Jamillia Kamara Covington M.Ed. Senior Program Officer for Education

Jamillia works with The Pittsburgh Foundation’s staff to advance the grantmaking, convening, policy and research activities, with a focus on education and equity. Jamillia joined the Foundation in August 2017 after working as a community engagement consultant for Pittsburgh area nonprofits, small businesses, and institutions of higher learning. 

Jamillia began her professional career facilitating youth empowerment workshops and teaching at Southwest Leadership Academy Charter School, a K-8 school in Philadelphia. She went on to serve as a program director for Multicultural Community Family Services in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania and a program manager for Public Allies Pittsburgh. Drawing on her experiences as an educator, advocate, and social entrepreneur, Jamillia's work centers the experiences of communities most impacted by economic injustice and explores new strategies for transforming systems to better meet their needs. 

Jamillia earned a bachelor’s degree in urban studies from the University of Pittsburgh in 2010. She went on to complete a master’s degree in education from Chestnut Hill College and is currently pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership from Duquesne University. Outside of work, she is a writer and avid global traveler. She moved back to Pittsburgh from the Philadelphia area in 2014 and resides in the North Side.