Nina L. Gilbert

Nina L. Gilbert launched EdCollab Atlanta to connect and support the hundreds of innovators, educators and community leaders who'd partnered with her during her 25 years in the education sector. Those in her professional network, affectionally refer to her as Dr. Nina, "the education doctor" because she is often called upon to help entrepreneurial leaders diagnose and find solutions for their education related ventures. As an African-American educator, mother and advocate, Nina recognizes the challenges faced by students, families and communities of color. But what she is most passionate about is serving those who have been historically marginalized and left behind by systems, practices and policies that don't work for, or include everyone. Since 1990, Nina has been in the trenches and on the front lines, working for young people. She's served in adolescent treatment centers, urban school districts, alternative schools, launched a network of charter schools and taught in higher ed at both the undergraduate and the graduate levels. She has launched and led nonprofit organizations, consulted with several corporate, philanthropic and educational institutions and organizations. She has participated in education advocacy initiatives and fellowships, and serves as a thought leader to many local and national organizations. However, Nina considers serving as the mother and lead advocate and educator to her three children (who are now all adults) as her most important role. Nina has a bachelor's degree from The University of West Georgia, a master's from Clark Atlanta University, and a doctorate of education from University of Pennsylvania. While she values all that her formal education has provided her, Nina recognizes that the most valuable lessons she's learned about perseverance, purpose, innovation and service has come from her journey to create and sustain positive movements that ignite change.