Ashley Harding, founder of North Star Academics, is a fourth-generation educator and Los Angeles native dedicated to advancing educational equity. She holds a B.S. from the University of Southern California and an M.A. in Child Development from Tufts University, with additional study in education reform at NYU and as a Graduate Fellow in the University of Pennsylvania’s Social Impact program. With more than a decade of experience, Ashley has supported students and families in private and independent schools, helping to bridge cultural, academic, and relational gaps. She previously served as Director of External Engagement for a national school network, where she oversaw initiatives reaching more than 6,000 students and co-authored research on systemic disparities affecting Black and Latino students. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal and in academic publications with Dr. James Jennings of Tufts and Harvard University. Ashley also serves as President of the Board for the Black Education Advocacy Network (BEAN) and on CHADD’s National Board of Directors, where she advances initiatives that promote academic equity, representation, and culturally responsive practices for all learners.