EXPERIENCE
As a young professional, Rahman entered the field of education wanting to impact the system that has historically underserved students of color. During his tenure as an educator in Washington, D.C., he first gained prominence as a turnaround specialist for low performing schools. By establishing innovative arts programs, developing culturally competent teachers and creating a multimillion-dollar nonprofit for wrap-around services, college preparation, scholarships and international exposure; school violence decreased by 60%, school suspension was reduced by 30% and test scores increased 20% over three years.  Rahman was also chosen to be a mentor principal, member of the Chancellor’s Principal Cabinet and advisor to the Mayor’s selection committee for the Chancellor of DC Public Schools. 

Rahman’s continued school gains and leadership performance earned national attention, which led to a groundbreaking appointment by District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser as the nation’s first Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office on African American Affairs. In this role, he leveraged his skills and experience to improve policies, programs and resources around education, economic opportunities and housing for the purpose of a more equitable city. He was routinely called upon to analyze current and proposed legislation that impacted African American residents including marijuana regulation reform, affordable housing and mandatory African-American History in schools.

In addition, Rahman chaired the Committee for Equity and Access in all Neighborhoods as part of the Rockefeller Foundation’s 100 Resilient Cities initiative, and worked with the Urban Institute to publish The State of Black DC, a baseline data report on the state of DC’s largest demographic.

Following a successful tenure in the Mayor’s office, Rahman founded Inside Urban to help leaders access their greatest potential through coaching, diversity training and guided execution of strategic plans. Since its inception, Rahman has contributed to programs at the University of Louisville and Newberry College to recruit, retain and graduate black males; and he partnered with Credo and the Center for Black Male Achievement on various initiatives around creating equitable company culture.  Rahman has also worked with businesses and community leaders in strategic partnerships to prepare the next generation of school leaders and teachers. Beyond his educational endeavors, Rahman creates custom tactical staff development and ongoing training modules for tech companies, consulting firms and nonprofits that want to better serve and engage voiceless or marginalized populations in order to truly be successful.