Nashwa Mekky currently serves as the Chief People, Equity, and Culture Officer at the Illinois Math and Science Academy in Aurora. Her experiences in education include serving as an elementary and middle school teacher, instructional team leader, reading specialist, athletic director, associate principal, and school principal. With over 25 years of teaching and leadership experience, Nashwa uses her equity lens to ensure high levels of access and belonging for students and staff alike. She is passionate about promoting a positive school environment through people and culture development, biliteracy Education, and Restorative Practices. Nashwa is a strong advocate of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She is a member of the  Illinois State Educational Equity Committee and co-chairs the Illinois State Learning Conditions Committee. Nashwa also co-chaired the Illinois Principals Association Lake Region Diversity and Equity Committee.  Nashwa holds a BA in Elementary Education, with a minor in Anthropology from Northeastern University, an M.S. in Reading & Literacy from Walden University, a Reading Specialist endorsement from National Louis University, and an M.A. in Instructional Leadership from Roosevelt University. Nashwa is pursuing her doctorate in Educational Leadership at Western Illinois University.