Tasliym Lester

Director of Operations

Born and raised in south Florida, Shamira O’Neal moved to Philadelphia in 2012 to start her leading and teaching career. She has since taught algebra, geometry, social justice, creative writing, lit and poetry and a wide range of other classes and subjects. She is a certified 7-12 math instructor and has also received her principal’s certification. Shamira’s research over the past 10 years, at the University of Pennsylvania, has focused on the impact teachers and leaders of color can have on students of color in public and urban school settings. She is currently enrolled in Vanderbilt’s Leading and Learning in Organizations doctoral program. Having served as the Dean of Students and Assistant Principal the past 4 years in Philadelphia, Shamira is excited to have made the move to Washington DC to lead and learn at Girls Global Academy.