As the Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives, August is responsible for driving the organization’s policy agenda while also coordinating cross-departmental execution of K1C’s programs.
August previously served as Manager of Performance Policy at Chicago Public Schools, where she led the design and implementation of the district’s accountability framework and school performance metrics used to measure school quality and student outcomes across the city.
Before transitioning into system-level policy work, August served as an elementary school principal in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood where she improved school climate, strengthened literacy outcomes, and built strong partnerships with families and community organizations. August began her career as a kindergarten teacher in Englewood, where she first developed her focus on literacy and instructional quality.
August believes strong public education systems are built through transparency, trust, and meaningful partnership with families. She is passionate about ensuring parents have access to clear and honest information about their schools and believes thoughtful policy can create stronger connections between families, communities, and the education system.
Born and raised in the South Shore community, August earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Hampton University and a Master’s degree in Education from National Louis University. She completed her principal preparation through the Urban Education Leadership program at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), a doctoral-level leadership program designed to prepare school and system leaders.
August lives in Morgan Park with her husband and two children. She enjoys cooking, interior design and supporting her children' s many endeavors.