My Story
I was raised in Oakland, CA, and taught in the local public schools. I was an underperforming student and only realized the misfortune in my early twenties. Imagine my surprise when I sat in a community college classroom for the first time without proper preparation—I was discouraged. The deprivation of good teaching engendered my lack of academic readiness and self-confidence. Fortunately, I eventually encountered caring educators through supplemental support. During several months of intense self-discovery and personal development, I uncovered NNeka. My true academic journey began at my alma mater—Clark Atlanta University. I went from low performing to educational excellence!
After graduating from college, I was on a mission to help others through inspiration, empowerment, and education. My K-12 experiences motivated me to lend my energy to advocating for students and families in the San Francisco Bay Area. Sadly, as a practitioner and community-engaged researcher, I often witnessed a lack of care for children and families. As a mom, this was quite concerning and led to my exploration of educational theory and practice. I saw a great need to offer tools that empowered parents to propel their children to succeed. Thus, my graduate school journey in education commenced.
The Turning Point
The year 2002 was an exciting time in my life. I was nearing the end of my master's degree program. We had two toddlers enrolled in daycare, and I had a flexible work schedule as an educational consultant. I had the freedom to spend more time enjoying and observing our little ones. I was determined to get motherhood right. I conducted case studies of historical and exemplary contemporary parenting practices and pedagogy.
My husband and I have always believed in prioritizing family life. We only get 18 years to rear our children. Far too often, career endeavors can become increasingly labor-intensive, reducing us to a point of imbalance in our personal lives.
I realized I was in training to teach my children first. Naturally, all parents are doing their best to provide a viable home for their babies. However, what do you do when you discover your child has needs beyond the educational resources available? In this case, we decided to take charge.
The Outcome
Twenty-three years later, we are sure home education was the best option for our children. They were free to flourish academically, spiritually, and culturally and develop a sense of agency and interests without typical K-12 barriers. Our two oldest kids received scholarships to attend college at sixteen and graduated at nineteen and twenty. Now, they are thriving adults with the freedom to live with a sense of purpose, self-confidence, and self-worth. Our youngest daughter is a thriving college student studying on a full scholarship!
Take the Journey
While I have over 20 years of entrepreneurial and educational experience as a non-profit co-founder, college professor, and educational consultant, I am most proud of my wife, mother, and home educator roles. Family interplay nurtured my greatest lessons. The intersection of my professional and personal experience has brought me to this juncture.
Professional Background
INSPIRING | EMPOWERING | EDUCATING
Dr. NNeka Allen-Harrison, a seasoned educator, consultant, and thought leader, has dedicated her career to fostering leadership and innovation in educational institutions and community-based agencies. She has spearheaded numerous initiatives as a co-founder of Leaders Innovators & Forward Thinkers of Tomorrow (LIFTT Inc.) and Summit Learning Institute, LLC. Her publication record for various audiences, including books and articles, is a testament to her contributions as a practitioner-researcher and leader. Currently, she is lending her expertise as a dissertation chair at Mills College at Northeastern.
EDUCATION
Ed.D., Educational Leadership, Mills College School of Education
M.Ed., Educational Leadership in Early Childhood Education, Mills College School of Education
B.A., Criminal Justice, Clark-Atlanta University