Leadership

Dr. Heather Hairston
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

With 20 years of experience as an educator and leader in DC Public Schools in Wards 5, 6 and 7, Heather is responsible for strategic leadership and oversight of all Girls Inc. DC programming; managing staff, program administration and interfacing with the National Girls Inc. DC organization. Born and raised in the DC area, Heather holds a B.A. in Sociology as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and a master’s in Education leadership and Supervision. Heather recently completed her Ed.D. in Education and Organizational Leadership, focusing her research on intersectionality and gender studies, specifically exploring sense of belonging and perceptions of safety for adolescent Black girls. Heather is a Board Member at EcoRise and a 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.