Spotlight of the Week: Dr. Tina D. Pierce – A Legacy of Leadership and Change

In a world where leaders are often defined by their titles, Dr. Tina D. Pierce shines as a beacon of true servant leadership, using her role not just to command but to empower. As the current Board Vice President of the Columbus Board of Education, Dr. Pierce’s influence extends far beyond her title. Her story is one of dedication to community, education, and a relentless pursuit of equity.

Dr. Pierce’s journey began in Columbus, Ohio, where she was raised in a hardworking, resilient family that instilled in her the values of education and perseverance. A graduate of Beechcroft High School and The Ohio State University, Dr. Pierce is a proud product of the Columbus City Schools system, a testament to the transformative power of public education.

Today, she serves her community with the same passion and dedication that has marked her entire career. Elected in 2019, Dr. Pierce is now in her second term as a member of the Columbus Board of Education, where she serves as Vice President. Her leadership extends to the Ohio School Board Association Central Region, where she previously served as President and now holds the position of Immediate Past President. Her commitment to advancing education and protecting democracy earned her the distinction of being elected as a Biden delegate, representing Ohio District 3 at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

Dr. Pierce’s leadership is not confined to the boardroom. With over two decades of experience in higher education, civic engagement, and leadership development, she serves as the Chief of Strategy and Belonging for The Ohio State University Alumni Association. In this role, she develops strategies that foster inclusive environments and drives meaningful change. Her work at the university reflects her broader vision of cultivating leadership, increasing civic engagement, and building bridges between institutions and communities.

Driven by a desire to empower others, Dr. Pierce founded WORTH (Working Through Obstacles Reaching True Heights), an education consulting company dedicated to providing evidence-based training and programs that cultivate leadership and civic engagement. She also co-founded the WORTH Foundation, a nonprofit organization that furthers her mission of fostering community engagement through civic education and leadership development.

Dr. Pierce’s commitment to social justice is perhaps best exemplified through the creation of the Dr. Tina Pierce Social Justice Scholarship. Established in 2020, this scholarship provides financial support to Columbus City School graduates who have demonstrated a commitment to community engagement, social justice, or political activism. Through this initiative, she has forged a lasting connection between past and current Columbus City Schools leaders, ensuring that the legacy of leadership continues for generations to come.

A staunch advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Dr. Pierce has dedicated her life to ensuring that every child has access to quality education, regardless of their background. As a mother of four – Andrew, Malcolm, Catherine, and Michelle – she is not only shaping the future for her own children but for countless others across the Columbus community.

Dr. Tina D. Pierce exemplifies what it means to be a changemaker. Through her tireless advocacy for education, her leadership in civic engagement, and her unwavering commitment to social justice, she is leaving an indelible mark on her community and beyond. As she continues her work on the Columbus Board of Education and through her various initiatives, there is no doubt that Dr. Pierce’s legacy of leadership and change will continue to inspire and uplift future generations.

Dr. Pierce’s journey began in Columbus, Ohio, where she was raised in a hardworking, resilient family that instilled in her the values of education and perseverance. A graduate of Beechcroft High School and The Ohio State University, Dr. Pierce is a proud product of the Columbus City Schools system, a testament to the transformative power of public education.

Today, she serves her community with the same passion and dedication that has marked her entire career. Elected in 2019, Dr. Pierce is now in her second term as a member of the Columbus Board of Education, where she serves as Vice President. Her leadership extends to the Ohio School Board Association Central Region, where she previously served as President and now holds the position of Immediate Past President. Her commitment to advancing education and protecting democracy earned her the distinction of being elected as a Biden delegate, representing Ohio District 3 at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

Dr. Pierce’s leadership is not confined to the boardroom. With over two decades of experience in higher education, civic engagement, and leadership development, she serves as the Chief of Strategy and Belonging for The Ohio State University Alumni Association. In this role, she develops strategies that foster inclusive environments and drives meaningful change. Her work at the university reflects her broader vision of cultivating leadership, increasing civic engagement, and building bridges between institutions and communities.

Driven by a desire to empower others, Dr. Pierce founded WORTH (Working Through Obstacles Reaching True Heights), an education consulting company dedicated to providing evidence-based training and programs that cultivate leadership and civic engagement. She also co-founded the WORTH Foundation, a nonprofit organization that furthers her mission of fostering community engagement through civic education and leadership development.

Dr. Pierce’s commitment to social justice is perhaps best exemplified through the creation of the Dr. Tina Pierce Social Justice Scholarship. Established in 2020, this scholarship provides financial support to Columbus City School graduates who have demonstrated a commitment to community engagement, social justice, or political activism. Through this initiative, she has forged a lasting connection between past and current Columbus City Schools leaders, ensuring that the legacy of leadership continues for generations to come.

A staunch advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Dr. Pierce has dedicated her life to ensuring that every child has access to quality education, regardless of their background. As a mother of four – Andrew, Malcolm, Catherine, and Michelle – she is not only shaping the future for her own children but for countless others across the Columbus community.

Dr. Tina D. Pierce exemplifies what it means to be a changemaker. Through her tireless advocacy for education, her leadership in civic engagement, and her unwavering commitment to social justice, she is leaving an indelible mark on her community and beyond. As she continues her work on the Columbus Board of Education and through her various initiatives, there is no doubt that Dr. Pierce’s legacy of leadership and change will continue to inspire and uplift future generations.