Akilah Martin serves as a Strategy Director for Complete College America (CCA). In this role, Dr. Martin serves as one of the leads for the Intermediaries for Scale project, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and supports the CCA Alliance members for the Southern Central States (i.e., Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas and the Thurgood Marshal Foundation).

As a first-generation college student who struggled to find her academic stride, during her junior year in undergraduate school at (Southwest) Texas State University, she finally realized that she could be successful in college. During that year, she joined the first African-American Sorority founded in 1908, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc., and she learned the value of time management, which led her to academic success for the first time ever! Akilah went on to earn a Master’s degree from Texas Southern University in Education and a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Houston – Clear Lake.

As an only child to parents who did not pursue higher education, Akilah’s educational journey developed within her a passion for students who have been able to succeed beyond their environment and circumstances. Her passion is evident in how she serves students, ensures their sense of belonging, and roots for their success in and outside of the classroom! Akilah has managed to positively impact students for over 20 years through her Student Services work as a student activities coordinator, academic advisor, director of programs, adjunct faculty, and Dean of Students. Akilah’s passion and experience with K-12, community colleges and universities has now led her to Complete College America, where she brings her knowledge, strengths, and skillset to help cultivate relationships and influence policies that will significantly impact the educational experience of students across the states.

Akilah is a baseball mom to her 17-year-old high school junior! She enjoys creating memories (outside as much as possible despite the Houston heat) with family and friends. Traveling has become more of an interest, and she loves Christmas movies!