Javaid Siddiqi

Former Virginia Secretary of Education Dr. Javaid Siddiqi is the President and CEO of The Hunt Institute. During his tenure The Institute has more than tripled its staff and has expanded its scope of work beyond K-12 to include the entire education continuum from early childhood to postsecondary and the workforce. Javaid works with the leadership team to guide the strategic plan for The Institute and develops The Institute’s relationships with partners and funders across the nation. He works with senior-level elected officials across the political aisle to help design strategy, shape policy, and drive educational improvements on the national and state levels. Prior to serving as President & CEO, he served as the Director of the Hunt-Kean Leadership Fellows, which partners with senior-level political leaders who have the knowledge, skill, and will to be effective, reform-minded education policymakers at the state level.

Javaid’s career spans more than 20 years in education and education reform and policy. He began his professional career as a high school teacher, assistant principal, and as a principal in Chesterfield, Virginia, where he led the implementation of Expeditionary Learning – a nationally recognized school reform model. As secretary of education in Governor Bob McDonnell’s Cabinet, Javaid assisted in the development and implementation of the Commonwealth’s education policy; and provided guidance to 16 public universities, the Virginia Community College System, five higher education and research centers, the Department of Education, and state-supported museums. Prior to his appointment, he served as deputy secretary of education where he focused his efforts on teacher quality and improving educational outcomes for all students.

In addition to an extensive history of leadership service, Javaid continues to actively serve his community and state. He is an Aspen Institute Fellow, former Vice-Rector of the Radford University Board of Visitors, and a former member of the Chesterfield County School Board.

1. How has your personal journey influenced your approach to leadership?

Tremendous impact

2. What do you consider to be the greatest challenge as a leader of color?

Credibility and risk threshold

3. What inspires and/or motivates you in your leadership journey?

People

4. What is one piece of advice you have for aspiring leaders of color?

Do your homework. Prepare - meeting before the meeting