Lisa L. Daniels

Lisa L. Daniels, M.Ed., is a seasoned educator, researcher, and advocate for equitable education policies with over a decade of impactful leadership in teaching, curriculum development, and community engagement. A passionate Doctoral Candidate with American University School of Education, Lisa is pursuing her Ed.D. in Education Policy and Leadership, where her research emphasizes culturally responsive practices and the integration of historic landmarks like the Birmingham Civil Rights and Freedom Riders National Monuments into educational narratives.

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Currently on staff with the Birmingham Office for UNCF (United Negro College Fund), Lisa supports initiatives aimed at expanding access to higher education for underrepresented communities. Her commitment to educational equity aligns with UNCF’s mission to empower students and develop the next generation of leaders.

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Lisa's career spans diverse roles, including teaching at The Calhoun School, YES Prep Public Schools, KIPP Houston High School, and The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Her expertise in curriculum innovation and data-driven strategies has elevated student engagement and academic performance across various institutions. Lisa has also served as a Teacher Ranger with the National Park Service, fostering connections between history, education, and community development.

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Lisa is the President of Support the Vote, Alabama! and the Chair of the Bessemer Coalition for Black History, where she leads efforts to promote voter education, preserve Black history, and empower communities. She also works directly with the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) on Community Remembrance Projects, advancing initiatives to commemorate and educate about the history of racial injustice in Alabama and beyond.

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A former Congressional intern, Lisa’s experiences on Capitol Hill with the offices of Congressman Artur Davis and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation deepened her commitment to policy reform and community empowerment. She is a proud product of the Bessemer City Schools District, a Smith College alumnus, and an active member of numerous professional and civic organizations, including the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), National Hook-Up of Black Women (NHBW), American Educational Research Association (AERA), Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

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Lisa is a Gates Millennium Scholar, a Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow at Smith College, and the 2022 recipient of the James C. Barton Faculty Leadership Award from The Altamont School, recognizing her outstanding contributions to education and leadership.

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Currently serving as the Chapter President for the Birmingham Metropolitan Chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., Lisa leads initiatives focused on mentorship, scholarships, and service projects, amplifying the organization's mission to uplift youth and families.

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An accomplished writer and speaker, Lisa's insights have been featured in prominent outlets such as The New York Times and Smith Alumnae Quarterly. She is also a Certified Human Rights Consultant and holds teaching certifications in Alabama and Texas.

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The daughter of Rev. James Daniels, Jr. and Mrs. Ava R. Daniels, Lisa carries forward a legacy of faith, service, and leadership. Beyond the classroom, her vision bridges education, history, and social justice, making her a transformative figure in educational advocacy and community development.