Sherese Ward currently serves as portfolio director with the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation where she oversees the deployment of investments in K12 Education programs. Previously, she was chief of staff and strategy for the Division of Human Capital at the New York City Department of Education. In that role, she led the execution of the division’s strategic plan, while supporting cross-functional agency initiatives.

Prior to this role, she served as special assistant in the Office of the Superintendent at Newark Public Schools, advancing the district’s priorities through community and corporate partner engagements. As a consultant in her home state of Connecticut, Sherese led fund development, school turnaround projects and advised on government relations strategies. She was a founding leadership team member for the Connecticut Black Alliance for Educational Options, where she spearheaded strategic partnership development and legislative relations. She also formerly served as director of government and community relations for Achievement First. Her career began managing corporate philanthropic investments for Bank of America in Connecticut and New York.

Sherese serves on the New York University Alumni Association board of directors and is a partner with Social Venture Partners Austin. Sherese is an alum of Education Pioneers, The Broad Residency in Urban Education, and the Council of Urban Professionals (CUP) fellowship. Sherese holds a Bachelor of Science in finance, a Master of Public Administration, and a Master of Education.