Afiya Tyler
Afiya Tyler is a dedicated educator, mentor, and leader with over 30 years of experience in early childhood education and professional development. Her career began at the Head Start program her own child attended, where she started as an assistant and quickly advanced to teacher and site supervisor, guiding and inspiring colleagues along the way. Her journey eventually led her to higher education, where she served as a professor and student success coordinator at a historically Black college and university (HBCU), helping emerging professionals recognize their strengths and achieve their goals.
Throughout her career, Afiya has been recognized for her ability to develop people, build strong teams, and foster growth through encouragement and accountability. She has coached and mentored countless individuals—teachers, students, and colleagues alike—helping them reach their full potential. Her work emphasizes creating environments where everyone feels seen, supported, and empowered, whether in the classroom, the workplace, or through community initiatives.
Currently serving as Assistant Director at the Moving in the Right Direction Foundation Inc., Afiya channels her passion for mentorship into programs that empower youth from diverse and underserved backgrounds. With a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services and a Master of Business Administration, she combines compassion with strategic insight to guide students, staff, and communities toward success. Above all, Afiya measures her impact by the growth and confidence of those she serves, believing that true change occurs when people are encouraged, supported, and inspired to rise.
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What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to an innate ability to connect with people, a deep sense of purpose, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting others. From my early years, I was known for my warmth and ability to draw people in, but my path truly crystallized when I became a mother at 20. Wanting to remain present for my daughter, I found a meaningful opportunity at the same Head Start program she attended—an opportunity that became the foundation of my life’s work.
I began my career as an assistant and steadily advanced to teacher and then supervisor, all while investing in the growth of those around me. One of my proudest professional achievements has been coaching seven individuals into center leadership roles. My passion for development expanded beyond early childhood education as I inspired future educators as an HBCU professor and later guided multiple centers as a manager, always focused on building strong, purpose-driven leaders.
Today, I channel my gift for “speaking life” into a transformative mentorship program for high school students, helping to design and lead initiatives such as the upcoming Heritage Bowl—a weeklong summit that blends academics, professional exposure, and athletic excellence. While I am proud of my professional journey, my greatest accomplishment is my family and the unique niche I occupy: seeing potential in others before they see it themselves. For me, true success is measured by impact—watching young people shed the weight of their circumstances, rise through encouragement, and move forward empowered, confident, and fully aware that they belong.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I value connection, growth, and authenticity—seeing potential in others, leading with integrity, and encouraging those around me. Outside of work, I express these values through singing, dancing, writing music and poetry, and staying active with skating and kayaking, all of which keep me energized and inspired.
Locations
Moving in the Right Direction Foundation Inc.
Sacramento, CA 95828