Fatima Cooke

Dr. Fatima Cooke brings over two decades of pre-K-12 experience in school and system-wide transformation. As the Chief Equity Officer for Chicago Public Schools, she was responsible for examining policies and programs for inequities and implementing strategies that minimize resource gaps, staffing challenges, and barriers to high-quality academic programming.

Dr. Cooke earned her Doctorate and Ed.S. degrees from National Louis University and her M.S. degree from Chicago State University.

A proud product of Chicago Public Schools, Dr. Cooke is a lifelong learner committed to positively impacting the lives of students, school communities, and district leaders by eliminating barriers to ensure all students have the educational foundation to become caring, successful, and productive citizens.

Dr. Cooke’s background as a teacher, instructional coach, and elementary and high school administrator has provided her with first-hand insight into the challenges students and families face. Before her current role, Dr. Cooke served as a Network 5 Deputy Chief, the proud Principal of Sumner Math & Science Community Academy in Chicago’s North Lawndale Community, and an educator in various communities.

Her dual roles as an educator and mother keep her focused on supporting district and school leaders by challenging them to use their voices to disrupt inequities and ensure that all students receive opportunities and resources that meet their individual needs and aspirations.

Dr. Cooke is excited to partner with communities to create authentic engagement opportunities that increase positive interactions, improve academic outcomes, and foster a sense of belonging for the most marginalized students.