Dr. Allison Persad is the Principal of The Young Women’s Leadership School of Astoria, a 6-12 all-girls school in Astoria, New York. She is an advocate of preparing young girls for jobs of the future and leading balanced lives. After more than a decade in the classroom as an English teacher, she has most recently completed her doctorate in Instructional Leadership from St. John's University. The focus of her research was identifying variables contributing to the impact on mathematics achievement. Ms. Persad has also worked as an educational administrator through the Division of Teaching and Learning with the NYC Department of Education, supporting schools across the city with instruction. She has been Cahn Fellow Ally, a Big Apple Teacher of the Year and has been a presenter at Confratute. Dr. Persad is currently a New York Educator Voice Fellow 2015-16. A life-long graduate of public education in NYC, she is an example and believer in creating opportunities for women and girls of all backgrounds.