Each month, we'll be featuring school board members in an effort to learn more about the wonderful individuals serving on our boards!

Ruqayyah Abdullah is board chair at Legacy Prep charter school in Birmingham, AL. With education as a focal point in her life, Ruqayyah enjoys seeing how education can transform the lives of not only her students, but their families and the communities they live in!

Read below to learn more about Ruqayyah!

Q: What is your current occupation?

A: Chief Operating Officer

Q: What inspired you to join the school board?

A: I believe in the transformative power education has in creating opportunities of access. I’ve seen firsthand how education can change lives, and I wanted to be a part an organization whose mission is centered on making impacts in the lives of our students and families that leave a legacy of positive impact for our community

Q: What is your favorite part about being a school board member?

A: My favorite part of being a school board member is being able to see the transformation our school is having in the lives of our scholars, their families, our staff and the surrounding community. 

Q: What’s one thing you’ve learned since becoming a board member?

A: I’ve learned the importance of having persistence, resilience and patience in the pursuit of impactful change. Progress in education can be slow and challenging, but it’s worth the effort to ensure that every child has access to opportunity and achievement.

Q: Is there anything you are particularly proud of accomplishing as a board member (i.e., new initiatives or special projects…)?

A: Schools are anchors of communities. I am proud of the work that the Legacy Prep Board of Directors and its Leadership has done to lay down a strong foundation for long-term sustainability.

Q: What is one piece of advice you would share with an incoming board member?

A: Use your “why” as a compass to guide you, stay true to your values, listen to the voice of the community, and remember that the future you’re helping to shape is one where every child has an opportunity.

Q: What are some of your hobbies?

A: I enjoy spending time with my family and cheering on Alabama (Roll Tide!) and UAB (Go Blazers!) Football

Q: An interesting facts about me is...

A: I am the 3rd of nine children who all graduated from public schools in the Greater Birmingham Area.

Q: Favorite inspirational quote...

A: "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure." -Marianne Williamson

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