Kaya Henderson

Kaya Henderson is Executive Vice President and Executive Director of the Center for Rising Generations at the Aspen Institute. She has devoted her career, as a teacher, a leader, and an entrepreneur, to expanding opportunities for young people.  

Previously, Henderson was the Founder and CEO of Reconstruction, an innovative educational organization dedicated to teaching young people about African-American history, culture, and contributions in a comprehensive and affirming way, so that students of all backgrounds benefit from a more complete understanding of our shared history and society. She was Chancellor of DC Public Schools from 2010-2016, when DCPS was recognized for leading the nation in improved student performance, and experienced enrollment growth, increased graduation rates, improvements in student satisfaction and teacher retention, and increases in AP participation and pass rates. She began her career as a middle school Spanish teacher in the South Bronx through Teach For America and has since made significant contributions to education as a co-host of Pod Save the People and in other influential roles.

Henderson graduated from Mt. Vernon Public Schools. She has a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and a Master of Arts in Leadership from Georgetown University, as well as honorary Doctoral degrees from Georgetown and Trinity University.