Dr. Alesha Harmon is the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Valor Collegiate Academies

Dr. Alesha Harmon is the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Valor Collegiate Academies. In this role, Dr. Harmon is on a mission to ignite diverse voices, integrate equity and inclusion into our school's classrooms, and interrogate systems within public schools to create spaces where all students and teachers can not just survive but thrive. Dr. Alesha Harmon is a visionary educator with a passion for creating inclusive school communities that celebrate diversity and empower every scholar, teacher, and leader to embrace their unique stories and identities
Dr. Harmon's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident in her work at Valor Collegiate Academies. Unlike nearby urban schools with largely homogeneous scholar populations, Valor Collegiate Academies have sought and achieved a population that is intentionally diverse by income and race. Dr. Harmon manages a family engagement team that provides translation services and connection opportunities, specifically focusing on Valor's Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern North African, Kurdish, and African American/Black populations to promote inclusion through connectivity, awareness, and engagement.
Dr. Harmon designs and implements strategic initiatives to foster an inclusive culture. These initiatives include analysis of staff and family survey data, facilitating staff, family, and scholar affinity spaces, organizing DEI educational experiences, involving the community in recruitment efforts, and increasing awareness of opportunities for diverse connections to support Valor Collegiate's holistic approach to DEI, especially concerning family engagement, staff development, and education advocacy. Dr. Harmon is becoming a highly sought-after facilitator, panelist, and trainer, bringing an infectious, candidly caring energy to sessions on community engagement, inclusive communication, bias, and equity work.
With a heart for mentorship, Dr. Harmon co-created a relationship-based coaching model currently implemented at three Nashville scholars. She also takes great joy in mentoring dozens of aspiring leaders and connecting them to fellowships in alignment with their interests and impact goals. In addition to her mentorship work, she honors and supports women from all walks of life as the Board Chair of Women Who Rock Nashville and the Social Justice and Advocacy Chair with Nashville’s YWCA.
Dr. Harmon's commitment to Nashville's community has garnered her several recognitions, including the Unsung Hero Award from Vanderbilt's Black Culture Center, Mogul Magazine's Top 100 Diversity, Equity, and Belonging Leaders Award, Nashville's Black 40 under 40 Award from Stay on the Go Nashville, and the Diamond Award for Community Service from Women Who Rock Nashville. Her work has also been featured in The New York Times.

Originally from Chicago, IL, Dr. Harmon received her Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She obtained a Master of Education degree, Educational Specialist degree, Administrative Licensure, and Doctor of Education degree from David Lipscomb University. In addition to her passion for education, Dr. Harmon has a heart for the arts and has been involved in several theater productions nationwide. She also teaches Zumba classes in Nashville, TN, showcasing her love for movement and wellness.