Colorado “I Have a Dream” Foundation (CIHAD) announced today the selection of Kimberlee Sia as the new President and CEO, effective October 21, 2019. Sia has spent the last six years as CEO of KIPP Colorado Schools, where she helped to double the number of schools and tripled the number of students served, 96 percentage of whom are students of color. Sia’s career arch serves as a great foundation for leading CIHAD into the future, as the nonprofit continues to expand its services in providing individualized social, emotional, and academic support for its young constituents and their families.

“Kimberlee embodies the mission and vision of CIHAD and believes that partnerships with students, families and the community are the building blocks in meeting the needs of children to ensure their long-term success,” said Doug Andrews, CIHAD Board Chair. “We were fortunate to have a slate of outstanding candidates for this position, and the selection of Kimberlee is a testament to the positive reputation of the foundation and the hard work our young Dreamers put in daily.”

Sia has spent her career focused on the advancement of academics as both an educator and administrator. She began her career in Newark, NJ with Teach for America shortly after graduating from Northwestern University. Sia later moved to Goleta, CA where she worked as an elementary school teacher and was recognized as Educator of the Year during her time in the classroom. She later moved into administration and subsequently, completed her master’s degree in education at the University of California – Santa Barbara. Always up for a challenge, Sia moved on to Chicago where she opened a new school for Lighthouse Academies in Gary, Indiana.

“It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to continue this important work in my new role with CIHAD and in partnership with a dedicated staff and community partners,” said Sia. “I became an educator because I benefited from a support system in my youth that helped me fulfill my aspirations. Since my first day in the classroom, I have worked to build relationships with students and families to better understand how to support talent, build skills and provide additional resources as needed to pave the way for young people to fulfill their dreams.”