Ann-Katherine Kimble is a forever teacher at heart and school designer who believes that every learning space should call young people to rise to their highest potential. Most recently, she served reimagining what high school can be, helping local and state districts build innovative learning models rooted in belonging, innovation, and accountability.

From shaping culturally responsive teaching standards on the Illinois State Board of Education’s Diverse and Learner Ready Teachers Steering Committee, to designing national frameworks that center student agency and community wisdom, her leadership has been about ensuring that great schools don’t just teach — they transform.

As a 2022 and a 2024 Fulbright-Hayes Scholar and a Surge Academy DC Fellow, Ann-Katherine continues to explore how education can be a form of opportunity for students and their communities. She’s learned that transformation starts with listening — to stories, to history, and to young people.

Outside of work, Ann-Katherine brings the same spirit of curiosity and connection to everything she does. She’s a lover of long walks, travel adventures inspired by Anthony Bourdain, and reimagining playlists for every chapter of her life. Whether in a classroom, a strategy session, or a café halfway across the world, she’s always building — community, culture, and courage.