Leadership

Dr. Heather Hairston
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

With over 20 years of experience as an educator and leader in DC Public Schools across Wards 5, 6, and 7, Heather provides strategic leadership and oversight for all Girls Inc. DC programming. She manages staff and program operations while coordinating closely with the National Girls Inc. organization. A DC native, Heather holds a B.A. in Sociology, a Master of Arts in Teaching, and a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Supervision. She recently earned her Ed.D. in Education and Organizational Leadership, where her research focused on the experiences of adolescent Black girls, including their sense of belonging and the environments that support their growth. Heather also serves on the board of EcoRise and is a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Ebony Edwards
PROGRAM DIRECTOR

As Program Director, Ebony is responsible for leading the development and implementation of programs that align with the Girls Inc. pillars of strong, smart and bold. A graduate of American University with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Minor in Health Promotion, Ebony has 10 years of experience, working with scholars from ages 3 to 17. Prior to Girls Inc. DC, Ebony taught first grade at Friendship Public Charter School, where she was a Host Teacher, First Grade Team Lead and also the First Grade Math Lead in the FPCS District. She also coached the middle school girl’s basketball team. Ebony has also published two children’s books — “Fine, You Tell Me Who I Am” and “The Adventures of Zy and Fuzz.”

Aliyah Perkins
RESIDENT PROGRAM FACILITATOR

Aliyah Perkins is an inaugural member of the Black Women’s Leadership Experience (BWLE) Cohort. Aliyah serves as a Resident Program Facilitator leading the programs at Howard University Middle School and community outreach across all wards in DC. Aliyah graduated from Jackson State University with a Bachelor of Social Work with Magna Cum Laude honors. Aliyah’s aspires to obtain her Masters in Social Work with a goal to open her own children’s home. Aliyah is a native of St. Louis, Missouri and in her free time, she enjoys volunteering and spending time with family.