Dr. Ayanna Blackmon-Balogun is an accomplished educator with over 30 years of experience in various roles, including instructional assistant, teacher, literacy coach, and equity-focused administrator in the Rialto Unified School District. She holds a doctorate in Educational Justice from the University of Redlands and has authored books, devotionals, and academic articles. As a consultant through A+ Educational Services, she provides expertise in educational equity, literacy, and Culturally Relevant and Responsive Instruction (CRRI). She is also an international presenter, sharing her insights at prominent conferences like AERA, CABE, and CAAASA. Dr. Balogun has served as a Board Trustee for Fontana Unified School District and actively supports African American high school seniors through her work with National Black Grad, which facilitates scholarships and community celebrations.
Beyond education, Dr. Balogun is dedicated to the liberation of Black women and families. She is a founding member of Emerging Beauty, Inc. and Inland Empire Black Women’s Collective. Emerging Beauty is dedicated to empowering young women, which provides culturally relevant services and organizes annual celebrations for Black women in the Inland Empire. She also contributes to various organizations, including the Black Parent Alliance, the Links, Inc., and the National Council of Negro Women. Married for 21 years, she shares her life with her husband, Chief Lawal Imole 1 Ibrahim-Balogun, and their four children. Her philanthropic efforts led to her coronation as a chief in the Ikorodu Kingdom of Lagos, Nigeria. In her personal life, she enjoys reading, writing, traveling, and connection with others.