Dr. Aaliyah A. Samuel is currently President & CEO at CASEL, spearheading initiatives alongside other educators, researchers, and policy leaders to expand social and emotional learning (SEL) nationwide and serving as a leading voice for children’s education. Dr. Samuel is a bilingual executive leader with expertise from early childhood through higher education. She previously served as Deputy Assistant Secretary, Local, State and National Engagement at the U.S. Department of Education, as a Senior Fellow at the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, and former Executive Vice President of Government Affairs & Partnerships at NWEA. Prior to NWEA, Dr. Samuel was the Director of Education at the National Governors Association (NGA). She has worked with diverse constituents, philanthropies, and national partners. Dr. Samuel holds an undergraduate degree from Tuskegee University, a Masters from University of South Florida, and a Specialist and Doctorate Degree from NOV