community support, Leading Well helps Black women navigate the challenges of academic leadership, promoting their success and visibility in these critical roles.
Dr. Rema is also the founder of the Sankofa Scholarship Foundation, which provides financial assistance to students from underserved communities pursuing higher education. The foundation aims to remove economic barriers and allow students to achieve their academic and career goals.
Dr. Rema holds a doctorate in Urban Schooling from UCLA, where she graduated with honors distinction. Her research focuses on race, class, and educational equity, and she continues to advocate for systemic changes that ensure every student has access to a high-quality education.
