Sehba Ali is the current CEO of KIPP Texas Public Schools. KIPP Texas’s mission is to create joyful academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose – college, career, and beyond – so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world. Made up of 54 schools educating over 32,000 students in grades pre‐k through 12th grade, KIPP Texas is deeply committed to running high quality public schools and supporting its students through college graduation and the start of their career. KIPP Texas has an annual operating budget of $450 million dollars and over 3000 staff members.

Prior to joining KIPP Texas Public Schools, Mrs. Ali served as the CEO and Superintendent of KIPP Houston Public Schools. Preceding her work in Texas, Ms. Ali was the Chief Academic Officer at KIPP Northern California, where she was responsible for the academic performance of the region’s schools. Sehba Ali founded KIPP Heartwood Academy middle school in San Jose, CA in 2004, which has consistently been rated as one of the highest performing middle schools in California and is a nationally recognized Blue Ribbon School.

Mrs. Ali earned her B.A. in English and Psychology from UC Berkeley and her Masters from Stanford University. She received training from the KIPP School Leadership Program, including study at the Haas School of Business, and participated in the Pahara-Aspen Education Fellowship and the Broad Academy for Superintendents. Ms. Ali began her career as a middle school English teacher in Houston, Texas with Teach For America.

Ms. Ali has served on the KIPP Public Schools Board of Directors, the California Charter School Association Member Council, Rocketship Education’s Board of Directors, Connect Community Board of Directors, Legacy Community Health Board of Directors, River Oaks Islamic School, and the Post Oak School Board of Trustees. She actively mentors other KIPP CEOs and women leaders of color nationwide. She serves on the boards of the Texas Public Charter Schools Association.