Dr. Mahalia A. Hines

Dr. Mahalia A. Hines is currently the Board President of the Common Ground Foundation, a non-profit serving emerging youth co-founded with her son, Academy Award winning artist Common. Dr. Hines has worked in the educational field for over 35 years as a teacher and principal. Since retiring from education her involvement with children – which is her passion – has not diminished.

In addition to her work with the Common Ground Foundation, she continues to work with school leaders of public and charter schools in urban areas throughout the country. She is committed to developing effective school leaders who will guide others to provide the best possible education for the children least likely to receive it. In 2011, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel appointed Dr. Hines to the Chicago Board of Education where she served for 8 years and retired in June, 2019. In 2017, Dr. Hines was appointed to the Board of Directors for the President Obama Foundation and is currently a serving member. Dr Hines continues to positively impact the educational lives of children directly and indirectly.