Takiema Bunche Smith, MPA, MS Ed has worked as an executive coach, leader, adviser, writer, and educator for nearly three decades. She expertly guides leaders and professionals to better understand their leadership gifts, with equity and joy as a foundation. Her approach is guided by culturally- and identity- responsive perspectives, adaptive leadership frameworks, and adult learning and development theory. She has been referred to as “The Beyoncé of DEI” by those who have experienced her coaching, speaking, and professional development sessions.

As CEO and founder of Anahsa Consulting, Takiema’s Journey to Nia Curriculum: Centering Black Joy and Eradicating Anti-Black Racism was a finalist in Harvard’s Zaentz Early Education Innovation Challenge in 2023. She has authored articles in outlets such as Chalkbeat and the Washington Post, and has been featured in TV interviews for ABC, Pix 11 and more.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Takiema received her BS with High Honors from Mount Holyoke College. She went on to receive multiple Master's degrees in: Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Bank Street College, in Urban Education Policy from the CUNY Graduate Center, and in Leadership and Management from NYU Wagner School of Public Service.