Sikirat Mustapha: The Only Thing We Can Do Is Change The Future

As a passionate advocate for equity and access, Sikirat Mustapha uses her multifaceted interests in educational policy, finance and business to elicit change in her community. She attends Columbia University studying Statistics, Political Science & Business Administration. Sikirat can be seen mobilizing thousands at town halls, organizing rallies, speaking on panels, and constructing policies that work to eradicate the inequitable practices in NYC public schools through her work as the former Executive Board Member of the Chancellor's Student Advisory Council. As the founder and CEO of Sikirat Tutors, she developed an all encompassing youth enrichment curriculum that prioritizes a unique education where students are taught and mentored by other students. Sikirat's love for equity also branches outside of education, where she can be seen advocating for financial literacy, fair housing, and racial justice. This summer she spent time exploring Venture Capital with a boutique fund, actively investing in organizations impacting social reform for young people in NYC. With her free time, she enjoys exploring different cultures through food, music and dance.  

 Powerful Moments 

Throughout this podcast there are powerful moments that provide deeper insight into the individuals and topics discussed in this podcast.   

• 1:40 – Sikirat’s background and what she is currently working on 
• 4:15 – Addressing inequities in marginalized communities and educational policy with the proper tools 
• 7:01 – “The only thing that we can do is change the future.”
• 8:32 – Sikirat discusses her education endeavor, Sikirat Tutors.
• 12:56 – Importance of studying and understanding other cultures
• 18:06 – Students of color don’t see themselves in higher positions in education or even in teachers and administrators
• 23:38 – “Where does your hope come from?”
• 26:10 – Darion and Sikirat discuss Defining Us: Children at the Crossroads of Change.
• 27:35 – Darion shares his thoughts about the teacher shortage crisis and offers support