Malasia McClendon

Program Coordinator

As the Program Coordinator, Malasia supports the Public School Forum’s operational, programmatic and policy work.  She coordinates major Forum events, including our annual Jay Robinson Education Awards Gala, Eggs & Issues Breakfast, Color of Education Summit, and Synergy Conference. Additionally, she supports the Forum’s development efforts, Board operations, communications, website maintenance, publications, and more. Prior to joining the Public School Forum, Malasia was a Fellow at the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation where she made funding recommendations in accordance with the Foundation’s grantmaking strategies, organizational values, and priority areas. Additionally, she managed the recruitment and selection processes for the Non-Profit Internship Program and the Fellowship Program. 

Malasia is a native of North Carolina and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from North Carolina State University.  During her undergraduate experience, Malasia participated in the North Carolina General Assembly Internship Program, supported research as a Research Assistant at the T.E.A.C.H. National Center, and interned with the James B. Hunt Institute. On campus, Malasia created safe spaces for students of color and those disproportionately affected by systemic inequities by reactivating the campus chapter of the NAACP. Additionally, Malasia participated and led service trips internationally to teach English. Malasia has a heart for education. She aspires to experience a world where education policy is informed by quality research and accounts for historical inequities faced by students and communities.