Shavar Jeffries

Shavar Jeffries is a civil rights attorney and executive leader, serving as CEO of the KIPP Foundation, a national network of public charter schools. With more than two decades of advocacy for social justice and educational equity, Jeffries has prioritized initiatives at KIPP such as early literacy, math instruction reform, leadership development, and expanding access to high-quality postsecondary options. His leadership is informed by personal experience as a first-generation college graduate and as a long-time supporter of KIPP, having served as founding board chair of KIPP Newark and later as a KIPP Foundation board member.

Before joining KIPP, Jeffries was president of Democrats for Education Reform and Education Reform Now, where he contributed to the passage of more than 100 policies at federal and state levels to expand educational opportunities for low-income students of color. His career also includes public service as assistant attorney general in New Jersey, where he led efforts that reduced juvenile recidivism, and as president of the Newark school board, where he oversaw reforms that improved student outcomes. In addition, Jeffries has litigated civil rights cases, securing education funding and advancing equity for students of color and those with special needs.

Jeffries has received recognition from the NAACP, the National Bar Association, and the Congressional Black Caucus. He is a public speaker known for commentary on education reform, social justice, and leadership. His academic credentials include degrees from Duke University and Columbia Law School, and he has contributed to legal education as an associate professor at Seton Hall Law School. Jeffries’ career demonstrates a dedication to public service, legal advocacy, and the pursuit of educational opportunity for all.