Anne Arundel County Public Schools’ Chief Equity Officer Dr. Maisha Gillins has been named a recipient of the 2024 Michelle Obama Award for her work to create and enhance equitable school cultures that are crucial to eliminating opportunity and achievement gaps.
Dr. Gillins, who has led AACPS’ equity efforts since 2017, is among 14 recipients of the award this year. The program is conducted annually in conjunction with Women’s History Month and is sponsored by the Office of County Executive Steuart Pittman in partnership with the Caucus of African American Leaders. It is designed to honor local leaders who exemplify the former First Lady’s commitment to advocacy to create better communities.
“I am honored and I humbly accept this award on behalf of the thousands of colleagues who work tirelessly to see that the AACPS Educational Equity Policy’s purpose, which is to ensure that our school system has the procedures and best practices in place to provide for educational equity and eliminate obstacles to accessing educational opportunities for all students, is implemented each and every day,” Dr. Gillins said. “The work of equity and inclusion can be controversial for some, but it is critical for all.”
Dr. Gillins has been an educator since 1995, serving as a middle school math teacher, assistant principal, Title I coordinator, mathematics coordinator, and Director of School Performance before being appointed to her current position. She has also been an adjunct professor for Notre Dame of Maryland University for more than 12 years and has taught a master’s level course that focuses on emotional intelligence, brain-based research, and culturally responsive instruction.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics education at Virginia State University, a master’s degree in administrative leadership at Bowie State University, and a doctorate in educational leadership for changing populations at Notre Dame of Maryland University.
The 2024 award recipients will be recognized at an event on March 25 at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts.