The Nellie Mae Education Foundation, based in Quincy, has selected Gisele C. Shorter, a nationally recognized executive leader and social change strategist, as its new president and CEO, beginning July 11.
For the last 15 years, Shorter — who previously served as the director of national education strategy at the Raikes Foundation in Seattle — has led large-scale and community-based efforts to advance justice and equity, close health disparities and ensure access and opportunities for youth of color to prosper.
Shorter has extensive experience in leading youth development, education and community-based organizations through program resets, culture change initiatives and strategic redesigns. In 2018, she joined the Raikes Foundation to advance justice and equity in the redesign of the national public education system by leveraging the science of learning and development.
“I am proud to be selected by the board to lead the next phase of growth and impact at the Nellie Mae Education Foundation and eager to partner with staff and community partners to advance racial justice and educational equity across New England,” Shorter said. “In my experience, I’ve found that we can solve some of the most difficult and enduring challenges in our educational system by formulating solutions in partnership with students, educators and families.”
The Nellie Mae Education Foundation, which traces its roots to 1990, describes itself as New England’s largest philanthropic organization focused solely on education. It is a spinoff of the Nellie Mae Corporation, which had provided college loans and serviced them.
“We welcome Dr. Shorter as we embark on the work ahead and chart a shared path in continuing to build on the Foundation’s mission and vision of championing efforts that prioritize community goals that challenge racial inequities and advance excellent, student-centered public education so that all New England youth are prepared to succeed and thrive in the community,” said Warren Simmons, board chair of the Nellie Mae Education Foundation.
Gladys Vega, executive director of the Chelsea Collaborative, participated in the interview of Shorter.
“With her track record of effective leadership, experience in education, and systems change, I am confident that her appointment will be transformational for our education system and the students and families we serve,” Vega said.
