Shanai Lee, MBA, Ed.D., is a leader with over two decades of experience in urban education Shanai Lee is the founder and Executive Director of READY, Inc. (Rochester Education and Development for Youth, Inc.), a 501c3 organization that aims to increase access to quality schools for Rochester’s K-12 students through community-driven approaches and strategies that center students, families, and educators in developing solutions to address the inequities that challenge our public education systems. With over 20 years of experience in education and local government, Shanai leads efforts to close achievement gaps and drive systemic change in public schools through strategic partnerships and community engagement. Prior to founding READY, Shanai served as Regional Senior Director for Uncommon Schools and District Clerk for the Rochester Board of Education. Shanai’s career has been focused on providing equitable educational opportunities for all children and catalyzing economic advancement in urban areas. A graduate of Rochester City Schools, Shanai holds a doctorate in Educational Administration, a master’s in educational policy, and an MBA in Finance from the University of Rochester, as well as a bachelor’s in Economics from Cornell University. She actively contributes to her community by serving on the boards of the Rochester Housing Authority, Connected Communities, Inc, and BRICK Education Network – Rochester. Shanai also provides valuable insights and guidance as a founding member of 100 Women Who Care, a mentor for the Greater Rochester Parent Leadership Training Institute, and a Community Advisory Team Member for The Excel Center.