Naomi Wilfred (she/her/hers) is a visionary, a dreamer, and a disruptor. A Boston-born transplant turned proud Chicagoan that has worn multiple hats as an educator over the past decade. During her tenure with Chicago Public Schools, she taught, created, and designed for almost every grade level in elementary school and all subject areas; with most of her time being spent in Reading & Social Science. Her classroom has remained a space dedicated to antiracism and the learning of our history. She has worked to provide identity-centered, healing, and joyful learning experiences that lead to young people exploring what their liberation looks like. She has learned so much over the years from her students and wants to ensure that they create their own path, while also knowing the importance of those who have paved the way.
In addition, she has served on Culture and Climate teams, Instructional Leadership Teams, led school-wide initiatives, engagement strategies, and built a very successful cheer program from the ground up. She is a graduate of the Surge Fellowship and Abolition Design Lab and starting this fall will serve on the Greater Chicago-Northwest Indiana DEI Advisory Council. She is a strong believer in understanding how our experiences (especially those who identify as BIPOC) have impacted the way we navigate the world. She has a deep commitment to doing that work not only with young people, but herself as well. Most recently she has engaged in education consulting work that includes, but is not limited to coaching, curriculum writing, and leading professional development.
She is a part of a blended family unit which consists of a total of 14 kids that range from 7-40+ years old. Her mother, who has been an educator for close to 40 years is one of her biggest inspirations because she has dedicated her life to empowering her family and countless students. She loves to travel, read, bike, and attend concerts/festivals. She is a great host and can make an awesome cocktail. Lastly, an avid sports fan who may have torn allegiances when it comes to professional teams, but loves her Kansas Jayhawks. Don’t be surprised if you catch her singing or quoting lines from The Office!