Story

Aisha grew up in South Central LA, where writing became her sanctuary. After graduating from UCLA with a degree in English Education, she dedicated her career to helping young teens discover their voice through creative expression.

Her teaching philosophy focuses on empowerment: she encourages reading circles, personal essays, and group discussions to help students explore their identity and experiences. One of her proudest accomplishments was watching a student who once avoided writing entirely go on to publish a poem in the school’s literary circle.

Aisha’s classroom is filled with energy — books lining the walls, art projects hanging above desks, and students collaborating on creative assignments. She believes English is not just a subject but a tool for helping young people understand themselves and the world.

When she’s not teaching, Aisha writes poetry, hikes Griffith Park, and volunteers at a youth mentorship nonprofit. She joined Kina to reach more students who deserve encouragement, representation, and a community that listens to their stories.