ABOUT OUR  FOUNDER & CEO
FAHARI MAKINI

"Every child deserves a champion; an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists they become the best they can possibly be."
-Rita Pierson, Educator-

Every child deserves a champion, and it takes a dedicated and community oriented individual to take on the task of developing and pouring into the next set of champions. That individual is Fahari Makini. Fahari is a passionate, charismatic, and experienced leader in School Climate and Culture. She specializes in Restorative Practices, Social Emotional Learning and Trauma Informed Care and has a particular heart for equipping adults to take care of the hearts and minds of the youngest in the village. ​

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Through in person and virtual training, facilitation, and content/curriculum creation, Fahari has well over a decade of school leadership, counseling and restorative practices to her credit. Through her work with families, teachers, administrators, and community organizations in both Baltimore City and Washington, D.C., school environments have become more welcoming, supportive and high functioning. These spaces exist so that students can operate as responsible and capable members of their school community; where their needs are recognized; and where they are treated with respect and dignity. 

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Fahari frequently draws attention to the responsibility and privilege of working with and educating Black girls. Having seen how Black girls face more injustice and racist policy in education than any other race, her efforts serve to intentionally reinforce systems that are created to empower and uplift Black girls.

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Fahari's unique perspective as a transformative school leader and youth advocate in various settings including boarding and charter schools, youth detention and rehabilitation centers, as well as school district level positions informs her holistic insight. Her social work background (MSW, University of Maryland) provides the framework for her approach, which has been refined and honed by practical experience and her passion to honor and uplift children and families. 

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Fahari's dedication to honing spaces and people to be better for children extends beyond her work and into her own family; she is a D.C. native presently residing in suburban Baltimore with her husband and their four children. 

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Uzima ('full of life') is more than a name; it is a mission, vision and clarion call that inspires Fahari each day to facilitate spaces where caring adults can honor the life and potential of every young person, everywhere. 

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