Arlecia J. Taylor is a results-driven education leader with over a decade of experience championing postsecondary access, academic enrichment, and student success. She currently serves as Manager of Academic Competitions at Chicago Public Schools, where she oversees 13 districtwide programs, manages a multimillion-dollar budget, and leads a diverse team in implementing engaging and impactful academic initiatives. Under her leadership, student and school participation has grown significantly, fueled by innovative recruitment strategies, community engagement, and mentorship models.

Previously, Arlecia served as a College and Career Coach at Schurz High School, where she created and institutionalized signature college readiness programs, raised scholarship funds for undocumented students, and led citywide alumni support efforts.

Beyond her professional roles, Arlecia is deeply committed to community service. She volunteers with Project sWish Chicago and serves on scholarship and recruitment committees through Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and Minds Matter Chicago, where she advises students and mentors volunteers.

Arlecia holds a Master of Science in Public Administration from DePaul University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. With a passion for equity, education, and community empowerment, Arlecia is known for her strategic leadership, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to student achievement.