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OUR MISSION

ONE LEAD is a leadership and equity consulting practice that helps schools, nonprofits and educational systems design solutions to retain talent, produce effective leaders, and strengthen the educator workforce.

We are passionate about helping those who serve and uplift marginalized communities.

Our deep expertise spans working with individual leaders to advocacy organizations and large networks, increasing their capacity and impact through strategic initiatives.

Our true impact is measured not just in plans delivered, but in pivotal leaders retained, community voices elevated, and student experiences transformed.

CORE SERVICES

School Leader Pipelines

Building pathways for the next generation of extraordinary school leadership.

Executive Coaching

Working one-on-one to develop skills and systems within schools and organizations.

Talent Development

Providing every team member with the support and tools they need to excel.

Identity-Centered Curriculum Design

Ensuring classroom materials and experiences match the needs of students.

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We drive transformation that is not just aspirational, but institutionalized.

We collaborate with our clients to co-design solutions that are
identity-affirming, data-driven, and grounded in results.

SAMPLE PROJECTS

OUR TEAM

Raymond Fields, Jr.

Founder & Chief Strategist

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“I’ve seen firsthand that when we align systems around equity, identity and impact, we unlock the full potential of students and the adults who serve them.”

Raymond is a servant-leader and nationally-recognized education strategist with nearly two decades of experience working across the education ecosystem—as a principal, nonprofit leader, curriculum designer, and policy advocate.

During the course of his career, he has served as the Chief Talent Officer for the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Founding Executive Director for City Teaching Alliance, and a founding principal at two schools in Philadelphia. This rich background gives him a unique perspective on understanding each sector’s role in creating lasting change, along with the challenges and opportunities before them.

His work has centered on dismantling systemic barriers to leadership, deepening community-rooted talent pipelines, and improving outcomes for historically marginalized learners.

Some of his breakthrough initiatives:

Developed identity-anchored, ethnic studies curriculum for Pittsburgh Public Schools focused on civic engagement, collective identity, and resistance, supporting students in seeing their cultural experiences reflected in academic spaces.

Served as an executive coach for Teach For America Greater Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Academy of School Leaders, and various charter management organizations, supporting emerging leaders in meeting performance benchmarks tied to retention, instructional leadership and culturally responsive practices.

Led Pennsylvania’s first K–12 Career and Technical Education (CTE) program of study for general education as chair of the Committee for Education Talent Recruitment.

Advocated for and helped pass landmark legislation allowing non-U.S. citizens, including DACA recipients, to become certified teachers in Pennsylvania.

Authored and released the first statewide Educator Workforce Annual Report, elevating transparency and driving equity-forward data conversations in education policy.

As founding executive director of City Teaching Alliance Philadelphia, launched a teacher residency with 77% educators of color and 97% cohort retention in high-need schools.Built and led equity-driven teams and institutions committed to transforming the educator workforce while Chief Talent Officer for the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

RAYMOND's Breakthrough Initiatives

Developed identity-anchored, ethnic studies curriculum for Pittsburgh Public Schools focused on civic engagement, collective identity, and resistance, supporting students in seeing their cultural experiences reflected in academic spaces.

Served as an executive coach for Teach For America Greater Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Academy of School Leaders, and various charter management organizations, supporting emerging leaders in meeting performance benchmarks tied to retention, instructional leadership and culturally responsive practices.

Led Pennsylvania’s first K–12 Career and Technical Education (CTE) program of study for general education as chair of the Committee for Education Talent Recruitment.

Advocated for and helped pass landmark legislation allowing non-U.S. citizens, including DACA recipients, to become certified teachers in Pennsylvania.

Authored and released the first statewide Educator Workforce Annual Report, elevating transparency and driving equity-forward data conversations in education policy.

As founding executive director of City Teaching Alliance Philadelphia, launched a teacher residency with 77% educators of color and 97% cohort retention in high-need schools.

Built and led equity-driven teams and institutions committed to transforming the educator workforce while Chief Talent Officer for the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Maryam Abdelhamid

Consultant

Sterling Grimes

Consultant

Testimonials

"ONE LEAD offers vital, transformative support and development for professionals in this unprecedented moment. They consistently unlock new possibilities for participants and have become indispensable to our long-term strategy to support students, leaders, and the broader Philadelphia community."

Anna Shurak

Teach for America Greater Philadelphia

"As a key partner in the MITTEN Project, ONE LEAD brought critical insight and strategy to our shared mission of increasing the recruitment and retention of Black educators. Their leadership in conducting the Workforce Culture Audit helped surface opportunities to build sustainable grow-your-own pipelines and improve return of investment through intentional retention practices. They provided a sharp analysis of our coaching model, offering tangible ways to strengthen coaching across lines of difference. Their thought partnership was both affirming and actionable—grounded in equity and anchored in results."

Dr. Orpheus Williams

Center for Black Educator Development

The coaching session was impactful because it gave me the opportunity to make an intentional investment in my leadership development in a way that I have not experienced since much earlier in my career. ONE LEAD was authentic and insightful. Their honest feedback provided clarity, and I now feel equipped with actionable steps to finish this year strong and strategically prepare for the year ahead.

Suruchi Keenheel

UnboundED

I realized that while I’ve been focused on being helpful and available, I haven’t always prioritized advocating for myself as a leader. This was a moment of transformation—and a clear call to lead with intention and authenticity.

Quanisha Miller

School District of Philadelphia

ONE LEAD’s executive coaching was transformational during my first year as Executive Director of our teacher residency nonprofit. Their coaching style is rooted in authentic partnership, deep listening, and a clear focus on both leadership development and strategic fundraising. Through real-time feedback and storytelling guidance, I was able to sharpen our narrative of impact and confidently lead donor conversations. As a direct result of ONE LEAD’s support, we secured our strongest private donor for the site.

Jeff Glowik

City Teaching Alliance

“ONE LEAD brought thoughtful energy and a strong presence to the development and facilitation of our three-year learning arc for Senior Fellows at the Philadelphia Academy of School Leaders. His ability to foster connection among leaders and guide reflective conversations created meaningful engagement across a diverse cohort of assistant superintendents, principals, and chiefs. ONE LEAD’s contributions helped lay a foundation for exploring equity-centered leadership and talent development in Philadelphia schools. We are grateful for their partnership and wish them continued success in their future work.”

Dr. Edwin M. Quezada

Executive Director,
Philadelphia Academy of School Leaders

ONE LEAD was a true champion for strengthening and diversifying the Black educator pipeline during his tenure as Chief Talent Officer at the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Through his partnership with the Center for Black Educator Development, they led the committee on education talent recruitment, supported critical advocacy with legislators, and built bridges with educator prep programs and advocacy groups statewide. ONE LEAD’s strategic planning and relentless execution helped lay the foundation for early pathways into the profession, ensuring long-term systems change. Their leadership directly contributed to policies and partnerships that continue to expand access and opportunity for future Black educators.

Sharif El-Mekki

CEO, Center for Black Educator Development

CONTACT

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ONE LEAD is a leadership and equity consulting practice that helps schools, nonprofits and educational systems design solutions to retain talent, produce effective leaders, and strengthen the educator workforce.