Shakari F.

Program Design, Strategy, and Project Management Consultant

Hi, I’m Shakari — a project wrangler, strategy shaper, and all-around education and workforce geek who has spent the last decade turning big ideas into real results. If your project feels a little messy or your team is juggling too many pieces, I’m the one you call to bring order, clarity, and a solid plan. The Big Picture –National chops: As a Director at Jobs for the Future (JFF), I managed a $4M federally funded project, led vendors and consultants across the country, and built a 508-compliant federal website that now serves thousands of educators. –Local roots: In New Orleans, I’ve been Director of College & Career Readiness at ReNEW Schools and Board President of EQA Schools. I know this city, its schools, and the unique challenges students face. –Trusted partner: I’ve consulted with the Rapides Foundation, Actions for Equity, and even the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis on rural youth, pathways, and workforce solutions. What I Do Best –Untangle complex projects and deliver them on time (and without the stress). –Design programs and toolkits that schools, nonprofits, and funders actually use. –Translate labor market data into real pathways for youth and adult learners. –Make resources accessible for everyone (yes, I’m a 508/ADA compliance nerd). –Build partnerships that stick — across schools, funders, employers, and communities. Why People Hire Me –I speak fluent “funder,” “school leader,” and “community partner” all at once. –I can zoom out to strategy or zoom in to spreadsheets without missing a beat. –I’ve been told my superpower is making people feel like “we’ve got this” even in chaos. –My deliverables are polished, accessible, and ready for prime time. A Few Highlights –Expanded a national learning network from 13 to 16 states in under a year. –Directed a $4M project with a 100% accessibility pass rate from OCTAE. –Built career readiness systems for New Orleans students through ReNEW Schools. –Created learning agendas and technical assistance frameworks that stuck. –Designed and led a rural workforce convening with the St. Louis Fed. My Style Think of me as part strategist, part problem-solver, and part coach. I’m collaborative but decisive, professional but approachable. I’ll tell you what’s working, what’s not, and how we can fix it. And yes, I like to keep it human — because good work should not feel like pulling teeth. What You Get –Clear plans and deadlines (no mystery, no missed deliverables). –High-quality products that funders, boards, and partners love. –A partner who cares about both the big win and the small details. –Someone who brings equal parts brains, heart, and hustle to the table. If you’re looking for someone who can handle complexity, deliver results, and make the process smoother, you’ve found your person. Let’s make your project one of those success stories that people talk about.