About Us
The education sector faces a persistent challenge in retaining Black educators, who play a critical role in fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students. Despite their significant impact on student outcomes, Black teachers often experience limited professional development opportunities, isolation in predominantly white institutions, and systemic barriers to career advancement. This results in high turnover rates, diminished job satisfaction, and a lack of representation in leadership positions. Bridge Education Collective is committed to addressing these challenges by supporting the retention of Black educators, enhancing their professional experiences, and promoting their upward mobility within the education system. Through targeted initiatives, we aim to create an environment where Black educators can thrive, thereby enriching the educational landscape and improving outcomes for all students.
Our Mission
The mission of Bridge Education Collective is to elevate and accelerate the careers of educators of color through individualized and group coaching services centered around data analysis, content delivery, efficacy of special education services, and teacher advancement.Our Vision
Even on the best days, teaching is cognitively, emotionally, and spiritually exhausting work. Bridge Education Collective provides educators the space to safely wrestle with limiting beliefs that impact their performance so that they are able to develop the metacognitive and transferable skills necessary to create change within themselves over time.Meet Our Team
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Atari Griffin (she/her)
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER + CO-FOUNDER
With nearly 15 years of dedicated service in education, Atari has focused my career on advocating for and supporting students in special education, specifically students of color. Throughout her journey, she has worked closely with diverse learners, empowering them to achieve their fullest potential by fostering inclusive and individualized learning environments. Her passion lies in ensuring that each student’s unique strengths are recognized and their challenges are met with tailored strategies. Over the years, she has cultivated expertise in instructional planning, behavioral support, coaching, and collaboration with families and multidisciplinary teams to promote student success. She is committed to making a lasting impact on students' lives and advancing inclusive practices in education.
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Jihad Broussard (he/him)
CHIEF TALENT & GROWTH OFFICER + CO-FOUNDER
Jihad is an educator and talent acquisition professional from Rancho Cucamonga, CA. With 7+ years in Talent Acquisition and Organizational Development, he's recruited across Technology, Education, Non-Profit & Social Impact, and Corporate sectors. Jihad holds a BA in Law and Society from American University and an M.Ed in Special Education from Howard University.
As a former Lead Special Education Teacher and DEI Lead, Jihad brings deep understanding of education and diversity initiatives. He's committed to creating equitable, inclusive environments that empower individuals to reach their full potential and become agents of change.
Driven by the belief in education as a universal system and key to liberation, Jihad aims to cultivate learners' skills, empathy, and resilience. His goal is to enable individuals to thrive and contribute meaningfully to their communities in an ever-evolving world.
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Isaac Agbeshie-Noye (he/him)
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER + CO-FOUNDER
Isaac is an education professional with over 18 years of experience in higher education and nonprofits. From Hyattsville, MD, he focuses on student development, retention, and fostering diverse, equitable, and inclusive organizational cultures.
With a doctorate and master's in higher education administration from George Washington University and a bachelor's in sociology from the University of Virginia, he advocates for educational systems that honor every student's humanity and serve communities thoughtfully. He aims to create equitable environments where all can thrive, believing education is a powerful equalizer and mobilizer.
Combining strategic planning with a commitment to social justice, Isaac works to bridge educational access gaps and create lasting positive change for students and communities.
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Natalie Powell (she/her)
CHIEF PROGRAM & MARKETING OFFICER + CO-FOUNDER
Natalie is an innovative educator from Willingboro, NJ, who has dedicated her career to fostering a love of learning in others and advocating for educational equity. From a young age, Natalie was captivated by the power of education, a passion that has only grown through her 12 years of experience in the field. After graduating from The George Washington University she remained in Washington, DC to teach. She spent 8 years in school and has taught all grades K-5 as a general education and special education teacher.
Her experience includes leading instructional teams, designing virtual curricula, and coaching teachers. She has spent the past 2 years as an educational policy advocate, fighting for equitable learning experiences across school districts. Beyond her professional life, Natalie enjoys true crime, cooking, and spending quality time with her daughter and her dog.