Shaunna D. Finley, PhD.

Senior Advisor, District & Community Engagement, Communities In Schools National Office
Areas of expertise: Capacity Building, Upward Mobility, Enrichment/Motivation

Dr. Shaunna Finley is an educational leader with extensive experience across K-12, higher education, and nonprofit management. She has dedicated her career to advancing equitable outcomes and building strategic partnerships for students in low-income communities. 

As Senior Director at Communities In Schools, Dr. Finley leads the growth and expansion of integrated systems of support nationwide, drawing on deep expertise in developing and scaling initiatives that place critical resources directly into schools. 

Her leadership experience spans school administration, policy, and governance. She made history as the first African American female principal of East Chicago Central High School and has served as a school board member. She specializes in strategic planning, program development, and outcome evaluation — helping organizations sharpen their vision and ensure diverse voices are represented in decision-making. 

A first-generation high school graduate, Dr. Finley's commitment to educational equity is both professional and personal. In 2023, she was honored with the Northwest Indiana Influential Women's Award in Education.