Bela Bhasin

Bela Bhasin is an equity-focused leader committed to educational equity and excellence in urban public schools.

She is steadfast in her belief that educational justice is the key to a more liberated and equitable world. With more than two decades of experience, Bela’s work has included leadership coaching around school redesign and designing humanizing professional learning experiences. Much of her work is focused on centering the needs and voices of those most vulnerable in our communities.

Most recently, Bela served as the Director of School Transformation and Design at Educate78 where partnered with school and district leaders in Oakland to take collective responsibility to create antiracist learning cultures in their organizations. As a coach she had the honor of supporting leaders to ensure the policies and practices, systems, and structures they put in place were interrupting rather than reproducing oppression, so that students of color can realize their full brilliance and potential.

A collaborative and reflective leader, Bela values working across differences and cultivating positive relationships with colleagues and partners and approaches her work with humility and integrity. Bela has a BA in Psychology from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, India, and Masters in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College in Boston, MA. She received her National Board Certification in 2000. She was born and raised in India and moved to the U.S in 1990. She has lived in California since 2002. When not working you can find Bela rock climbing, hiking trails, practicing yoga, or hanging out with her family and friends.

SOUTH ASIAN AFFINITY GROUP MEMBERS

• Are open to engaging in mind-body activities

• Dig deep and self-reflect about their own multiple identities and are open to questioning their own beliefs, biases, blind spots, etc.

• Are willing to engage in open conversations about race and explore the ways that white supremacy and dominant culture causes harm

• Are committed to focus on one’s healing and growth that will foster taking action for social change and seeking justice in one’s own life and community and the broader society