Kalimah Fergus Ayele is a visionary educational leader and the founder and CEO of Roundtrip Ticket Home, an organization dedicated to helping educators reimagine school systems through design thinking. Her work focuses on building thriving, inclusive communities where every member experiences a profound sense of belonging and is empowered to create a more equitable world.

Most recently, Kalimah served as the Head of NYC Campus for The Winchendon School. There, she led an innovative educational oasis in Manhattan, guiding high school students through real-world learning and a unique city-wide field study program designed to connect them with their passions.

With almost 30 years of experience in education, Kalimah's journey began as a Peace Corps Volunteer, teaching Chemistry in East Africa. Her career has spanned five countries, enriching her global perspective on learning. She holds a bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Stanford University and two master's degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University, including an Ed.M. in Organization Leadership from the prestigious Klingenstein program. A proud native of New York City, Kalimah brings a deep understanding of urban educational landscapes to her transformative work.