Owoade Ayorinde is an Early and Elementary Policy Graduate Intern at
New America. Currently, she is earning her Master's degree in
Education Policy and Leadership from American University. She is also
the Graduate Research Assistant for American University's new Center
for Postsecondary Readiness and Success (CPRS). Her current research
focuses on policies that increase equitable and accessible pathways to
postsecondary success for all students.
Prior to her time at American, Owoade served as a Teach for America
corps member in Dallas, TX. For two years, Owoade taught American
History at the middle school level and passionately advocated for her
students. She also served as a Elementary Childhood Instructional
Coach and Humanities Department Chair. After three years in the
classroom, she worked as the legislative intern for Maryland Senator
Cheryl Kagan, assisting with policy research, legislative analysis,
and constituent correspondence.
In 2018, Owoade was selected for the Leadership for Educational Equity
(LEE), Policy and Advocacy Summer Fellowship, where she had an
opportunity to work at ZERO TO THREE. During this time, she
contributed to the federal policy team, with a focus on work and
family issues, early care and education, and child welfare. She holds
a Bachelor of Science in Family Science and a minor in Early Childhood
Special Education from the University of Maryland, College Park.