Aspen is a place for leaders to lift their sights above the possessions which possess them. To confront their own nature as human beings, to regain control over their own humanity by becoming more self-aware, more self-correcting, and hence more self-fulfilling.

Walter P. Paepcke, Aspen Institute Co-Founder

Farah Assiraj

Director of Strategic Initiatives and Impact , Education and Society Program

Farah Assiraj has led systems transformation efforts spanning curriculum and instruction, literacy, multilingual and special education, youth leadership, and family and community engagement. She is currently a Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D.) candidate at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, completing her residency as Director of Strategic Initiatives and Impact for the Aspen Institute Education & Society Program. Most recently, Farah served as Chief of Teaching and Learning at the Council of the Great City Schools, supporting academic, equity, SEL, and MTSS leaders across 80 of the nation’s largest urban districts. Previously, she held several senior roles in Boston Public Schools, including Deputy Chief Academic Officer, where she led MTSS and Equitable Literacy, and Assistant Superintendent for the Office of Multilingual and Multicultural Education. Her career has also included roles as an Upper School Principal, Director of Organizing for the Boston Teachers Union, and a PK–12 teacher, as well as a founder of multiple youth and community coalitions.