AISHA STROTHERS
Executive Director
Aisha Strothers is a dedicated nonprofit leader and has devoted her 20 plus year nonprofit career to organizations that promote educational and economic opportunities to young people and communities. Aisha’s leadership is defined by a commitment to social justice and equity. Aisha joined Greater Steps Scholars as Executive Director in August 2015 and is leading the organization’s growth and change under a bold and visionary strategic direction.
Fueled by her belief in the power of education to transform lives and create equity, she designed a mentor program for Greater Steps Scholars and implemented a career readiness component to equip students with the necessary tools they need to succeed. During her tenure at Greater Steps, Aisha has tripled the Fund’s fundraising efforts and its reach. Greater Steps’ graduation rate has increased from 24% to 30% in just three years.
Prior to joining CHASF, Aisha served in leadership roles at the Harvey B. Gantt Center and Care Ring in Charlotte, as well as Goddard Riverside Community Center and Greyston Foundation in New York. A fearless advocate for equity, access, and success in education, Aisha is a proven fundraising professional and leader in building strategic relationships to change communities.
Aisha grew up in Mount Vernon, NY, a suburb of New York City and lived in Washington D.C. before moving with her family to the Charlotte area in 2006. She holds a B.B.A. with a concentration in Marketing from Howard University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She received her master’s in Public Administration from American University, her certification in nonprofit management at Wake Forest University and has completed multiple nonprofit and fundraising certificate programs. She has been recruited to participate in several prestigious leadership programs such as the Third Sector Leadership Program, as well as the Junior League’s Leadership Development Institute. Aisha is a member of the Junior League of Charlotte and has served as Chair of the Project Development & Evaluation Committee and Chair of the Mentor Program Committee. She has served on the Mount Vernon YMCA Board, volunteered with Girl Scouts, and mentors several college students.
A LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
As the Executive Director of Greater Steps Scholars, it is an absolute honor to be associated with an organization that for 37 years has done so much to promote education and improve the economic opportunity in Charlotte.
I am humbled to serve Greater Steps and continue the work of our founder, John T. Crawford, of removing financial barriers that might prevent students from gaining an education and eventually employment. With the reduction of federal financial assistance and growing tuition rates the need to continue to provide scholarships to our students is more critical than ever. All students should be afforded the opportunity to pursue the American Dream and it is imperative that we remain committed to this goal.
We are proud of the accomplishments we have achieved to date, and we are committed to continue serving students living in public housing facilities in an effort to positively impact their lives. I want to thank the Advisory Board of Directors for all their hard work, dedication, and support. They are truly a group of individuals who are committed to our students and the work that we do. I also wish to thank our donors for your continued support and financial contributions to help turn educational dreams into goals and those goals into reality. We believe great things happen when we work together toward the shared goal of improving the lives of our students and making our community a better place to live.
Sincerely,
Aisha Strothers
Executive Director