Geoff Canada

President of Harlem Children’s Zone and Promise Academy Boards

Having worked with the Harlem Children’s Zone for more than 30 years, Geoffrey Canada is renowned around the world for his pioneering work helping children and families in Harlem, and as a thought leader and passionate advocate for education reform. From 1990 to 2014, Mr. Canada served as the President and Chief Executive Officer for the Harlem Children’s Zone.

Mr. Canada grew up in the South Bronx. Despite his troubled surroundings, he achieved great academic success, receiving a Bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College and a Master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. After graduating, Mr. Canada began his life’s work helping children who, like himself, grew up in poor, distressed neighborhoods.

In 2006, Mr. Canada served as co-chair of New York City’s Commission on Economic Opportunity and in 2011 he was appointed to the New York State Governor’s Council of Economic and Fiscal Advisors. He is also an advisor and board member for several nonprofit organizations.