Zelda Washington is a force. With over fifteen years of experience leading, shaping, and transforming schools, she is widely recognized as a powerhouse in education and leadership development. Known for her commanding presence, clear vision, and ability to shift culture, Zelda is a trusted school leader, leadership consultant, coach, professional developer, and national and international keynote speaker. Her work is defined by one constant: results that matter. When Zelda steps into a room, things move, mindsets shift, and excellence becomes non-negotiable.

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Born and raised in New Orleans and now rooted in Brooklyn, Zelda carries the rhythm of the South and the hustle of New York. A proud graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, she began her professional career in film, television, and on national and international theater tours. Her training as an actor sharpened her presence, her ability to read a room, and her gift for powerful storytelling. She now brings all of that to stages, classrooms, and boardrooms across the country.

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Zelda holds a Master of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary and a certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Cornell University. She is also a certified Non-Violent Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) trainer. These credentials reflect what her work

has always embodied: the pursuit of wholeness, justice, and transformation in every space she leads.

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What sets Zelda apart is her ability to develop leaders and teachers with precision and purpose. Her coaching is grounded in strategic planning, measurable goals, and ongoing observation and feedback, all through a racial equity lens. Whether she is leading a professional development session, consulting with a leadership team, or speaking from a stage, Zelda brings high energy, clarity, and deep expertise. Her sessions are rigorous, reflective, and radically effective.

 

Excellence is her core value. Zelda believes excellence is not perfection, but an intentional, daily pursuit of one’s best. She lives by the truth that while none of us chose the world we inherited, all of us have the power and the responsibility to change it. She is not just here to consult. She is here to shift the culture, build capacity, and leave it better than she found it.

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Professional Development and Keynote Speaking Options

Zelda customizes sessions to meet the specific needs of your school, staff, or organization. Whether you are looking for hands-on training, keynote inspiration, or strategic leadership development, she brings the tools and the fire to move your people forward.

 

                                                                                                                          Zelda M. Washington—